Columbia High School recently hosted students from the community’s German sister city
this serving as the 17th time the exchange has brought Gedern students to the U.S
experience Midwest culture and make friendships that could last a lifetime
This year’s group of 25 students arrived March 26 and departed April 13
spending just over two weeks staying with their host families in Columbia
The trip involves a fair amount of sightseeing around the area
though a strong emphasis is placed on the Gedern teens experiencing life as an American student and simply enjoying time with and getting to know their hosts
Leon Oberheim and Sina Günther were among the visiting students
and they offered their thoughts on what things were like from their side of the exchange
These young Germans shared a variety of reasons for wanting to participate in the exchange in the first place
Weckeiser and Oberheim noted how they have met folks who participated in the exchange previously
long having an interest in experiencing American culture themselves
Matuschewski likewise voiced his interest in seeing the cultural differences
and Günther said she’d anticipated the exchange ever since she’d heard about it from her English teacher
“I wanted to see the actual cultural differences,” Matuschewski said
speak about globalization and how most places have similar lifestyles
I wanted to see how my actual English would hold up to a normal daily life.”
They each also offered their thoughts on some of the cultural differences they encountered during their stay – particularly stressing the distinctions between American and German schools
A consensus among the students was that things were notably more strict back home
with Weckeiser saying school in Columbia was more like a family
Matuschewski identifying that students talk far more casually with their teachers here and Oberheim saying the whole structure of the school day was different as they were used to having breaks through the day
getting out much earlier and spending more time on fewer subjects
Günther pointed to the larger American meal portion sizes and openness
saying people here were far more willing to strike up a conversation
Weckeiser also commented on water being free at school
each student placed special emphasis on the time spent with their host family
Günther particularly spoke about getting to know her family’s grandmother
celebrating her 90th birthday and forming a special connection with her as she came to the U.S
“I think it was really fun talking to her and about her experience because I think it’s really scary
the thought of going to a country where you don’t know a single word of the language,” Günther said
“I think she’s a really strong person and has a great personality.”
The others also spoke highly about the experiences with their host families
with Oberheim recalling a trip they took to St
Weckeiser speaking on an aquarium and zoo trip and Matuschewski describing how musical his family was
With these great experiences with their host families and others they met during the time spent here
the students also agreed in their hopes to keep in touch going forward
Weckeiser said a benefit from the trip was getting to experience a big taste of independence
but she’s also keen to maintain the relationships made during the trip
“I’m really looking forward to keeping in contact with my host family
especially my exchange student because we really get along very well,” Weckeiser said
“I also made a lot of friends outside of school and met so many people that just came up to me and were talking to me
Matuschewski likewise said he hopes to keep in touch
especially as he looks forward to his host student visiting Germany next year
Günther said she is interested in returning to Columbia for a full year as a student
keeping the connections she’s already made going
having already gotten to know some Columbia students during their visit to Gedern last year
“Some people I already knew them when I came here because they were in Germany last year,” Oberheim said
“I’m glad that we had that contact until now
and I hope that we will keep that contact when I’m back in Germany again
I hope also that I can keep the contact with my host student and my host family because I really got to know them well
The students had only good things to say about their experience during the exchange
and their teachers similarly discussed how beneficial the program has proven to be over the 32 years it’s been running
Britta Schäfer-Clarke is the teacher currently overseeing the German side of this exchange
who served in this role for 30 years and enjoyed his last student exchange visit this year as a chaperone
Schäfer-Clarke spoke about the development she’s seen in her students as they have spent time in Columbia
echoing Weckeiser’s sentiments about independence
“I enjoy most seeing them becoming very independent
and becoming more and more self-confident,” Schäfer-Clarke said
but that sort of was all done with after three days
Heuser also spoke about the students’ growth but also placed emphasis on the cultural exchange aspect of the program
pointing to the importance of exposing oneself to different cultures and – most importantly – different people
“It’s really wonderful to see how well the students can communicate after all we have taught them during their time in Gedern,” Heuser said
A lot of people asked us ‘You really want to go to the U.S
with these political differences?’ And I say of course we want to
I know not everyone is like how you see on TV because I have friends there
CHS German Teacher Taylor Nickerson also offered his perspective on the other side of the exchange
expressing a sentiment along the same lines as Heuser
meeting people that have grown up in a different culture than their own
it gives them a motivation to continue to want to learn the language and the culture because now it’s not something from out of a book
The exchange is expected to continue next year as CHS students travel to Germany
though Columbia will soon be getting another German visit – with Heuser joining – as the Sister Cities organizations continue their adult exchange program this summer
The presentation will be by Stefano Filipponi
Secretary General of the Opera di Santa Croce; Eleonora Mazzocchi
curator of the Opera di Santa Croce; the art restorer Paola Rosa and the donor Donna Malin who made the restoration possible
This will be followed by a guided tour Santa Croce in Rosa (in Italian
by reservation only) dedicated to the discovery of great female figures buried in Santa Croce
Their story will unfold during an unusual itinerary in which women of all ranks and occupations gain a voice and bear witness to some of the most engaging stories of artistic passion
The monumental tomb of Louise of Stolberg-Gedern
Countess of Albany was built between 1824 and 1839 by Luigi Giovannozzi and Emilio Santarelli and was located in the right transept of the Basilica
on the left wall of the Castellani chapel six years after her death
fifteenth century architectural layout is reminiscent of ancient monuments and houses two pensive winged funerary Geniuses of tender childlike forms. The two Geniuses are placed on the sides of a cippus
on which is carved in bas-relief on the front the Virtues (Faith
Hope and Charity) representing those of the illustrious deceased
In the lunette inside the upper arch we can observe the coats of arms of the Stolbergs and Stuarts
On the tombstone in the centre of the base there is an inscription made of pure gold which recalls the incomparable qualities of the countess who died in 1824 at the age of 72
Louise of Stolberg-Gedern was a protégé of Maria Theresa of Austria
a modest income and a suitable arranged marriage
Louise was chosen to marry Charles Edward Stuart
considered the rightful heir to the thrones of England
The union soon proved to be a failure and dangerous for Louise's life
and thanks to her diplomatic skills she appealed to the Grand Duke Peter Leopold
the Cardinal of York and Gustav III of Sweden to obtain a legal separation
as well as an annuity that would allow her to maintain her independence and economic well-being
It was an audacious choice for an 18th century woman
given that her husband's violent nature could not necessarily be a sufficient justification for the society of the time
Louise of Stolberg-Gedern moved first to Paris and then to Florence together with her partner
she created one of the most popular literary salons in the city frequented by Canova
Chateaubriand and many other famous artists of the time
Louise commissioned the celebrated sculptor Antonio Canova to produce the monumental tomb in Santa Croce
Donna Malin retired from Johnson & Johnson after an intense thirty-year career
she has dedicated herself to mentoring and promoting the professional and personal development of women
She was for several years vice president of Women in Need
a nonprofit organization that helps homeless women and children in New York to rebuild their lives and to break the cycle of homelessness
Donna first visited Florence as a teenager and fell in love with the city
she returned annually and now resides there for several months each year
In 2014 she began to follow the activities of the Opera di Santa Croce
supporting various restoration projects (the tombs of Michelangelo and that of Machiavelli
the funeral monument to Louise of Stolberg-Gedern)
She also financed a publication entitled American Reflections
dedicated to the deep bond that unites Santa Croce with the United States
Donna Malin (centre) with the restorers Emanuela Pieretti (left) and Paola Rosa (right)
Piazza Santa Croce 1650122 Florence – Italy
BOOKING AND VISIT INFORMATION+39 055 2466105booking@santacroceopera.it
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICESVia de’ Benci 1550122 Florence – Italy
+39 055 2008789
segreteria@santacroceopera.it
In the monumental complex of Santa Croce in Florence
the funeral monument of Louisa Stolberg Gedern (Mons
A woman of great intellect and marked diplomatic skills
she was the wife of the last heir of the Stuart dynasty and companion of Vittorio Alfieri
was made possible thanks to the support of Donna Malin
a generous American benefactor deeply connected to Florence and the monumental complex of Santa Croce.During the presentation of the restoration
speakers included secretary general of the Opera di Santa Croce Stefano Filipponi
who led the intervention with Emanuela Pieretti
and donor Donna Malin.Louisa Stolberg Gedern’s monument is an integral part of the Santa Croce in rosa itinerary
designed to enhance the memory of courageous and innovative women
intellectuals or artists who rest or are commemorated within the monumental complex
gifted with intelligence and determination
lived an intense existence marked by an exceptional independence for her time
In 1772 she was chosen as the bride of Charles Edward Stuart
whom the Jacobites considered the true heir to the throne of England
but already after two years the marriage entered a crisis: Charles Edward
took refuge in alcohol and proved violent toward his wife
to the point of being accused of attempted murder
The Countess of Albany sought help from Grand Duke Peter Leopold and his brother-in-law
with the legal support of Gustav III of Sweden
and was able to secure an important economic income for herself
His meeting with Vittorio Alfieri in Florence in 1777 profoundly marked his life
The poet himself described Louisa as a source of inspiration and support for his literary life
where the countess became the soul of an influential cultural circle frequented by such illustrious personalities as Jacques-Louis David
settling in Palazzo Gianfigliazzi on the Lungarno Corsini
Here Luisa gave life to one of the city’s most renowned literary salons
a meeting place for the greatest European intellectuals of the time
the countess worked to have him buried in Santa Croce
commissioning Antonio Canova to create the poet’s funeral monument
Donna Malin had a special relationship with the Santa Croce complex and with Florence
With a distinguished career as a lawyer in a multinational corporation behind her
she has dedicated herself to mentoring initiatives for the personal and professional development of women and was vice president of the nonprofit organization Women in Need
which provides support to homeless women and children in New York
She discovered Florence as a teenager and has returned there every year since
she has been supporting restoration projects promoted by the Opera di Santa Croce
including the #CrazyForPazzi crowdfunding campaign
the recovery of the tombs of Michelangelo and Machiavelli
and recently the restoration of Louisa Stolberg Gedern’s memorial
The countess’s funeral monument was commissioned by the painter François-Xavier Fabre
Louisa’s close friend and universal heir
based on a design by the French architect Charles Percier
with the contribution of Luigi Giovannozzi for the ornamentation
The work was placed in the Castellani Chapel in 1830
the monument is developed within a finely carved and decorated 15th-century architectural frame
stand on either side of a cippus on which the three theological virtues
a winged hourglass symbolizes the inexorable passage of time
Engraved in the lunette of the upper arch are the coats of arms of the Stolberg and Stuart families
On the floor next to the monument is the tombstone
the monument has suffered damage and dirt accumulation over time
Despite the cleaning carried out after the disastrous event
significant mud deposits were still present
while the three marble slabs of the basement appeared to be covered with an abundant layer of wax
The restoration involved a thorough cleaning operation carried out in several stages
bringing to light the original surfaces and respecting the original color scheme of the various Apuan marbles used
white spirit and scalpel were used to remove the accumulated dirt
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If a person in Monroe County has the last name Kaufmann
or one of more than 50 other common last names of the area
there’s a chance that individual is a descendant of the immigrants from Wernings
A complete list of the surnames was on display during a Sept
19 ceremony at Columbia City Hall to unveil the Trout Crest Monument and commemorate the 25-year Sister City of Columbia partnership with Gedern
The “trout crest” on the monument shows two mirrored
It is from the Gedern coat of arms and is also featured on the flag of Gedern
a strong interest developed among Columbia residents to form a sister city relationship with a city in Germany
discovered this historical connection of Columbia to Wernings
and proposed forming a sister city relationship with each other
The partnership between Columbia and Gedern was formally signed in 1993 by Bürgermeister Rainer Schwartz of Gedern and Mayor Lester Schneider of Columbia.
Columbia Mayor John Coats was also active in the initial stages of the partnership
Regular adult and student exchanges have taken place between the cities since then
The commemoration last Sunday was planned to coincide with the same date in 1842 when 156 citizens from Wernings
Germany – at the time a small settlement on the outskirts of Gedern – departed for the United States
The 1842 immigration was prompted by decades of hard economic times in Germany
encouraged residents to think about immigrating to America
The residents in Wernings and some from neighboring communities gathered and voted to immigrate and departed on Monday
Ten descendants of those original immigrants were present for the Sept
One of those attending the ceremony was Rich Binder
a direct descendant of three families that arrived here from Wernings – Acker
“These families formed the foundation needed for the growth of Columbia
Another descendant in attendance was Pastor Ivan Horn
“Our early Hergenroeder ancestors are buried at Martini Cemetery and were part of the group coming to America in 1842 from Germany,” he said
The dedication was also originally planned to coincide with an official visit from a delegation from Gedern
but the visit was postponed until September 2022 due to COVID-19.
