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CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, JULY 26, 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 July 26, 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 Coni Hadden, 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; Juarenne Hester, Ward III; and Bill Parker and Jim Robertson, Ward IV.  Also in attendance were Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Mary Towse, Human Resources Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Julie Lawless, Preservation Planner; JacLyn Carlson, Planner; Lisa Pool, Planner; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Mark Misenhelter, Police Lieutenant; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune, Joe Cook, Liberty Sun News; and five members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2004

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the minutes as distributed.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried 6-0-1.  Council Member Robertson abstained due to absence.

 

B.                 STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF JULY 19, 2004

 

Council Member Brenton entered the meeting at this time.

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1.  Council Member Coe abstained due to absence.

 

C.                 STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF JULY 6, 2004

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried 5-0-3.  Council Member Coe, Council Member Parker and Council Member Robertson abstained due to absence.

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION – None.

 


VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Assistant City Administrator Cynthia Boecker stated that the meeting August 2 was a joint study session with the Planning & Zoning Commission to continue discussions of the Unified Development Ordinance.  She stated that, as Council had requested earlier, a memo and draft ordinance were provided to Council this evening, in advance of the study session.

 

Ms. Boecker stated there would be no meeting August 9.

 

VII.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.        APPOINTMENTS

 

            Liberty Housing Authority

 

            Appoint Tom Dunn to a term expiring 07-01-08.

 

Council Member Robertson moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

A.        *LIBERTY TRIANGLE

 

Planner JacLyn Carlson stated that she would review the rezoning and final plat applications together as they were related to the same site.  Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson clarified that only the rezoning application required a public hearing.

 

Ms. Carlson stated that the applications were for property northeast of Kansas and Conistor streets.  She stated that it is open space with Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, which is a planned development to the north; a church, zoned R-1C, standard single family residential to the east, Clayview Country Club, zoned standard single family residential to the south and to the west is Clay County Health Center, which is zoned C-1, neighborhood business district.

 

Ms. Carlson reviewed adequate public facilities and stated that the site would have direct access to Conistor Street; sanitary sewer service would be provided by an existing main along the eastern portion of the property; water service would be provided by an existing main along Conistor Street and a storm water analysis would be included with the site plan.

 

Ms. Carlson stated the purpose of the application is to prepare the site for redevelopment, with two restaurants interested in the location, according to the City’s designated developer for the Triangle.  While no plans have been formally submitted, Ms. Carlson stated that the conceptual development plan shows the entire Triangle developing in a comprehensive and cohesive manner.  She stated the redevelopment agreement calls for permitted uses to be of high quality and high caliber architectural standards.

 

Ms. Carlson stated that the Future Land Use Plan designates the subject property as commercial, which includes a variety of commercial and retail uses, thus making the general business district (C-2) zoning appropriate.

 


Ms. Carlson stated two of the fourteen key recommendations in the Future Land Use Plan target the Liberty Triangle.  She noted that #6 specifically recommends the City promoting redevelopment of the Triangle as it presents a tremendous opportunity for a significant retail center.  Recommendation #14 suggests that, as a gateway to Liberty, the Triangle should be designed in a manner that creates a sense of arrival.  She stated the conceptual design for this area is consistent with the gateway designation.  Ms. Carlson noted that a key component of any site plan will be ensuring development is in keeping with the gateway designation.  Ms. Carlson stated that the Economic Development Plan encourages the City to be proactive in assisting with the redevelopment of the Triangle and therefore the proposed rezoning substantially conforms to the Economic Development Plan.

 

She stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning.

 

Ms. Carlson then reviewed the second application, stating that the final plat is a replat of North Havens Estates, lots 53 and part of lot 54.  She stated that the construction of Conistor Street had divided lot 54, leaving two narrow strips of land on either side of the street.  She noted that the proposed final plat would reconfigure the lots such that the eastern portion of lot 54 and all of lot 53 would be combined into one parcel, making the property more feasible for development.  She stated that the plat conforms to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of the final plat.

 

Council Member Robertson noted that discussions in the Planning & Zoning Commission minutes indicate the Clay County Health Department owns part of lot 54.  Ms. Carlson stated that the parking lot on the tract was added according to standards in place at the time.  Mr. Robertson asked if the land in this application is owned by Clay County Health Department.  Ms. Carlson said all the property in this application is owned by the City.

