CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2003
I.
CALL
TO ORDER
A
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Liberty, Missouri was held
in the Council Chambers at City Hall on July 14, 2003 with Mayor Stephen P.
Hawkins presiding. Mayor Hawkins called
the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The
invocation was given by Council Member Anna Marie Martin, who then led the
pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll
call was answered by Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins; Ed Collins and Coni Hadden, Ward
I; LeRoy Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Lyndell Brenton and Juarenne
Hester, Ward III; and Bill Parker and Jim Robertson, Ward IV. Also in attendance were Patty Gentrup, City
Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Hansen,
Public Works/Development Services Director; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation
Director; Kathy Goode, Assistant Finance Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief;
Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Sara Ott, Assistant to the City Administrator – Human
Resources; Steve Rulo, Parks & Open Space Manager; Lyndsay Heal, Management
Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune;
Joe Cook, Liberty Sun News; and 9 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A.
REGULAR
SESSION MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 2003
Council Member Martin moved
to approve the minutes as distributed.
Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1. Council Member Brenton abstained due to absence.
B.
SPECIAL
SESSION MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2003
Council Member Hester moved
to approve the minutes as distributed.
Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried 6-0-2. Council Members Parker and Robertson abstained
due to absence.
C.
JOINT
CITY COUNCIL/PARK BOARD SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF JULY 7, 2003
Council Member Martin moved
to approve the summary as distributed.
Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1. Council Member Coe abstained due to absence.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Rick Bell, 457 Choctaw,
stated he had been coaching in Parks & Recreation since 1996 and believes
it is a strong program. He expressed
concern about there being enough fields to accommodate recreational play
without being able to use the fields at the sports complex. He said that, with new schools being built,
additional children would be participating.
Mr. Bell stated that the fields at Earnest
Shepherd Youth Center cannot be used when it has
rained and there are no public restrooms there. He said that there have been four rainouts and City Park can only
be used once a week because of a base situation. Mr. Bell stated that the City needs to look at alternatives,
including playing at the Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. He said that extra fields would be needed
and the same is true for soccer.
Mayor Hawkins thanked Mr.
Bell for his comments and said the staff could address his concerns. Mrs. Gentrup stated that the Parks Board and
City Council had just reviewed parks use in a joint study session and a Question
and Answer sheet had been prepared and would be provided to Mr. Bell.
Andrew Metcalf, 707
Claywoods Parkway, stated that t-ball had lost all practice fields halfway
through the season and it is tough to get coaches when practices and games are
being rescheduled. He stated the
coaches have to use their own leisure time.
He said that, because of several rainouts, three make-up games had to be
played in the heat, which none of the kids wanted to do. He said anything the Council can do about
the fields would be appreciated.
Mayor Hawkins said these are
valid concerns. Mr. Bell stated that
Liberty is a flagship program for recreation and the programs bring people to
town. He said capacity on the fields is
due to the resources available and a solution should be considered to make
playing as convenient as possible.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
Mrs. Gentrup stated there would be no meeting on
July 21. She said August 4 would be a
mid-year review of the capital improvements plan and kickoff development of the
2004 budget. August 18 is slated for a
review of dangerous buildings and building codes being proposed for adoption.
Mayor Hawkins asked that the first
item on the consent agenda be removed for separate consideration.
A.
RESOLUTION
OF APPRECIATION FOR JIM WEBER – RESOLUTION
Council Member Hadden moved
to approve the resolution. Council
Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is
inscribed in Resolution No. 2137.
Mayor Hawkins read the
resolution and presented it to Jim Weber.
B.
APPOINTMENTS
Liberty Housing Authority
Reappoint Spencer Thomson to a term expiring July 1,
2007
Reappoint Bob Durden to a term expiring July 1, 2007
Council Member Coe moved to
approve the appointments. Council
Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
C.
AFFIRMATION
OF DECISION NOT TO ISSUE FULL-TERM LIQUOR DISPENSING PERMIT – MOTION
Council Member Coe moved to
approve the motion. Council Member
Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
D.
AUTHORIZE
EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD JULY 14, 2003 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REGULAR SESSION TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LITIGATION
MATTERS, AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(1) RSMo – MOTION
Council Member Coe moved to
approve the executive session. Council
Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
A.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM JUNE 20, 2003 THROUGH JULY 11, 2003 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6072 was
read. Council Member Hester moved to
approve the ordinance. Council Member
Martin seconded the motion.
Council Member Hadden asked
about check no. 76618. Assistant
Finance Director Kathy Goode stated that it is related to a donation in trust
for the cemetery, part of which calls for flowers to be placed at the grave
each Christmas and Memorial Day. Mrs.
Hadden asked about check no. 76701 and plans to deal with Commerce Bank closing
its branch on the square. Ms. Goode
stated that the bank would be closing on August 15 and city staff is working to
make arrangements for the deposits. She
stated that the check was for night drop envelopes for water customers to pay
their bills and place them in the box at City Hall. Mrs. Hadden expressed concern that Commerce Bank was leaving the
square, particularly as that was one of the reasons it had been recently
selected to provide banking services to the City.
Council Member Martin asked
about check no. 76626 for officiating services. Parks & Recreation Director Chris Deal stated that the fees
paid by teams cover the cost of the officiating. Mrs. Gentrup stated that Council approved an agreement with this
vendor and payments would not exceed the contract amount. Mrs. Martin asked about payments to the
Veterinary Center for sterilization fees.
Mrs. Gentrup stated that the fee is paid by individuals adopting animals
from the shelter.
Council Member Brenton asked
about check no. 76793 for the water report.
Mrs. Gentrup stated that the annual report is a federal mandate. She stated it cost $200 less than last
year’s report and includes printing and mailing charges. Mr. Brenton asked about check no. 76952 for
Celebration Liberty event insurance. He
stated the Council approved the display, but asked if it approves the insurance. Assistant to the City Administrator – Human
Resources Sara Ott stated that this coverage is required for the event and has
not traditionally come to Council. It
is for a 48-hour period surrounding the event.
Mayor Hawkins asked if it is coverage similar to what is obtained for
Spring on the Square Festival. Ms. Ott
said it was and that the cost of coverage for fireworks has been increased in
the wake of incidents on the east coast.
Vote on the motion was as
follows: Council Member Collins – yes;
Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker
– yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member
Brenton – yes; Council Member Robertson – yes.
The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8538.
B.
*TEMPORARY
LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION BY LIBERTY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BEER GARDEN
AT FALL FESTIVAL – RESOLUTION
Deputy City Clerk Jane
Sharon stated that Council had recently amended the Code to provide for a
temporary liquor license for certain civic, school, church and service groups
for periods lasting seven days or less.
She stated the Chamber of Commerce had applied for such a license to
have a beer garden at Fall Festival.
Ms. Sharon stated the Chamber had met all requirements for the
application to be considered by Council and, upon approval, a letter to the
State would be provided. She said that
in order to issue the City’s liquor license, the Chamber would have to show
that it had received a State liquor license for the same event and provide a
certificate of insurance with the City as an additional insured.
Council Member Hester asked
why the City is added to the insurance coverage. Ms. Ott stated that this covers the City if a claim occurs
pertaining to the event.
Council Member Martin stated
there appeared to be several requirements for an organization to apply
successfully and asked if there is a checklist provided to the applicant. Ms. Sharon said there is.
Council Member Coe moved to
approve the temporary liquor license.
Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously
and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2138.
C.
ACCEPTANCE OF SANITARY SEWER EASEMENTS PERTAINING TO THE LITTLE
SHOAL CREEK INTERCEPTOR PROJECT – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6073 was read. Council Member Brenton
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. It was approved by the
Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8539.
D.
ACCEPTANCE OF RIGHT OF WAY ALONG CHANDLER ROAD – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6074 was read. Council Member Robertson
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Coe seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Martin moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8540.
E.
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE XVII, OF THE CITY CODE PERTAINING
TO STOP AND YIELD INTERSECTIONS – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6075 was read. Council Member Martin
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Brenton seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8541.
F.
*STORM DEBRIS AND REPAIR CONTRACTS
Public
Works/Development Services Director Steve Hansen stated that amendments to
three contracts related to storm debris removal were proposed. He stated the first was with Shawnee Mission
Tree Service related to tree/limb debris removal. He stated that the actual amount of debris removed had been 17
cubic yards, which is less than estimated; the contract was therefore being
reduced accordingly. He stated that,
with the contract with this same vendor for storm debris removal, the estimate
of 165 tons had been greatly exceeded with a total of 562 tons. Mr. Hansen stated the difference was based
on difficulty in estimating an amount of debris, the constant addition to the
debris being removed and the additions, based on Council direction, of debris
on Spring Street. He stated this
increased tonnage would increase this contract amount. Finally, Mr. Hansen stated the agreement for
containers with Deffenbaugh Industries had been for two containers at each of
three sites – Brian Court, Fire Station No. 1 and the limb disposal site. He stated 40 containers had been included in
the agreement and only 13 containers were used. Even with the addition of overweight tonnage costs, this
agreement is being reduced to $5,300.
Mr. Hansen noted
that each one of these contracts is eligible for 85% reimbursement by FEMA and
SEMA and the City’s portion would be 15% of the total costs, or approximately
$32,000 for all three contracts. Mrs.
