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City Manager De’Carlon Seewood

The next Let’s Talk Local discussion, hosted by Ward 1 Council Member Valerie Carroll will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Friends Room of Daniel Boone Regional Library, 100 W. Broadway. We will be discussing how strong, healthy neighborhood communities can help prevent violence. Attendees are asked to register at the following link: https://forms.gle/qmEeGqpyGokCbwpF9.

Future event dates and details will be posted here as they are scheduled. Please click the "Follow Project" tab to receive an email update. Also leave any questions or comments for our Council members below!

Background info:

The City of

The next Let’s Talk Local discussion, hosted by Ward 1 Council Member Valerie Carroll will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Friends Room of Daniel Boone Regional Library, 100 W. Broadway. We will be discussing how strong, healthy neighborhood communities can help prevent violence. Attendees are asked to register at the following link: https://forms.gle/qmEeGqpyGokCbwpF9.

Future event dates and details will be posted here as they are scheduled. Please click the "Follow Project" tab to receive an email update. Also leave any questions or comments for our Council members below!

Background info:

The City of Columbia, alongside Council members, is hosting “Let’s Talk Local,” a monthly gathering held by one of the City’s Council members in their respective wards. This is a great opportunity for you to engage in meaningful dialogue with your fellow residents and elected council members, share your thoughts and learn about the issues that matter most to you. All residents are welcome to attend any event, regardless of what Ward you live in.

Each month, the hosting Council member will choose a topic important to residents. City staff will give a short presentation and answer questions related to that topic. Following that, we can discuss anything of interest to the group. As events are scheduled, details will be posted here, along with the focus topic for that month.

Your voice is vital to shaping our community’s future, and we encourage you to come, participate and connect with your neighbors. Together, we can address the concerns that matter most and work toward making our community the best it can be.

Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email City@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of the posted meeting date as possible.

Questions for City Council

Write any questions for City Council.  If time allows, these will be answered at the Let's Talk Local.  Following that event, answers will be posted here as well.

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  • Share What is the plan for the area someone (?park and rec? Electric company? Or ??) is clearing of trees and brush at the border of bonnieview park - north of the houses on the north side of Bray? Most visible from the stub on Weaver north of Bray that is one entry into Bonnieview park? on Facebook Share What is the plan for the area someone (?park and rec? Electric company? Or ??) is clearing of trees and brush at the border of bonnieview park - north of the houses on the north side of Bray? Most visible from the stub on Weaver north of Bray that is one entry into Bonnieview park? on Twitter Share What is the plan for the area someone (?park and rec? Electric company? Or ??) is clearing of trees and brush at the border of bonnieview park - north of the houses on the north side of Bray? Most visible from the stub on Weaver north of Bray that is one entry into Bonnieview park? on Linkedin Email What is the plan for the area someone (?park and rec? Electric company? Or ??) is clearing of trees and brush at the border of bonnieview park - north of the houses on the north side of Bray? Most visible from the stub on Weaver north of Bray that is one entry into Bonnieview park? link

    What is the plan for the area someone (?park and rec? Electric company? Or ??) is clearing of trees and brush at the border of bonnieview park - north of the houses on the north side of Bray? Most visible from the stub on Weaver north of Bray that is one entry into Bonnieview park?

    Bre asked 30 days ago

    Good morning. The City's Electric Distribution Division has been in that area trimming our easements. This is normal routine maintenance to keep our overhead line clean of tree limbs.  We use Asplundh Tree Service to do all of our tree trimming and Ratliff to do brush clean-up. 

  • Share I'm a volunteer at Vidwest, Columbia's Community Media Center. In June 2025 the City informed Vidwest that funding for PEG (public, education and government media) had dried up. As a result the City would have to stop funding community media in 2026/2027. However, in the past two City budgets for 2024 and 2025 there remain hundreds of thosands of dollars collected in cable franchise fees (the funding source for community media). Can the City explain why a City staff member said the City no long collects cable franchise fees even though the City still does? Why if fees are being collected would no money would be allocated to community media despite popular support for this service? Is there a way for the public to weigh on in this important policy decision? Thanks for your help. Here's my presentation from 10/6/25 which documents both the City's letter and our research of the City's budgets (see pages 15-19): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16cEaNjQT2k4TjIb4uglVYTjU0xz-4fyrp86rp7MLgfU/edit?usp=sharing on Facebook Share I'm a volunteer at Vidwest, Columbia's Community Media Center. In June 2025 the City informed Vidwest that funding for PEG (public, education and government media) had dried up. As a result the City would have to stop funding community media in 2026/2027. However, in the past two City budgets for 2024 and 2025 there remain hundreds of thosands of dollars collected in cable franchise fees (the funding source for community media). Can the City explain why a City staff member said the City no long collects cable franchise fees even though the City still does? Why if fees are being collected would no money would be allocated to community media despite popular support for this service? Is there a way for the public to weigh on in this important policy decision? Thanks for your help. Here's my presentation from 10/6/25 which documents both the City's letter and our research of the City's budgets (see pages 15-19): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16cEaNjQT2k4TjIb4uglVYTjU0xz-4fyrp86rp7MLgfU/edit?usp=sharing on Twitter Share I'm a volunteer at Vidwest, Columbia's Community Media Center. In June 2025 the City informed Vidwest that funding for PEG (public, education and government media) had dried up. As a result the City would have to stop funding community media in 2026/2027. However, in the past two City budgets for 2024 and 2025 there remain hundreds of thosands of dollars collected in cable franchise fees (the funding source for community media). Can the City explain why a City staff member said the City no long collects cable franchise fees even though the City still does? Why if fees are being collected would no money would be allocated to community media despite popular support for this service? Is there a way for the public to weigh on in this important policy decision? Thanks for your help. Here's my presentation from 10/6/25 which documents both the City's letter and our research of the City's budgets (see pages 15-19): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16cEaNjQT2k4TjIb4uglVYTjU0xz-4fyrp86rp7MLgfU/edit?usp=sharing on Linkedin Email I'm a volunteer at Vidwest, Columbia's Community Media Center. In June 2025 the City informed Vidwest that funding for PEG (public, education and government media) had dried up. As a result the City would have to stop funding community media in 2026/2027. However, in the past two City budgets for 2024 and 2025 there remain hundreds of thosands of dollars collected in cable franchise fees (the funding source for community media). Can the City explain why a City staff member said the City no long collects cable franchise fees even though the City still does? Why if fees are being collected would no money would be allocated to community media despite popular support for this service? Is there a way for the public to weigh on in this important policy decision? Thanks for your help. Here's my presentation from 10/6/25 which documents both the City's letter and our research of the City's budgets (see pages 15-19): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16cEaNjQT2k4TjIb4uglVYTjU0xz-4fyrp86rp7MLgfU/edit?usp=sharing link

    I'm a volunteer at Vidwest, Columbia's Community Media Center. In June 2025 the City informed Vidwest that funding for PEG (public, education and government media) had dried up. As a result the City would have to stop funding community media in 2026/2027. However, in the past two City budgets for 2024 and 2025 there remain hundreds of thosands of dollars collected in cable franchise fees (the funding source for community media). Can the City explain why a City staff member said the City no long collects cable franchise fees even though the City still does? Why if fees are being collected would no money would be allocated to community media despite popular support for this service? Is there a way for the public to weigh on in this important policy decision? Thanks for your help. Here's my presentation from 10/6/25 which documents both the City's letter and our research of the City's budgets (see pages 15-19): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16cEaNjQT2k4TjIb4uglVYTjU0xz-4fyrp86rp7MLgfU/edit?usp=sharing

    Schacht_Matt asked 2 months ago

    The City of Columbia has a current one-year contract agreement with Vidwest using FY25 funds, with a term that began in August 2025 (this is the fourth, one-year term of a contract agreement that commenced in FY22). We have been happy to support this partnership over the years with funding that has gone toward programming the cable access channel, operation of a community media center, as well as other services to provide training and resources to our City grant funded arts organizations. 

    Upon renewing the contract term for FY25, Vidwest was made aware that this will be the last year for this contract and that funds would not be included in the FY26 budget.

    The video service provider fee (historically known as a franchise fee) is a business license gross receipts tax for utilization of the public right of way by the cable company for operation of its business. In 2007, the video service provider fee was capped at 5% and has since been decreased to 4%. On August 28, 2025, the fee was further decreased to 3.5% and will continue to decrease by 0.5% per year until it reaches 2.5%. 