 

Council Member Brenton asked when it would be appropriate to consider renaming Stewart Road. Mr. Anderson stated that it would be more appropriate at the time the northern portion is platted.  He stated there is some possibility of Stewart Road being realigned with Forrest.  Mr. Brenton said it should be before Stewart Road becomes associated with the location of Lowe’s.

 

Council Member Parker asked if the bridge over the creek is associated with this application.  Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated it is not associated with the culvert.  He said that will happen when the lots to the east are developed.

 

1.         REZONE 5.5 ACRES FROM CP-2, PLANNED GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND R-1C, STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO C-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT IN THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE, NORTH OF KANSAS STREET AND EAST OF CONISTOR STREET – [PZ CASE NO. 04-2030R] - ORDINANCE

 

Mayor Hawkins opened the public hearing and noted that the City was the applicant.  He also mentioned the staff’s comments were in support of the application.  He asked if anyone else wished to speak in favor of the application.  Seeing none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application.  Seeing none, he closed the public hearing.

 

Document No. 6231 was read.  Council Member Brenton moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Coe 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. 8697.

 

2.         FINAL PLAT FOR THE SHOPPES, LIBERTY TRIANGLE FIRST PLAT, A REPLAT OF NORTH HAVEN ESTATES IN THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE, NORTH OF KANSAS STREET AND EAST OF CONISTOR STREET [PZ CASE NO. 04-2031FP] – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6232 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 Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin asked if The Shoppes at Liberty Triangle would be the name used for all future development in the area.  Mr. Hansen stated the redeveloper had called it that for purposes of the final plat and it might change.  Mrs. Martin asked if the two lots were combined for the two restaurants.  Mr. Hansen stated that action was not based on any particular use.  Mrs. Martin asked how many could go in that section.  Mr. Hansen stated there could be two and the restaurants are just one of the uses being proposed.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the ownership for land on the west side of Conistor.  Mr. Hansen stated there had been a remnant on the west side of Conistor, after the transfer of property from the state and that went to the Clay County Health Center.

 

Council Member Parker asked about the timing for moving the Park & Ride lot.  Mr. Hansen stated it would not be moved until the land had been obtained from MoDOT, but could possibly occur in the first part of next year.

 

The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8698.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM JULY 9, 2004 THROUGH JULY 23, 2004 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6233 was read.  Council Member Robertson moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion.

 

Council Member Martin asked about check no. 83590 for flag football insurance.  Ms. Boecker stated there were a few sports that were not included in the City’s MARCIT policy.  Separate insurance must be purchased for coverage of participants in this activity, with costs for participants covered in the premium.  Mrs. Martin asked about check no. 83601 to Idea Creative Group for the water quality report printing.  She asked if the report is required.  Mr. Hansen stated that the consumer competence report (CCR) is required to be produced annually.  Ms. Boecker stated it is distributed to Liberty residents who are billed for water service by the City.

 

Council Member Brenton asked about the petty cash purchase of a passport.  Police Lieutenant Mark Misenhelter stated Liberty had a child abuse case in which the suspect had fled the country to England.  Though the trip had not yet taken place, Detective Russ Muir was expected to travel to


London to escort the individual back to Liberty to face charges.  Mr. Brenton asked if the City has any provisions for this kind of expense.  Lt. Misenhelter said this situation has not come up in his tenure with the City.  Mr. Brenton asked if any reimbursement options were being pursued.  Ms. Boecker stated that would be considered upon disposition of the case through the courts.

 

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. 8699.

 

B.         *FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CREEKWOOD SUBDIVISION, PHASE I, NORTH OF SOUTH COUNTRY CLUB SUBDIVISION [PZ CASE NO. 04-2028FDP] – ORDINANCE

 

Planner Lisa Pool stated the final development plan is for the subdivision north of the South Country Club Subdivision and west of Southview Drive, containing 8.76 acres and 35 lots.  She stated that, earlier this month, Council approved a rezoning of the property to standard single family residential, as well as a preliminary development plan.  She noted that to create a more traditional neighborhood, two variations from the conventional street widths are proposed.  Creekwood Drive would be a 32-foot wide street rather than the standard 36-foot wide street.  The second variation is to Fawn Lane, which is proposed as a 26-foot wide local street as opposed to the standard 28-foot wide local street.  In addition, Ms. Pool stated Cates Court would be a 22-foot wide loop lane to serve five lots off of Creekwood Drive.