Sister cities member John Conrad provided a recap of the event
which started with the playing of the national anthems of both the United States and Germany.
She welcomed the Wernings descendants as special guests as well as other sister cities members and city officials including Columbia Mayor Bob Hill and Alderman Mary Ellen Niemietz.
“We would like to welcome as special guests the descendants of those brave immigrants who left their homeland of Wernings
We also want to welcome the exchange student from Gedern
attending Columbia High School,” said Soraghan.
The proceedings were also live-streamed on Facebook to allow Gedern residents to watch the event
“Many heartfelt greetings to our friends in Gedern,” Soraghan said in welcoming the virtual German guests
“We are happy that you can participate in this dedication
There is no distance in our hearts – you will always be close to us.”
Soraghan explained that “the monument you see before you was the gift from Gedern Verschwisterungsverein (Gedern Sister Cities) given to us in honor of the 25th anniversary of our partnership which we celebrated during our official visit to Gedern two years ago.”
Soraghan recognized the ongoing community support of the sister cities partnership
The monument was installed by the city’s maintenance department and constructed by Hill Monument Co
on a granite base provided and donated by Luhr Bros.
Shipping was provided and donated by XPO Logistics through the effort of Bob and Jeff Riebeling
Volz unveiled the monument as the Gedern representative and she was flanked by a banner with the surnames of some of the original immigrants and their descendants
Those names were researched by genealogist Mary Ellen Huetsch of Waterloo
who also identified the descendant families
Huetsch has been doing research on the Wernings immigration and will soon be publishing a book on her findings titled “1842 Wernings Immigrants Arrive in the U.S.A
– A Follow-up of Those Brave Germans and Their Descendants.”
The book is a quasi-sequel to Yvonne Schaefer’s 1992 book titled “1842 Wernings Emigrants.”
While Schaefer wrote about the journey to America
Huetsch is chronicling what happened during and after the arrival
Huetsch said newspapers have been the most useful source during her research
She noted that obituaries of the era were especially helpful
as many included details of immigrants’ voyages across the ocean.
She has the Waterloo Republican and the Waterloo Advocate listed in her book’s bibliography
also used various local and regional history books
ship arrival records and church records to discover the families’ post-immigration histories.
Huetsch presented some of her findings during the monument dedication
She revealed details about the immigrant families and the possessions they brought with them
noting that a considerable quantity of the popular liquor was aboard the immigrants’ ship named the “Mimer.”
Shortly after the immigrants from Wernings left their homes in 1842
the houses were dismantled and the land turned into pastures.
All that had remained were the ruins of the local church
but the Wernings immigrants brought a lasting legacy to Monroe County
The Trout Crest Monument is located near the east entrance of Columbia City Hall at 208 S
GKN Fokker has awarded a significant contract to Asco Industries*
to provide complex structural parts for a business jet program
Asco will manage the manufacturing and surface treatments of these components at its state-of-the-art and highly integrated facilities located in Gedern
are part of the elevator system positioned within the aircraft's empennage
Asco is one of the world leaders in the development and manufacturing of complex
ready-to-install high-lift mechanisms for aircraft
supplying renowned Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs directly
GKN Fokker turned to Asco to successfully industrialize highly complex structural components in a short timeframe
The Asco Gedern team had established the entire process development and completed a flawless first-time right production of these highly complex parts
The contract signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key persons including Arjen Landman
Chief Executive Officer of Asco Industries
Senior Vice President of GKN Fokker stated
"This agreement will contribute to a European supply chain network for this program
We know ASCO as a world class supplier of high lift structures and components
We look forward to strengthening our partnership together on this program."
CEO of Asco commented: "We at Asco are delighted to announce the expansion of our existing GKN Fokker relationship to now include a portfolio of components for business jets
"Securing this contract reinforces our enduring
positive rapport and collaboration with GKN Fokker
It serves as another testament to the effectiveness of our comprehensive
a cornerstone of the Montana Aerospace Group
which strongly resonates with our valued customers."
