• Council approves landmark utilities agreement! Mayor signs document, which will likely be finalized at the May 11, 2010 Fiscal Court, with expedited approval by the Public Service Commission and Rural Development expected in time to possible meet June 30, 2010 target date
• Council approves landmark tax exemption measure virtually assuring building of new Sleep Inn Suites hotel - with a First in the Nation concept
• Tommy Grider recalls missed opportunity from 35 years ago
• Council hears poised A-Team representatives present case of help on funding for the National, World competitions
• Second readings approved zoning changes for Bobby Dale Sneed development; name changes at Lindsey Wilson College, taking Parrott AV and Greenhills streets into city system
• Hears first reading on budget amendment
• Promises Council look at drainage problems on Williams ST and dispute between residents and Lindsey Wilson College.

---

---

Missed opportunity recalled

The story of a missed opportunity in Columbia's past, in arguing for the tax exemption for the Sleep Inn Suites hotel project was recalled by Tommy Grider, who related how, in the past, sometimes shortsighted rejections led to locations of businesses elsewhere, citing one example in which he was an active participant.

He said that as a young businessman, he had worked closely with a company to bring it to Columbia. He said the company was in transition from using basically rail to using basically highway transportation.

"Columbia was their number 1 choice," because of the highway hub here, he said. "The key was getting utilities run to the where Ben Arnold's plant (Image Analysis) is located today. The City Council didn't act.
"Today, Moorman's Feed is in Campbellsville. It could have been here."

---

---

• The Council approved a second reading of Ordinance No. 920.95: An ordinance amending the Columbia Zoning Regulations and Columbia Official Zoning Districts Map (Bobby Dale Sneed-Hudson ST and Baker ST. The voice vote was 6-0
• The Council unanimously approved a second reading for Ordinance No. 62058: An Ordinance accepting streets in Greenhills Subdivision and Parrott Avenue into the City of Columbia Street System
• The Council unanimously approved, in a second reading, Ordinance No. 610.59, which approved names of Garry Coomer DR and Holloway DR at Lindsey Wilson College
• The Council authorized the signing of resolutions required by the Rural Development Administration relative to an $81,400 grant to be used to purchase a new garbage truck and pickup for the Sanitation Department

• Councillor Charles Grimsley asks for the Redbud tree in the southeast corner of the Square to be trimmed.
• Councillor Craig Dean reminded the Council of the spirit of cooperation between the City and County in meeting the flood problems over the weekend. "Everyone worked well, together," he said.
• Councillor Linda Waggener said she was pleased that the Council had shown that it can act in the best interest of the people. "Tonight we've shown that Columbia and Adair County can speak with one voice when applying for grants," in apparent reference to the landmark utilities merger.
• Councillor Edwin Taylor asked for attention to problems on Mayne Lane, Center Street, and on Clinton ST.
• Councillor Joe Moore said he didn't have anything to add.
• Councillor June Parson asked about flatlining on the Page Street tank, and was told by Adair County Water District General Manager Lenny Stone that, in the crisis over the weekend, the county had redirected water from the bypass main and that the levels now fluctuate properly. Parson also asked about the 50% water loss in the Columbia Water System. Superintendent Dana Rogers said he didn't have an answer to where the leaks are.