The City of Columbia MO Live Stream

The October 19, 2026 Columbia City Council meeting approved, by unanimous roll-call vote, Council Bill 26926A authorizing a commercial sale contract with Kai Baby LLC to purchase 1300 Boon Industrial Drive for a city-county municipal animal shelter. The FY2027 budget was amended by $995,000; staff said the city’s share of the property cost is $595,000, with Boone County contributing $400,000, and that closing was expected October 23. Staff said the current Central Missouri Humane Society contract is $236,000 and is expected to continue through 2027. Separate RFPs are planned for veterinary care and shelter-animal care, but adoption and post-hold placement are not included; council members emphasized the need to develop a clear plan for animals after their required holding period.

Staff also announced Columbia’s selection for a $16.2 million Federal Railroad Administration CRISI grant toward a $20.8 million Columbia Terminal railroad modernization project. The work is expected to include track and crossing upgrades and procurement and testing of two battery-electric rail cars; the city’s approximately $700,000 contribution is expected to come from existing staff time and materials, with private partners Intramotive and Everra also contributing. Council additionally received a weatherization-program update: the original $1 million in ARPA funds has been expended, an $875,000 Federal Home Loan Bank application is pending, and staff reported a verbal award of a HUD lead-hazard grant, with written confirmation still outstanding. No other major contract awards or purchasing approvals were identified.