 

Ms. Pool stated that MoDOT had reviewed and commented on the application, due to Southview Drive being regulated by the state.  She stated that MoDOT had no objections to the location of Creekwood Drive, but had limited approaches onto Southview Drive to four.  She stated that the impact of storm water runoff would be negligible.

 

Ms. Pool noted that Tract A is located within the loop lane and would serve as open space, but not become part of the public park system.  She stated that a fee in lieu of parkland dedication in the amount of $7,920 would be required.  Ms. Pool stated the application conforms to the adequate public facilities ordinance and the Future Land Use Plan.  She added that, to allow for housing diversity throughout the development, lot width, area and depth variances have been proposed.  To create a more pedestrian-oriented streetscape, the front yard setbacks have been reconfigured to deemphasize the garage.

 

Ms. Pool stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval with the following variances:

 

1.       The minimum lot area per family shall be 6,600 square feet.

2.       The minimum lot width shall be 55 feet.

3.       The minimum lot depth shall be 95 feet.

4.       The minimum dwelling front yard setback shall be 20 feet, the maximum dwelling front yard setback shall be 30 feet, and the minimum garage setback shall be 34 feet.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if there was a stipulation included that before Phase II could be developed, the road must be extended over the creek.  Mr. Anderson stated that would be included with Phase II.  Mr. Brenton asked if it is a stated requirement.  Mr. Anderson said there had been three phases initially and that had been reduced to two with the road over the creek in the second phase.  A stipulation had never been included in the past.  Mr. Brenton asked if a stipulation had been included in the Withersfield development.  Mr. Anderson said it had been part of the development requirements. 


Mr. Brenton expressed concern that development would progress and then the road not be built.  Mr. Anderson said it would have to come to Council for platting and that is the incentive to get the bridge built.  Mayor Hawkins said with that being part of the development, the second phase cannot be built without the structure in place at the creek.  Mr. Anderson said that was correct.  Council Member Robertson asked if building could commence simultaneously with the bridge or culvert.  Mr. Anderson said no building permits would be issued in the second phase without the structure in place.  Mayor Hawkins asked if that was standard operating procedure.  Mr. Anderson said it is.

 

Document No. 6234 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8700.

 

C.         *CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING AT THE LOT WEST OF 311 WEST KANSAS ST., DOUGHERTY DISTRICT – RESOLUTION

 

Preservation Planner Julie Lawless stated that this is an application for new construction of a detached single family dwelling in the Dougherty Historic District.  She stated it is one parcel but two legal lots.  She noted it meets the area requirements for the Neighborhood Conservation District and is available for building.  Ms. Lawless stated the structure would be a modern interpretation of a Victorian cottage with multiple siding details and an oriel window featuring copper roofing.  She stated the modern interpretation would be in the use of materials and garage placement.  She stated the fiber-cement composite is similar to the product used on a house recently built on Water Street.  Staff and the HDRC have been pleased with the use.

 

Ms. Lawless stated the slope of the drive will provide access to the garage.  She noted a small window originally identified in the plans would not be built, in order to preserve the façade and the peak of the roof.  She stated that houses in the Dougherty district were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  A similar style of house to that being proposed is across the street from the site.  She said the design is in keeping with the narrower widths, height and deemphasizing the garage recommended in the Future Land Use Plan.  Ms. Lawless stated that adding a house through infill would help complete the streetscape.  She stated that the Historic District Review Commission recommended approval of the certificate of appropriateness.  Ms. Lawless noted the lot is heavily treed and the applicant would be encouraged to keep as many trees as possible when building.

 

Council Member Hadden asked if there is a separate drive for this lot.  Ms. Lawless said there is.

 

Council Member Hester asked if the Council approves all certificates of appropriateness.  Ms. Lawless stated that following amendment of the historic preservation portion of the Zoning Ordinance, Council now approves certificates of appropriateness related to new construction and demolition of primary structures.