    Vidwest has also received additional grant funding through the City’s Office of Cultural Affairs, recent grants listed below. 

    • FY26 Annual Grant: $9,897.00 

    • FY25 Annual Grant: $6,767.00

    • FY25 Mid-Year Grant: $3,261.00


    We hope this information is helpful, but please let us know if you have any additional questions. 


  • Share There is a lot of confusion about recycling. Even before the facility was destroyed, there was a lack of correct information. For example, I never knew cat food cans could not be recycled. So maybe all my recycling went to the landfill because I was putting those in there. Plus I wasted a lot of time and water washing them out first. And the city said you could put any plastic, no matter the number, in recycling, but then at one of your meetings, they said only 1 and 2 plastics were ever recycled!! Most people don't read instructions, but most seem addicted to watching videos on their phone, so I wondered if perhaps making a video and promoting it to residents would help. Record the machinery in operation, record what sorting, if any, is done, etc. Show what items are truly recycled and how to prep them. Perhaps that would spur interest in recycling and give us more clear information on how to get it right. on Facebook Share There is a lot of confusion about recycling. Even before the facility was destroyed, there was a lack of correct information. For example, I never knew cat food cans could not be recycled. So maybe all my recycling went to the landfill because I was putting those in there. Plus I wasted a lot of time and water washing them out first. And the city said you could put any plastic, no matter the number, in recycling, but then at one of your meetings, they said only 1 and 2 plastics were ever recycled!! Most people don't read instructions, but most seem addicted to watching videos on their phone, so I wondered if perhaps making a video and promoting it to residents would help. Record the machinery in operation, record what sorting, if any, is done, etc. Show what items are truly recycled and how to prep them. Perhaps that would spur interest in recycling and give us more clear information on how to get it right. on Twitter Share There is a lot of confusion about recycling. Even before the facility was destroyed, there was a lack of correct information. For example, I never knew cat food cans could not be recycled. So maybe all my recycling went to the landfill because I was putting those in there. Plus I wasted a lot of time and water washing them out first. And the city said you could put any plastic, no matter the number, in recycling, but then at one of your meetings, they said only 1 and 2 plastics were ever recycled!! Most people don't read instructions, but most seem addicted to watching videos on their phone, so I wondered if perhaps making a video and promoting it to residents would help. Record the machinery in operation, record what sorting, if any, is done, etc. Show what items are truly recycled and how to prep them. Perhaps that would spur interest in recycling and give us more clear information on how to get it right. on Linkedin Email There is a lot of confusion about recycling. Even before the facility was destroyed, there was a lack of correct information. For example, I never knew cat food cans could not be recycled. So maybe all my recycling went to the landfill because I was putting those in there. Plus I wasted a lot of time and water washing them out first. And the city said you could put any plastic, no matter the number, in recycling, but then at one of your meetings, they said only 1 and 2 plastics were ever recycled!! Most people don't read instructions, but most seem addicted to watching videos on their phone, so I wondered if perhaps making a video and promoting it to residents would help. Record the machinery in operation, record what sorting, if any, is done, etc. Show what items are truly recycled and how to prep them. Perhaps that would spur interest in recycling and give us more clear information on how to get it right. link

    There is a lot of confusion about recycling. Even before the facility was destroyed, there was a lack of correct information. For example, I never knew cat food cans could not be recycled. So maybe all my recycling went to the landfill because I was putting those in there. Plus I wasted a lot of time and water washing them out first. And the city said you could put any plastic, no matter the number, in recycling, but then at one of your meetings, they said only 1 and 2 plastics were ever recycled!! Most people don't read instructions, but most seem addicted to watching videos on their phone, so I wondered if perhaps making a video and promoting it to residents would help. Record the machinery in operation, record what sorting, if any, is done, etc. Show what items are truly recycled and how to prep them. Perhaps that would spur interest in recycling and give us more clear information on how to get it right.

    Catmom asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your comment. This is a great idea for keeping residents informed on recycling in Columbia! We will share this idea with both our video team and staff in Utilities. 

  • Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Facebook Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Twitter Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Linkedin Email Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. link

    Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve.

    rockitout asked 3 months ago

    As of 9/30/25 the City has $554 million ($241.6m in Operating Cash, $103.3m in Restricted Cash, $209.2m in Capital Projects). Please see the attached document labeled "FY25 Q4 Cash Balances" for more information on the cash balances of the City.  Hopefully that will help with the confusion!  

  • Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Facebook Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Twitter Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Linkedin Email Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. link

    Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response.

    Edward Portell asked 3 months ago

    For the fiscal year 2026 budget, staff made a concerted effort to decrease expenditures to make way for budget priorities which included: Public Safety, City employees and Housing. Staff reduced Materials and Supplies by 9.1% and Training and Travel by4.6% city wide. 

    From 2019 to 2025, governmental fund employees totals (which excludes all utility funds) have increased by 129 positions. General administration for the City has seen a decrease in staffing of 2.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions. Over that same time period we have seen an increase of 48 Police Officers, and 39 Firefighters. Please see the chart below.


    		FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25FY19-FY25 Difference
    General Administrative246.56242.03219.33229.98234.83236.48244.08-2.48
    Convention & Tourism10.2511.2512.2512.11213132.75
    Police21122523323924825325948
    Fire145148148153167183.5183.538.5
    Municipal Court11.7511.759.759.758.758.758.75-3
    Health & Environment128.35128.85133.65155.15171.05169.3165.336.95
    Parks & Recreation828279808286886
    Public Works69.4271.5263.6266.6766.6767.6371.632.21
    Totals904.33920.4898.6945.65990.31017.661033.3128.93

    As of 9/30/25 the City has $554 million ($241.6m in Operating Cash, $103.3m in Restricted Cash, $209.2m in Capital Projects). Please see the document labeled "FY25 Q4 Cash Balances" for more information on the cash balances of the City. 

  • Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Facebook Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Twitter Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Linkedin Email How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? link

    How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community?

    emb asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question.  School policy is set by the administration of Columbia Public Schools, not by the City.  We recommend reaching out to CPS with your question.  A good contact email for them is cpscomm@cpsk12.org.  

  • Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Facebook Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Twitter Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Linkedin Email Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. link

    Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad.

    Chuck asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your concern regarding the look of our no mow zones. Your comments about a butterfly sanctuary are valid: if we’re not seeing more insects, then that strays from the programs' intent! While we don’t yet have concrete numbers about insect visitation, we have plans in 2026 to launch a citizen science study of these plantings to get a better understanding of how they’re functioning. As for your concerns about invasive species, that would be an issue as well since these areas are meant to house native plants. Can you provide more specific information of where you encountered these "invasive weeds" on Scott Blvd.? That would give us a better idea of what we’re working with and how to mitigate them. Thank you!

  • Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Facebook Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Twitter Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Linkedin Email Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. link

    Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general.

    olivialumma asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your concern about Rock Quarry Road. We have informed the Public Works department of the need to patch potholes in this area. If you have information about the location of a specific pothole, please let us know. Otherwise, crews can drive the length of the road and repair potholes as they encounter them.

    For future concerns, you can report issues directly to Public Works by emailing PubW@CoMo.gov or sending a message through their social media accounts on Facebook or X. They receive pothole reports regularly and have a goal of repairing them within 1-3 business days after receiving a road concern report.

    Regarding your concern about the road feeling narrow and unsafe, due to the length and nature of Rock Quarry Road there are limited options for physical improvements.

  • Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Facebook Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Twitter Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Linkedin Email For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? link

    For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety?

    Gay Litteken asked 7 months ago

    All hotels/motels in the City are inspected by our Environmental Health Department. If there is a concern, please call the health dept. and leave a message for our Environmental Health manager:  573.874.7346

    The police department patrols areas around the extended stay motels each night.  If they witness any suspicious behavior, they will respond accordingly.  Please call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergency police response.

    To clarify, the City doesn't pay for hotel/motel rooms. Some social service agencies do, and some families pay on their own. It is not a long-term solution, but it does provide access to an economical, safe space for families.

  • Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Facebook Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Twitter Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Linkedin Email Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? link

    Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible?

    Gay Litteken asked 7 months ago

    The majority of the folks experiencing homelessness right now are individual adults. Salvation Army Harbor House provides shelter for families and True North provides shelter for those who have experienced domestic violence.  These environments are a better fit than the low barrier overnight shelter as they allow families to stay together.

Page last updated: 19 Dec 2025, 02:09 PM