the produced parts will be delivered to GKN Fokker's Netherlands facility in Papendrecht
Press contactJürgen BeileinPhone: +43 664 831 2 841E-mail: communication@montana-aerospace.com
Montana Aerospace AG is a leading producer of system components and complex assemblies for the aerospace industry
with worldwide engineering and manufacturing operations
The Company has approximately 6,700 highly skilled employees at 22 locations on four continents – designing
developing and producing ground-breaking technologies for tomorrow's aerospace
e-mobility and energy industries out of aluminium
Asco Industries specializes in the development
and assembly of high-precision steel and titanium components for the aerospace sector
The company's product range includes flap actuation devices
Asco operates across four locations—Belgium
and Germany—employing a workforce of over 1,000
and achieving an annual turnover exceeding 300 million US dollars
With a monthly output of over 3,000 assemblies
Asco is committed to becoming a global leader in the design and production of high-lift devices
and crucial functional components for the aerospace industry
ASCO has been part of the Montana Aerospace Group
an international company specializing in the design and manufacture of highly complex components for the aerospace industry
one-stop-shop manufacturing facilities in Europe
Statements contained herein may constitute "forward-looking statements"
Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may"
"aim" or "target" or the negative of these words or other variations of these words or comparable terminology
Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks
uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's or its industry's actual results
performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements
The Company does not undertake publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made herein
Columbia is currently home to 25 students from Gedern
The partnership between Gedern and Columbia
allows Columbia High School students to visit Germany in even-numbered years and Gesamtschule Gedern students to visit America during odd-numbered years.
“We think this is the best exchange program you can find worldwide,” English teacher Andreas Heuser said.
the students arrived March 28 with a Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department escort.
The Republic-Times spoke with the students Friday.
So far they had done a number of activities, such as going to a St. Louis Cardinals game, jumping Sky Zone Trampoline Park in St
visiting the Federal Reserve Museum and St
They also had more everyday experiences like attending school
going to a Columbia City Council meeting and spending time with their host families
Those experiences should have helped the students accomplish their goal for coming to America.
“I always wanted to go to America,” Nina Ahlig said.
“I wanted to experience American culture and how they live here,” Sophie Schild agreed.
the students had a variety of favorite activities.
which the students do not have in Germany.
“I liked the dresses and that we all danced,” Schild said.
students must take a dancing class to participate in something like the prom
and even then it is not through the school.
their favorite activity was not related to a specific place.
Marlon Mohr said he enjoyed shopping for clothes.
her favorite part of the trip was not an activity at all
it wasn’t a field trip or anything,” Johanna Kempel said
“I think my favorite part was my host family.”
The students still had a few days on their trip
so their highlight could have changed.
They said they had more trips planned that they were looking forward to.
“We are going to Chicago,” Viktorika Lofink said excitedly.
A group of students also took a trip to Springfield to go camping and see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Although they still had those trips to look forward to
students were already satisfied with their American exposure
A few are considering staying for a year in Columbia
a common sentiment among the Gedern groups.
They also plan to encourage others to participate in the program.
“I think I would tell my friends all about our fun experience,” Tim-Luca Hofmann said.
The group also praised CHS for its part in the program.
“It’s great that Columbia High School offers such an opportunity,” Lofink said
Police are investigating after several unlocked vehicles were unlawfully entered early Monday morning in Columbia and one such vehicle was stolen
The areas hit by multiple suspects sometime between 4 and 4:30 a.m.
Wilson Hills and Briar Lake subdivisions off Rueck and Quarry roads
It is believed 8-10 unlocked vehicles were entered
with mostly loose change taken in addition to a purse and wallet
One unlocked garage was entered with two unlocked vehicles inside rummaged through
A key was left in an unlocked black 2021 Kia K5 sedan
resulting in it being stolen from the 400 block of Wernings Drive
The stolen car was recovered Monday afternoon
The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force was called in to assist in processing the recovered stolen car for evidence
Police are looking at surveillance video footage as part of an investigation
Anyone with security video images or other information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 618-281-5151
Police also reminded residents to lock their vehicle doors
Gambian mid-fielder Pa Saikou Kujabi and FSV Frankfurt have scheduled three more test matches in the build up to the start of the German Second Bundesliga as part of the sides' ten-day training camp in July
The first test match is billed for Thursday 15th July 2010
the former second division team which climbed to first Soccer Bundesliga
the two clubs settled in each round with a draw
Their 1-1 draw against FC Augsburg in the previous season fuelled endless celebrations marking FC Kaiserslautern's rise to the first division FSV had a narrow escape to the lower league after sharing the spoils with Koblenz to finish on 15th position and 38 points in the end game of last season
The game will be held in Neustadt on the sports field of VfL Haidmühle) and will kick off at 18:30
FSV Frankfurt will meet FC Alemannia Gedern in another friendly match which will also mark the 100th anniversary of FC Alemannia Gedern
The last game for FSV Frankfurt before leaving the ten-day training camp in small Aspach on Wednesday
July 21st will be against Polish first division side Widzew Lodz Movers set for July 19th in Bad Nauheim
The traditional club is four-time Polish Champion
winners of the Polish Cup and Polish Super Cup
Despite pushback from two aldermen and a resident of Gedern Village
the Columbia City Council approved a community unit plan for a proposed condominium development along the 1700 block of Ghent Road during its Nov
the council approved the overlay plan for North Point Villas
a 41-unit phased development which includes variances in street width and setback requirements
Ward IV Alderman Steve Holtkamp and Ward III Alderman Jeff Huch voted against the community unit plan
Gregory Grohman spoke during the public input portion of the meeting in opposition to the condo development.