 

Applicant David Kimbrell, 400 N. Water, stated that the footprint of the site plan to be submitted for the building permit would not be the same as that proposed with this application.

 

Council Member Collins moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion.  Council Member Hadden stated she was pleased to see infill projects in the City.  The motion carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2170.

D.        *ADOPTION OF CITY POLICY PERTAINING TO OPEN MEETINGS AND RECORDS – RESOLUTION

 

Ms. Boecker stated that legislation changes pertaining to open meetings and records go into effect August 28, 2004.  Deputy City Clerk Jane Sharon stated these changes in the state’s Sunshine Law require changes to the City’s policy.  She noted that a written city policy is required by the state.

 

Ms. Sharon stated that the changes include cities allowing the recording of open meetings.  While few requests have been made to do this recently, Ms. Sharon noted that the City has always considered this a part of the open meetings law.  She stated that audio recordings of closed meetings require permission of the public body.  Ms. Sharon stated that while the City has interpreted the Sunshine Law as including electronic communications, amendments to the state law now specifically address them.  If the sender of an email plus the recipients of an email results in a quorum, a copy of the email must be provided to the records custodian.  The email then becomes a public record, unless closed under one of the exceptions allowed by state law.

 

Ms. Sharon stated that roll call votes now include only those votes of the members physically present.  Votes by phone are not counted in a roll call vote.  She stated that fees associated with records requests are more specifically defined and restrict the fees that can be charged for copies and research time.

 

Ms. Sharon noted that the fines have increased and a “knowing” added to “purposeful” as a type of violation.  She stated that the clerk’s office would coordinate appropriate staff training and the new City policy would be reviewed with all boards and commissions.

 

Council Member Hester asked about the difference between knowing and purposeful violations.  Ms. Sharon said the amount of the fine distinguishes the two but the actual difference is not yet clear.

 

Mayor Hawkins asked about roll call votes and whether the member on the phone can be included for purposes of establishing a quorum.  Ms. Sharon stated legal counsel had indicated that those on the phone can be included for purposes of a quorum, but not if the vote is a roll call vote.  Ms. Boecker stated that legal counsel would be consulted at the time.  Ms. Sharon stated the state law does allow phone votes to be counted in circumstances where an emergency meeting is necessary and members of the public body cannot all assemble in one location.

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2171.

 

E.         MOSS TO FAIRVIEW STORM DRAINAGE PROJECT

 

1.         FINAL CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH CLAY COUNTY SANITARY & DITCHING IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,845.25 – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Robertson asked what was included in the first change order.  Mr. Hansen stated it was for extension of the project.  He stated this change order is for additional work and modification of an inlet and fences.

 

Document No. 6235 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Robertson 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. 8701.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to accept the project.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2172.

 

F.         ACCEPTANCE OF STREET, STORM, SANITARY SEWER, GRADING AND WATER FOR CHURCH ROAD BUSINESS PARK – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to accept the project.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2173.

 

G.         ACCEPTANCE OF STREET, STORM, SANITARY SEWER, GRADING AND WATER FOR LIBERTY PARK NORTH PLAT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to accept the project.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2174.

 

H.        CONTRACT WITH HNTB CORPORATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000 FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES PERTAINING TO THE GATEWAY PROJECT ON 152 HWY./KANSAS AVE. NEAR THE I-35 ON/OFF RAMPS – ORDINANCE

 

Ms. Boecker stated the 2004 Capital Improvements Plan includes a recommendation to conduct the design work for this project.  Council Member Hester asked if private funds had been mentioned as a way of supplementing the cost.  Mr. Hansen said he did not recall that.  Mrs. Hester asked when the project might start.  Mr. Hansen said it would not begin until the first of next year, after the weather allows construction.

 

Council Member Martin asked where the median is located.  Mr. Hansen said it begins at the ramps on the east side of the bridge over I-35 and goes east to the west side of Conistor Street on Kansas.  He said at the turn lane north onto Conistor, the median has paving bricks and a grass area.  He said it contains no features that identify it as the entrance to Liberty.  Mrs. Martin asked who would be responsible for maintenance.  Mr. Hansen said the City would maintain the area, but the idea is to incorporate low maintenance plantings.  Council Member Hadden asked if the businesses would take care of the banks along the gateway.  Mr. Anderson stated that has been discussed and there was some level of planting in the 1990s but no formal agreement.  Mr. Hansen said the north side of the street would be maintained by businesses but maintenance on the south side had not been confirmed.

 

Document No. 6236 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden 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. 8702.

 

Ms. Boecker stated that a design charrette is scheduled and includes staff, Council Member Hadden, a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission and someone from historic preservation.

 

I.          CONTRACT WITH THE WALDINGER CORPORATION FOR INSTALLATION OF AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $68,772 – ORDINANCE

 

Ms. Boecker stated that the Council had approved use of an energy use loan from the state to upgrade the management system at City Hall.  This contract is to purchase the equipment necessary for that project.  Council Member Collins asked how the savings could be determined.  Mr. Hansen stated that they would be based on the equipment put in place and the experience of the contractors and Missouri Department of Natural Resources expert.

 

Mayor Hawkins asked if the figures were based on current energy prices.  Mr. Hansen said they are and controls are being replaced along with the system.  He said light fixtures would have more energy efficient ballasts installed.  Council Member Collins said it appears the loan is to be repaid with energy savings, but it is not clear how the savings are determined.  Mr. Hansen stated that the estimate is based on calculated savings, which would not be seen in the budget amount until the loan is repaid.  He said the loan is for 13 years.  Mayor Hawkins said if the savings were greater than estimated, the loan might be paid off sooner.  Mr. Hansen said that was correct.  Mayor Hawkins asked if the plan included both electric and natural gas.  Mr. Hansen said it does.

 

Document No. 6237 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 Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8703.

 

J.          *FLINTLOCK ROAD OVERPASS DESIGN

 

Mr. Hansen noted the next two items on the agenda are related to one another.  He stated that the intergovernmental cooperative agreement included the Kansas City Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission and the Liberty School District along with the City of Liberty.  He stated that the Congressional omnibus bill passed recently included $1 million for design of the Flintlock Road overpass, which was estimated to cost $1.6 million.  He stated the remainder of that cost was to be shared by the TIF commission, school district and the City.  Mr. Hansen stated the Council had authorized $133,000 for the City’s portion based on two stipulations – MoDOT would agree the $1 million only had to be returned if the design (not the construction) was not completed; and the Kansas City TIF Commission and Liberty School District would agree to pay the remainder of the design costs.  Mr. Hansen said they had been successful in getting the stipulation changed in the MoDOT agreement to reflect design work only.  He said they continued to work on getting the commitment of other funds.

 

Mr. Hansen stated that the agreement negotiated with the TIF commission and school district limits the City’s contribution of funds to $133,000 already allocated with the additional $67,000 made up with in-kind staff work, anticipated to span several years.  He stated the remainder of the money would come from the Kansas City TIF Commission and Liberty School District.  The TIF commission has agreed to reimburse the City for expenditures it certifies.  Both the TIF commission and school district have agreed to pay any additional costs exceeding the $1.6 million.  He said the critical element is that this funding will pay for costs associated with the design.  As no funds have yet to be appropriated for construction of the project, that issue is considered as separate.

 


Mr. Hansen stated the second funding agreement is with the Missouri Highway Transportation Commission.  He stated that MoDOT had initially agreed to provide the 20% local match required in order for the $1 million to be used for the project design.  At some point, MoDOT reversed its commitment and offered to provide a “soft match” instead.  As a result of this change, MoDOT indicated it could no longer administer the project as originally planned.  He said the City will now serve as the lead agency and administer the project.

 

Mr. Hansen stated that the $1 million in funding must be used for the first phase of design and a contract for design services executed by September 30 or the $1 million would be lost.  He said the funds would be available to the City through a reimbursement process with periodic payments documented and funds provided by the state within 30 days.  If the design is not in compliance, he said, the $1 million would have to be returned to the state.  He stated that time is of the essence in order to get the RFQ out, have a committee review responses and negotiate a contract prior to September 30.  He said a process that is estimated to take four months must now be accomplished in two.

