The Columbia City Council voted Monday night to move forward with bids to build a firing range on property the city owns on the south end of the bypass for the Columbia Police Department. The department currently uses the Sportsman’s Club for their annual qualifications and practice.
Assistant Chief Drew Conn spoke to the council about the proposal. The range would be strictly for law enforcement use only. The project will require approximately 250 ton of rock. The berm will be built with donated tires.
The department has already received a grant for a moving target that can be used at the new range. Conn also proposed buying or building a small storage unit to store targets and other items.
Mayor Pamela Hoots said that most of the work would be done by the city.
The council voted to proceed with the project and requested that Conn provide them with a total proposed cost.
Approval was given to advertise for bids on a single axle dump truck. This will be assigned to the Columbia Gas Department.
Phyllis Payne was reappointed to the Columbia Housing Authority.
Council member Sharon Payne again mentioned increasing the salary of the mayor. She stated that this would need to be done prior to the end of the fiscal year. No discussion or action was taken.
Mayor Hoots gave an update on approximately $20 million in grants for which the city has applied. These are for various projects including roads, economic development, and sidewalks to the schools.
The council briefly went into executive session under an open meeting exception that allows for discussions between a public agency and a representative of a business entity and discussions concerning a specific proposal.
No action was taken in the executive session.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
