Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy says the Columbia city council’s 4-3 vote against the FUSUS camera system came with a call for change in the city’s approach to violent crime. Mr. Murphy joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table.” They discussed FUSUS in-detail, as well as the council. Murphy says First Ward Councilwoman Pat Fowler is now the de facto leader of the council. They also discussed Columbia’s utility woes and trash collection, specifically the requirement for using city logo bags and the possibility of roll carts next year:
(AUDIO): Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy previews November election on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table”
Boone County’s clerk is projecting a 65 percent voter turnout for the November 8 general election. While that number seems high to Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy, he believes no-excuse absentee voting is causing some of the increased interest. Mr. Murphy joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table,” telling listeners that Republicans benefit from a higher voter turnout in Boone County. Murphy also breaks down numerous races, including the high-profile presiding commissioner race between Democrat Kip Kendrick and Republican Connie Leipard:
City of Columbia to purchase VFW Post 280 for a homeless shelter
Despite concerns from nearby property owners, Columbia’s city council has approved the purchase of VFW property just north of the Business Loop to provide a location for a homeless shelter and services for the homeless. The VFW property is located just behind Columbia’s municipal power plant.
The city will be purchasing VFW Post 280’s building and parking lots on Ashley street for $865,000. They’ll spend another approximately $490,000 to upgrade the building for needed improvements.
Under the plan, Room at the Inn (RATI) will provide services for the homeless in the 14,000 square foot building, which has a seating capacity of 300. There’s also a game room and a commercial kitchen.
A non-profit known as the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) wants to build a 100-bed homeless shelter near the VFW building and the city’s power plant. Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy told 939 the Eagle’s Fred Parry in September that the proposed 25,000 square feet facility would include laundry facilities, showers and medical and dental clinics.
The Business Loop Community Improvement District has concerns about the proposed homeless shelter. They want to know what the plan is for people who aren’t admitted into the facility due to violence, drugs or alcohol possession.
The Business Loop CID notes there’s a lack of sidewalks in that area, describing it as “highly inaccessible.”
The VFW Post 280 has posted a new message on Facebook, saying they’re said to say goodbye to their home.
“But as membership declines (age), eligibility (not as many who meet requirements), we really need a newer smaller facility. Thus, we will in time have a new home suitable for our needs. The city of Columbia presented us with a unique opportunity,” the post reads, in part.
The VFW post also says the sale will help the city find a shelter for the homeless and help the many homeless veterans in the area.
Columbia eyeing VFW Post property near Business Loop for homeless facility
Columbia’s city council is set to vote Monday evening on a proposal to purchase VFW property near the Business Loop to provide a location for a homeless shelter and services for the homeless.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 280 is willing to sell their building, parking lots and picnic shelter on Ashley street for $865,000. Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars would pay for the purchase and building improvements. President Joe Biden (D) signed ARPA into law in 2021.
The building has about 14,000 square feet. Comobuz.com has reported that a non-profit group hopes to break ground next year on a 100-bed homeless shelter near the city’s power plant on the Business Loop. Publisher Mike Murphy has reported that the project’s construction cost has increased from $11-million to $18-million. Murphy says they project supporters have lined up $6-million in funding from the state.
Murphy told 939 the Eagle’s Fred Parry in September that the proposed 25,000 square foot facility would include laundry facilities, showers, and medical and dental clinics.
Murphy: Columbia transmission line project approved by voters in 2015 still not done
There has been little progress on the major items included in 2015 and 2018 voter-approved Columbia utility bond issues.
That’s according to Comobuz.com publisher Mike Murphy, who joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table.” Murphy notes Columbia voters approved a $63-million bond issue in 2015 to finance improvements to the electric grid.
“Got onto this 2015 transmission line that had been delayed and is still delayed today. They still haven’t sold the bonds for it, it’s still badly needed. It was $30-million of critical infrastructure improvements needed back than that still aren’t done,” Murphy says.
Mr. Murphy tells listeners that the project is needed.
“Most people who live in Columbia are noticing and talking about more and more power outages, glitches, things with the electrical grid. And they’re not really sure what’s really going on, other than something isn’t right. Well that’s what’s going on, it’s not getting the needed maintenance that has been critical actually for more than a decade,” says Murphy.
Columbia voters also approved a $43-million bond issue in 2018 to finance renovations for the water treatment plant near McBaine. Murphy says little action has been taken on that as well.
Host Fred Parry tells listeners that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on consultants, adding that those reports have been ignored.
You can hear Fred’s full interview with Mike Murphy here.
