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COLUMBUS — The city has made large steps toward having more online capabilities when it comes to residents accessing necessary city resources through the internet. City Council discussed their progress in this initiative with the online program Smartgov community as well as several other topics at the Jan. 22 meeting.
According to Code Enforcement Official Richard LaCourse, Smartgov is about 90% completed to allow total access by the residents of Columbus. Residents can pay city bills, fines and other fees through the portal and request and submit permit and license applications. Mobile vendors like food trucks will be among the first affected by the new codes and system in place.
The city is looking to bring more of their services to the internet as they will continue their initiative to provide residents with their utility bills through email.
TxDOT projects around the city are likely to be pushed back as the contractors require more time to accomplish their respective tasks. They are still hoping to finish the light installation at the Fannin Street and Highway 71 intersection by March, but the impending overlay project for new asphalt on 71 and U.S. 90 may be pushed back and potentially completed by May.
The City Management Department has been keeping an eye on roads and infrastructure that may require work around the city. Councilmember Paige Sciba noted a large pothole around the pickup line of Columbus Elementary School. In other repair news, the fire department has completed construction on the roof of the station. However, the station experienced some leakage from the roof after heavy rain due to water collecting into gutters full of leaves and spilling over the sides into spaces between the metal panels on the roof. The city has plans to add a leaf guard on the gutters and monitor the situation moving forward.
The Columbus Police Department Chief Milton “Skip” Edman reviewed the racial profiling report from the previous year. The report tracked the demographics of traffic stops throughout 2023 and kept track of complaints about unfair racial profiling. Columbus once again had no instances of complaints for racial profiling.
The Municipal Election is confirmed for May 4 as several city positions will be up for reelection during this cycle.
The city also approved to close parts of Milam Street and Walnut Street for the 81st annual Columbus FFA Parade on Saturday, March 2. Milam Street will be closed from Houston Street to Walnut Street. Walnut Street will be closed from Milam Street to Legion Drive. The roads will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon for the parade.
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, students from Texas A&M will visit Columbus as part of their Transportation Planning Class. They will study the modes of transportation in the city and county, such as driving, biking or walking.
City Council will meet again on Feb. 12.