He said he was speaking as a 22-year resident of Gedern Village
not as an official representative of the subdivision
but added he had spoken with other residents in the area who shared his concerns
is a little bit problematic because calling it a condominium development is not the same as calling it a residential subdivision,” Grohman began
explaining the distinction could allow developers to build anywhere within a “building area” and not in prescribed lots as required with subdivisions
“We’re concerned about the juxtaposition to the front three lots of our subdivision
because (the proposed building areas) back right up to them,” Grohman continued
He also expressed concern with the number of structures allowed in the proposed “cluster development” and how it might affect the aesthetics of the northern entrance to Columbia as motorists enter on Route 3 from I-255
“You’re going to come into the City of Columbia and you’re going to look off to your left through your windshield and you’re going to see houses on top of each other,” Grohman said.
“I just want (the city council) to understand we’re concerned with the appearance on the city
and we want things to look consistent with the rest of northern Columbia,” he concluded
Holtkamp recapped comments he made during the Nov
“I do want to reiterate my thoughts on the fact that the zoning is not being met at all in the subdivision,” Holkamp said
He also said he was contacted by residents in response to an article in the Nov
I think we need to have the owner reconsider some of these issues
Huch asked a representative of Sunset Ridge Enterprises
the development company for North Point Villas
what benefit the city has by approving the community unit plan
The representative explained the cluster development design contains the same amount of buildings as would a development following city guidelines
but the perimeter of the housing area would be “pushed out further” and more land grading would be required
Columbia Building Official Justin Osterhage also added improvement plans would be submitted prior to final plat approval
the council approved an ordinance establishing city employee guidelines regarding paid leave accrual to conform to the recently passed Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act which goes into effect Jan
Columbia City Administrator Doug Brimm explained the law has been interpreted to allow municipalities to pre-empt the act by setting their own ordinances before the new year
The main change will allow paid leave accrual before a full year of employment at a rate of 1.54 hours per week with a maximum of 80 hours of accrual in the first four years of employment
City Attorney Terry Bruckert spoke negatively about the new law
saying many members of the Illinois Municipal League as well as private businesses were upset at what is being perceived as union lobbyists “digging in” to create a law which will hurt employers.
Bruckert also expressed displeasure at the fact municipalities were not exempt from the new law
He explained the passage of the new paid leave ordinance in Columbia is “the best way to amend our rules so the two laws coincide and the taxpayers don’t get hammered in the process,” adding he expects modifications in the next few years regarding seasonal employees
there was a discussion about amending city code to provide official guidelines for “mobile vendors.”
The three proposed amendments would repeal and replace the existing “food truck” licensing language using the term “mobile vendor” and establish development standards for mobile vending business “parks” and rules for vending “premises” in Columbia
The draft ordinance was created in response to the increased popularity of food trucks and other mobile vending businesses
according to the agenda item report.
The report also states “recent interest in developing a mobile vending park in conjunction with an entertainment venue.”
The city code would also need to be amended to include a section establishing use of a structure as an indoor entertainment venue in a BP-2 business park zone
While the city currently has “food truck” regulations
there are no guidelines regulating a possible “mobile vending park,” which would only be allowed in a BP-2 district per the current draft ordinance
Osterhage also asked for guidance in drafting parking regulations for a mobile vending park or an indoor entertainment venue
The topic will be discussed at a future council meeting.