 

Council Member Martin asked why MoDOT backed out of the agreement to provide the local match.  Mr. Hansen said no specific reason was given.  Mrs. Martin asked if this had occurred in the past.  Mr. Hansen said it had not happened with Liberty.  Mrs. Martin asked if the state would be monitoring the project to confirm compliance.  Mr. Hansen said a team, made up of all parties, would monitor the project, although there would be more City involvement for the first phase, because the contract would be coming to Council.  Mrs. Martin asked how long the design would be available.  Mr. Hansen said it would be good for a number of years but may be subject to permit reviews if the alignment is through potential wetlands or the standards are updated.  He said the preliminary design would take at least three years to complete.

 

Council Member Brenton left the meeting at this time.

 

Council Member Martin asked about the timeframe for the project.  Mr. Hansen said there is no funding identified for construction of this project.  He said the Senate and House have very different views of the total amount of the new transportation bill and a conference committee has just been set up to look at the issue of funding.  He stated the earliest any federal transportation funding would be approved is early next year and that funding for the construction of the Flintlock overpass would not be available at the earliest until 2009.  He stated this project specifically deals with just the design.

 

Council Member Hester asked if the three years is just for the design.  Mr. Hansen said the initial design only is anticipated to be completed in that timeframe.  Mrs. Hester asked if that is when the TIF commission and the school district would come up with their share of the funding.  Mr. Hansen said it was.  Mrs. Hester asked if the City had any recourse if they did not provide their portion of the funding.  Mr. Hansen said there could be changes to the makeup of either group that could change the support, but both have publicly expressed a desire for the project.

 

Mayor Hawkins clarified that this is not so much an enforceable contract as a commitment to be honored.  He asked if the construction costs would be identified in 2008 dollars.  Mr. Hansen said they would have a better idea of construction costs in three years after the initial design is completed and a detailed estimate proposed.

 

1.         INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6238 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 


Council Member Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Collins said he would refer people to Mr. Hansen with their questions about this project.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8704.

 

2.         MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AGREEMENT FOR THE FLINTLOCK ROAD OVERPASS – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6239 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 Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8705.

 

K.        AGREEMENT WITH L – L TOWING FOR CITY TOWING & OTHER ASSOCIATED SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Martin asked what issue had come up recently with this tow service.  Mr. Anderson said code enforcement staff continues to work with residents along Gallatin regarding the size of truck that can be parked there.  Lt. Misenhelter said L-L Towing had asked to be removed from the rotation because it was having difficulty with response time.  Later the company asked to be added to the rotation again.

 

Document No. 6240  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 Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Coe asked if there could be stronger enforcement of the requirement for the tow companies to clean up after towing.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8706.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        UTILITY RELOCATION FOR SOUTH LIBERTY PARKWAY CONSTRUCTION – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the relocation expense.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Ms. Boecker stated that City Administrator Patty Gentrup would return from the Senior Executive Institute on Friday.  In conversations, she reported that the experience has been very beneficial and again thanked the Council for the opportunity to attend.

 


XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Robertson said staff had met with builders about getting grading inspections and now builders have expressed concerns about having to remove erosion control.  He said the problem appears to be having two inspections, not one.  Mr. Hansen said staff will look at the issue and see if adjustments can be made.

Council Member Parker said that with all the roads/bridges funds not coming from Clay County, he is getting calls about the condition of City streets.  He said he has looked at some of the streets and patches from last year are worn out.  He said there are many streets that are bad.  Ms. Boecker stated that funds received from the road district were less than budgeted in 2003.  She stated the staff is looking at alternatives and will bring this forward for discussion at the August 30 study session.  Mr. Parker said if there aren’t enough funds received from the County, the City should look at ways for the City to step up.  Mayor Hawkins clarified that there would be an overlay project in 2004, but the project would be smaller.  Ms. Boecker said that was correct and this is one of the issues the CIP Task Force is looking at.  Council Member Martin said the overlay program is a hot topic in the task force and if funds can be found, they will.

 

Mrs. Martin asked about the status of the property at 317 Gallatin.  Mr. Anderson said a demolition permit had been pulled by the property owner and the structures were expected to be down in a couple of days.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned to study session at 8:45 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                __________________________________

Mayor

Attest:

 

 

 

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Deputy City Clerk