Gentrup thanked Mr. Hansen, Police Chief Knouse and Financial Analyst Diana
Adams for all their assistance in preparing reports and information for
submission to FEMA.
1. AMENDMENT
TO CONTRACT WITH SHAWNEE MISSION TREE SERVICE FOR TREE LIMB DEBRIS REMOVAL,
REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRACT BY $18,561.40 – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6076 was read. Council Member Martin
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Council Member
Hester moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. It was approved by the
Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8542.
2. AMENDMENT
TO CONTRACT WITH SHAWNEE MISSION TREE SERVICE FOR MIXED DEBRIS REMOVAL,
INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRACT BY $75,343.85 – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6077 was read. Council Member Robertson
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Hadden seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Martin moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. It was approved by the
Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8543.
3. AMENDMENT
TO CONTRACT WITH DEFFENBAUGH INDUSTRIES FOR PROVISION OF CONTAINERS PERTAINING
TO DISPOSAL OF STORM-RELATED BUILDING DEBRIS, REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF THE
CONTRACT BY $5,297.64 – ORDINANCE
Document No.
6078 was read. Council Member Hadden
moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Brenton moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8544.
4. MOUNT MEMORIAL CEMETERY REPAIRS
Parks & Open
Space Manager Steve Rulo stated that a post-storm inventory of headstones at
Mt. Memorial Cemetery had found 25 that were crooked, knocked over or
broken. He stated that 40 linear feet
of the wall had been crushed by two fallen trees. Mr. Rulo stated that a vendor had looked at the work to be done
and had indicated that repairing the markers to pre-storm condition would only
be gaining about a year before they would need additional repair. The vendor had recommended repairing them
fully. He stated that FEMA would
reimburse for part of the cost and the City would cover its 15% portion of
storm damage repair and the additional cost for more comprehensive repairs for
a total cost to the City of $12,763.
Council Member
Hester asked if this was only to repair storm-damaged headstones. Mr. Rulo said it was.
a. CONTRACT WITH K-BRO INC. FOR REPAIR OF WALL IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $7,640 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6079 was read. Council Member Brenton moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Council Member Martin moved to
approve the ordinance. Council Member
Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8545.
b. CONTRACT WITH STRUBE MONUMENT SERVICES FOR REPAIR OF
HEADSTONES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,210 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6080 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Council Member Coe moved to
approve the ordinance. Council Member
Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is
inscribed in Ordinance No. 8546.
Mrs. Gentrup
stated that a contract to address damaged trees in rights-of-way may come
before Council in the near future.
Council Member
Hester asked if there would be discussion about repairing the headstones that
were not damaged by the storm but needed repair. Mr. Rulo stated that work had been done last year in the Fairview
and New Hope cemeteries and it had been initially discussed to spend about
$5,000 annually to continue a repair program.
He stated that budget constraints have altered that somewhat, but it
remains a goal. Mayor Hawkins stated
the problems of headstones may be reduced in the future if new markers are
required to be at ground level.
G.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONSTRUCTION
1. CONTRACT
WITH G & G SIGNALS AND LIGHTING INC. FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT
LIBERTY DRIVE AND CONISTOR ROAD IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $136,233.30 –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6081
was read. Council Member Coe moved to
waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member
Hester moved to approve the ordinance.
Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously. It was approved by the
Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8547.
2. CONTRACT
WITH G & G SIGNALS AND LIGHTING INC. FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT
LIBERTY DRIVE AND SOUTH WALES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $117,483.65 –
ORDINANCE
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.
XII. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL
Council Member Coe asked about the monitoring of
mowing at the cemeteries and stated that he is aware of several stones that
have new damage from mowers. Mr. Rulo
stated that he gets together with the foreman to discuss the mowing. He stated he would review the damage and
discuss it with the vendor.
Council Member Brenton asked about the undermined
road when southbound on Withers Road and turning onto Liberty Drive. Mr. Hansen stated that had resulted from
asphalt trucks going to the Ford plant and the road would be scheduled for
repair when the Ford project is completed.
He stated if the damage was determined to be malicious, they would be
asked to pay for the repairs, but the road would be repaired.
Council Member Robertson expressed concern about a
sight distance issue traveling northbound on LaFrenz Road and turning westbound
onto Richfield Road. Mr. Hansen said he
would check into it. Mr. Robertson also
complimented Fire Chief Birch on his dealing with a family when it experienced
a loss.
Council Member Hester asked if the communications
workshops had been rescheduled. Mrs.
Gentrup said they had taken place and Mrs. Hester was out of town at the time. She said the series had been successful and
there would similar opportunities in the future.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned to executive session at
7:55 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk