CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2004
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 February 23, 2004 with Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins presiding. Mayor Hawkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The
invocation was given by Council Member Lyndell Brenton, 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; Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Lyndell Brenton and Juarenne Hester, Ward III;
and Bill Parker, Ward IV. Also in
attendance were Patty Gentrup, City Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant
City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Chris Deal, Parks
& Recreation Director; Steve Rulo, Parks & Open Space Manager; Linda
Tyree, Finance Director; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Rob Elam, Division Fire Chief;
Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development
Director; JacLyn Carlson, Planner; Mary Towse, Human Resources Director; Tony
Sage, Information Services Manager; Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane
Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; Joe Cook, Liberty
Sun News; and 21 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A.
REGULAR SESSION
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 2004
Council Member Hadden moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Parker
seconded the motion, which carried 5-0-1.
Council Member Martin abstained due to absence.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Dr. Myra Unger, 175th Anniversary Book
Coordinator and Managing Editor, addressed the Council and presented a copy of the
book to each council member and the mayor.
She stated that an ad hoc steering committee had formed in July 2002 and
had requested initial financial backing from the Council. In October 2002, Council had approved $5,000
for seed money for the book. The
20-month project resulted in the book being distributed. She thanked Chad Means, Juarenne Hester and
Pola Firestone, who functioned as the editorial committee. She also thanked the authors that contributed
to the book. She noted that $40,000 had
been raised since October 2002 and the total, including donations and pre-sales
of the book to date, is $57,000. She
said expenses had been approximately $45,000 to date, with one bill
outstanding. Dr. Unger encouraged those
present to participate in the events being planned to celebrate the 175th
anniversary and noted that books will continue to be available for sale at city
hall and local bookstores.
Mayor Hawkins thanked Dr. Unger and the members of the
book committee. He stated that he and
the Council were pleased with the return on their investment as evidenced by
the beautiful book.
A. PROCLAMATION
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO MYRA
UNGER FOR HER EFFORTS RELATED TO THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK
Mayor Hawkins thanked Myra Unger directly for all her
efforts in making the book a reality. He
presented her with a proclamation declaring February 23, 2004 Dr. Myra Unger day in Liberty.
Dr.
James Coleberd said he appreciated the opportunity to make an informal
contribution to the book. He said he
grew up in Liberty and this July would be the 50th anniversary of his
having received his fire department badge.
Dr. Coleberd said he had been recruited by a fireman to help on a hose
line when he was a teen and knew that was his calling, having greatly enjoyed
his service.
Mayor
Hawkins declared the meeting to be in recess at 7:15 p.m.
Mayor
Hawkins called the meeting back to order at 7:29 p.m.
Don
Altis, president of the Downtown Merchants Association, thanked the City for
its recent advertising campaign, highlighting the Square. He presented a calendar of events being
discussed to bring people to the Square.
Included in the proposed events is a show car cruise night. He also mentioned a “Taste of Liberty” event
that would raise funds for the Christmas lights on the Square. He stated that the Downtown Merchants Association
is incorporating as a 501(c)(6) corporation.
He asked Council to consider use of revenues from parking fines to
advertise the Square.
Mr.
Altis asked about the streetlights and when they might be fully installed on
the Square. Mrs. Gentrup stated that the
City has stressed to Aquila how important it is to get the lights
operational. She noted that, as recently
as last week, staff met with Aquila representatives to discuss this. She said they hoped to have the lights ready
by early April, but there are issues with the supplier. She stated the City is doing what it can and
has made it clear this is an important issue for the downtown merchants.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
Mrs.
Gentrup stated that there would be no council meetings March 1 or March 8. She stated that public forums have been
scheduled each Thursday in March to present information about the sewer bond
issue on the April 6 ballot and to offer citizens an opportunity to ask
questions about any City operation. She
stated there is one meeting scheduled in each ward, but citizens can attend any
or all of the forums. Mayor Hawkins
asked the council members to attend and said he will attend the public forums.
Mrs.
Gentrup stated the next council meeting would be a March 15 study session, at
which roadway priorities would be discussed.
A. AUTHORIZE
EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 23, 2004 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
THE REGULAR SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(3)
RSMo – MOTION
Council Member Martin moved to authorize the executive
session. Council Member Hester seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously.
B. PURCHASE
OF NEW VISION SOFTWARE FROM ACS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,650 – MOTION
Council Member Martin moved to approve the purchase. Council Member Hester seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.
*SPECIAL USE
PERMIT TO ALLOW A NEIGHBORHOOD ADVANCEMENT CENTER AT 502 N. WATER (FORMER GARRISON SCHOOL) [PZ CASE NO. 04-2009SUP; Applicant: Clay County African
American Legacy, Inc.] – RESOLUTION
Planner JacLyn Carlson stated the special use permit
would allow the operation of a neighborhood advancement center at 502 N. Water St., the site of the former Garrison School. She stated
the surrounding land uses included single family residences, low rise
apartments and multi-family residences.
Ms. Carlson reviewed the history of the school, stating it had been
rebuilt after a fire in the early 1900s.
She said the site was used most recently by the Liberty School
District
for providing educational assistance to disadvantaged and special needs
children. Ms. Carlson said the building
would be used for promoting education and cultural heritage while also
providing space for non-profit organizations and small business
development. She added that the
applicant intends to conduct tutoring and after school programs and a private
or parochial school would possibly hold classes at the site.
She noted a stipulation to the special use permit
would require that no more than 3,000 square feet of space be leased for
non-retail commercial office use. Ms.
Carlson stated that staff reviewed the Roadway Development Tax by examining the
previous use, which was a school, compared to the proposed use. Trips generated for the entire 10,000 sq. ft.
building, were it to remain a school, would be 31 at peak hour. The 3,000 sq. ft. of office space would
generate 5 peak hour trips and 7,000 sq. ft. of recreational and community
center space would generate 12 peak hour trips, together generating 17 peak
hour trips compared to the previous use of 31 peak hour trips. She stated the center, therefore, would not
be subject to the Roadway Development Tax.
She stated all seven findings for a special use permit
were supported by the application and the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommends approval of the special use permit in accordance with the attached
business plan and with the stipulation.
Council Member Martin asked if the special use permit
would cover all entities at that location.
Ms. Carlson said it would. Mrs.
Martin asked if there had been any neighborhood opposition expressed. Ms. Carlson said staff had not received any
comments opposing the use. Mrs. Martin
asked if there would be activities every day.
Ms. Carlson said it would vary with classes possibly being held during
the day and possibly some evening activities.
Council Member Collins asked if the building had been
modified since being rebuilt in the 1900s.
Teresa Byrd stated the School
District made modifications
on the exterior. Council Member Hadden
asked if there would have to be changes to the interior for this proposed
use. Ms. Byrd stated that the school
would be leasing the space as is and there is no money for renovations at this
time.
Mayor Hawkins opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak in favor of the application. Teresa Byrd, 431 East Franklin, thanked Ms. Carlson and the Planning & Zoning
Commission for the recommendation. She
stated her group is proud to own the building, considering it is the source of
so much African American history and would be using the building as
originally
intended, as a school, with additional opportunities to serve the
community. She said they plan to offer
programming and services for the Liberty community. Ms.
Byrd noted that her group is in discussions with the Liberty Celebration Center for a parochial school and those looking for office
space. She stated the group realizes it
serves as the steward of the school and is mindful of the needs of the
neighborhood. She stated others in the
group were attending a School Board meeting where one of the group’s members
was being honored or they would have been present as the Council considered
this application. Council Member Collins
asked if they were discussing office space for In As Much Ministries. Ms. Byrd said they have talked with that
group and with Love, Inc.
Ray Brock, 1140 Manchester, stated he owns the property west of the school and
supports the resolution for the special use permit.
Mayor Hawkins asked if anyone else wished to speak in
favor of the application. Seeing none,
he asked if anyone present wished to speak in opposition to the application. Seeing none, he closed the public hearing.
Council Member Collins moved to approve the resolution
to allow a neighborhood advancement center at 502 N. Water Street. Council
Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed
in Resolution No. 2159.
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2004 THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2004 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6179 was read. Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance. Council Member Brenton seconded the motion.
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 Brenton – yes. The motion carried unanimously; it was
approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8645.
B. AMENDMENTS
TO THE 2003 BUDGET – ORDINANCE
Mayor Hawkins asked if this is just making the budget
agree with expenditures. Finance
Director Linda Tyree said it is.
Document No. 6180 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 Hester moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8646.
C. AMENDMENT
TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR SEWER SERVICE BETWEEN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI AND LIBERTY – ORDINANCE
Mrs. Gentrup stated that this agreement is for a five
year period. Council Member Martin asked
how soon the gravity and pump station would be connected to Kansas City directly.
Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated the engineering should be
completed by the end of the year with construction beginning early in
2005. He said it would be about a year
to complete following the start of construction. Mrs. Martin asked if the rates in this
agreement would be paid until that is completed. Mr. Hansen said the rates would not be paid until
the plant is removed from service. At that time this agreement would be amended
to include the additional connection point.
Council Member Brenton asked if the annual cost has
been reviewed as to options. Mr. Hansen
stated that a commitment had been made to Council after the feasibility study
to monitor the cost of contracting with Kansas City versus the City providing the service. He said that questions were raised due to
what was encountered at the Rush Creek plant with the change in standards and increased
costs causing the City to abandon the plant and pursue a direct connection to Kansas City. He said there
is no reason at this time to discontinue going to Kansas City. Mr. Brenton
asked about the option to end this agreement.
Mr. Hansen said either party can elect to end the agreement; he said he
would get information to Council about the notice requirements to terminate the
agreement.
Mayor Hawkins said the Rush Creek plant being small seemed to indicate it had always
been intended to be of temporary service.
Mr. Hansen said it is appropriate to look at regional approaches and Kansas City has the capacity to accommodate the City of Liberty. Mayor Hawkins
asked if there is any problem with Kansas City meeting standards at their plant. Mr. Hansen said he is not aware of any. He stated they serve a larger area with a
larger customer service base so the costs associated with new standards can be
spread over a wider population. Mayor
Hawkins asked if there has been any encouragement to enter into these
cooperative agreements. Mr. Hansen said
there had been.
Document No. 6181 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 Hester moved to approve the ordinance. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously. It was
approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8647.
D. AGREEMENT
WITH GRASS ROOTS INC. FOR MOWING AT COMMUNITY CENTER AND CEMETERIES IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $37,850 – ORDINANCE
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – None.
XIII.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk