CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 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 December 13, 2004 with Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins presiding.  Mayor Hawkins called the meeting to order at 7:12 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; 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; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Kathy Goode, Assistant Finance Director; Marcella McCoy, Assistant Finance Director; Mary Towse, Human Resources Director; Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Kelly Garbus, The Kansas City Star; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; and 22 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 22, 2004

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the minutes as distributed.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried 5-0-1.  Council Member Brenton abstained due to absence.

 

B.                 STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF DECEMBER 6, 2004

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

Mayor Hawkins recognized boy scouts working on their citizen and the community badges.  Sean Hughes with Troop 214 was in attendance with is mother, Mary Ellen Hughes.  Jefferson Hosten, Troop 376, was in attendance with his father, Gary Hosten.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Mrs. Gentrup reminded Council there would be a special session on Monday, December 20, after which the Council would not meet again until 2005.

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.                 APPOINTMENTS

 

Planning & Zoning Commission

Appoint Laurie Sutton to a term expiring 01-01-2006

 

Public Facilities Authority

Steve Havens – to a three-year term expiring in 2007

Steve Lund – to a three-year term expiring in 2007

 

Council Member Brenton moved to approve the appointments.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 10, 2004 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6286 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hadden 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. 8749.

 

B.         REPLAT OF 440 MILLER AVENUE TO CREATE TWO LOTS FROM ONE – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

Council Member Hester stated that she had been glad to have the extra week to consider the application because of two experiences.  She said she worked the historic homes tour and had noted comments from visitors from other cities in the area.  Many were appreciative of Liberty’s historic homes and said they had to come to Liberty because there wasn’t anything similar in their towns.  Mrs. Hester said she appreciated neighborhood property owners’ contributions to the neighborhood and believes consideration should be given to their concerns.  Secondly, Mrs. Hester said, she had looked at the site and the side is not a front entrance.  She said there is a basement entrance but it cannot be construed as a front entrance to the house.  Mrs. Hester stated that some of the old trees on the property might have to be destroyed should a lot split occur.  She said she could not imagine splitting the property into two small lots.  She believed that in clarifying the circumstances under which infill is encouraged in the Land Use Plan, she believes it does not apply to this application.  Mrs. Hester stated that she would vote against approval of the replat.

 

Council Member Martin stated she concurred with Council Member Hester’s comments and said as she looked at the property from Miller, she could not imagine two houses there and would vote against the application.

 

Council Member Hadden stated that she agreed with previous council member comments and would focus her comments on Council Member Hester’s reference to the old trees on the lot.  She stated that Liberty is working to become a Tree City and this lot contains many stately trees.  She stated she understands Mr. Lautenschlager’s interest in the property, but believes that, as an out-of-town property owner, he may not be as concerned with the City as resident owners.

 

Document No. 6283 was read.  Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which failed 1-5-0.  Council Members Ed Collins, Anna Marie Martin, Juarenne Hester, Coni Hadden and Lyndell Brenton voted in opposition.

 

C.         *LIBERTY TRIANGLE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT

 

Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson stated the first two TIF ordinances are inter-related and were being presented together, though all three ordinances must be voted on separately.  He stated that the action being requested by Council was necessary due to changes in the Triangle since tax increment financing was first adopted in December 2002.  He stated that the original TIF plan identified a single project area comprising the Super 8 Motel, proposed Gateway office building project and the MoDOT commuter lot.  These now need to be separated into three projects so they can be activated separately.  As proposed, C-1 would be the Gateway Office Building Project.  Mr. Anderson stated that the TIF Commission had unanimously recommended this amendment to the TIF Plan.

 

Secondly, Mr. Anderson stated, this allows the capture of incremental taxes from the Gateway project.  He said this is critical to recover funds for repayment of the TIF bonds.  The time is right for the activation of this project under TIF.  Mr. Anderson stated that, due to the amount of rock found on the site during construction and other delays in the schedule have increased project costs from those originally estimated.  He noted project sales’ figures have also been reduced, decreasing the bond capacity.  Mr. Anderson stated that, in order to fully reimburse Lowe’s, it is critical to activate this additional project at this time.  He stated the TIF Commission had unanimously recommended activation of the Gateway Office Project.

 

Council Member Brenton stated that Lowe’s representatives had different estimates of the decrease in sales figures.  Mr. Anderson said that was correct.  The original estimates of $36 million had been reduced by the consultants to $28 million.  Lowe’s representatives had stated a revised estimate of $32 million.  Mayor Hawkins noted the alteration in estimates was to solidify conservatism in the TIF District, as was appropriate in order to be wise trustees.

 

1.                   FIRST AMENDMENT OF LIBERTY TRIANGLE TIF PLAN – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6287 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hester 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. 8750.

 

2.         ACTIVATION OF PROJECT C-1 OF THE LIBERTY TIF PLAN FOR THE GATEWAY OFFICE PROJECT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6288 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 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. 8751.

 

3.         AN AMENDED TIF CONTRACT WITH LTD ENTERPRISES, LLC FOR THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE TIF PROJECTS B - H – ORDINANCE

 

Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated that, since a contract was approved with LTD Enterprises in June 2004 for redevelopment of projects B-H in the triangle, project revisions have occurred.  He stated that an amendment to the contract is required for the developers to obtain private loan financing.  Mr. Hansen stated that when the original contract had been approved, it was expected that LTD Enterprises would serve as broker and developer for the sale of the properties formerly owned by Welch and Turner and now titled to the City.  Title would be transferred directly from the City to the retail user.  The revised redevelopment contract now allows for LTD Enterprises to purchase these properties as well as the MoDOT commuter lot, once it is acquired by the City, for an agreed upon purchase price.  The developer will then be able to obtain the private financing to make property improvements in these areas.  The proceeds from the land sale will be placed in the TIF Special Allocation Fund (SAF) to be used for approved project expenses as subsequent phases of the redevelopment project occur.

 

Mr. Hansen stated the second revision is to allow creation of a Community Improvement District (CID) or Transportation Improvement District (TDD).  Only the TDD had been allowed earlier and adding the CID option enhances the flexibility of financing within the project.  Both of these funding mechanisms allow for the imposition of additional sales and property taxes in the district area.  He stated that the TDD property owners must petition the Circuit Court and the property owners wanting to establish a CID petition the City Council.  Mr. Hansen stated that the taxes would be structured to maintain competitive rates with nearby jurisdictions.

 

Mr. Hansen stated the final revision modifies the project budget to reflect updated land acquisition costs and increased interest carry expenses.  He stated the amount of the TIF subsidy is also adjusted.  He stated that all parties involved have agreed to the revised terms of the contract.  Mr. Hansen stated that consideration on first reading is requested.

 

Mayor Hawkins commented that, with these changes, they are still operating within the terms of the TIF plan and the LTD agreement.  Mr. Hansen said that was correct and this makes the agreement more viable.

 

Document No. 6289 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.  Council Member Collins asked for clarification of the parties involved.  Mr. Hansen stated the City, developer and the consultants have all agreed to the changes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8752.

 

D.        *2005 OPERATING BUDGET

 

Finance Director Linda Tyree stated that the proposed 2005 budget is conservative but more optimistic than in the last two years, based on the economy’s slow upward trend, Lowe’s having opened late this year along with other development in the Triangle and the City.  She stated that all City funds are detailed in the budget document provided to Council.

 

Mrs. Tyree noted the budget outlines expenditures of $50 million, supported by 2005 revenues of $33 million.  Existing fund balances, proposed 2005 bond issues and interfund transfers balance the budget.

 

All funds include predetermined increases and the general fund includes the 3.5% increase for employee compensation.  Mrs. Tyree noted estimated revenues for each.  The general fund is $12.8 million. The capital fund includes $2.6 million in Liberty 2010, $10.8 million in the road development fund, $577,450 in park sales tax and $330,000 in the fire sales tax fund expenditures.

 

Mrs. Tyree stated the utility funds including water and sewer operations and capital funds plus the sanitation fund total $18.2 million, including a $9.4 million proposed bond issue for the Rush Creek Sewer project and a 7% increase in sewer rates, which is a final recommendation of the 2002 rate study.

 

Mrs. Tyree stated that, in addition to the ordinance for the sewer rate change, resolutions are proposed establishing changes to planning and development, public works, animal adoption and community center non-resident user fees, effective January 1, 2005.  She stated a resolution is proposed to increase trash and recycling rates by 5%, which is a component of the City’s contract with BFI Waste Services.

 

Mrs. Tyree stated that a resolution increasing the Roadway Development Tax to $1,500 per peak hour trip is proposed to go into effect April 1, 2005.  This increase is based on the annual review by the License Tax Review Committee, which recommended the change to ensure the cost of roads continues to be equally shared by existing residents and new development.

 

Council Member Brenton stated that there were a number of things in the Council budget, such as the boards and commissions dinner, that were added by a gracious compromise of staff.  He said that some employee training was sacrificed for this change.  Mr. Brenton suggested a scaled down recognition of citizen volunteers and that the event happen in Liberty, perhaps at the community center or as an outdoor event at the sports complex.  He said he wanted to continue to thank the hard-working volunteers, but with something scaled down and occurring in Liberty.  Mayor Hawkins said this change could be ongoing or, possibly, every other year.

 

Council Member Parker said he would not vote to downsize the event but would like to see it back in Liberty.  He said it is important to give recognition to the volunteers and their families, because they put in a lot of time and should be able to enjoy themselves.  He was concerned that they might not get the attendance at a function in Liberty, due to the lack of a location that could accommodate all.

 

Council Member Hadden said she was intrigued by the idea of having a function at the sports complex.  This had been talked about earlier.  She said having just heard about the staff difficulties of putting on Spring on the Square, she wondered what burden this might place on staff.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that there have been discussions about having a community event at the sports complex, which would require catering.

 

Council Member Martin stated it is important to honor the people who work so hard.  She asked what it would cost to have the event at the community center.  Mrs. Gentrup said it would probably not be as much.  She recommended a Council committee review the options.  Mayor Hawkins said there are a number of possibilities and the budget could be left as is with regard to this item.  Mrs. Gentrup clarified that the objective is to honor the volunteers, keep the event local and more economical.  She suggested two or three council members discuss the options with staff.  Council Member Collins said that $10,000 is a lot of money, but not compared to the $50 million total budget.  He offered to serve on the committee.  Mayor Hawkins thanked him and asked Council Member Martin if she would also serve.  Mrs. Martin said she would.

 

Council Member Brenton asked about the gateway sign still in the capital budget.  He asked if the staff is still seeking alternative ideas.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that, at Council direction, the sign was being scaled back and a revised estimate would be provided.  Mr. Brenton asked what would happen if it were to be removed from the budget.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that if removed and not reallocated, it would go into fund balance.  Mayor Hawkins said an option would be to alter the budget for next week and allocate funds for the sign next year.

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that alternatives can be found and brought back to Council.  Council Member Hadden said she wanted staff to pursue alternatives.  Mayor Hawkins stated that this is a practical way to proceed, because the sign has raised enough questions in the minds of Council.  He said the budget could remain as is until an alternative is found.  He added that, if this item is removed from the budget, Council should offer direction to staff on how to proceed.

 

Council Member Brenton said there is $75,000 allocated for the gateway sign and $590,000 for the overlay.  This could be seen as providing $75,000 less in the overlay program because of the sign.  But it can always be reallocated.  Council Member Parker said if the sign comes in at a lower cost, the savings could be put toward the overlay, rather than to alter the budget now.

 

Council Member Collins said a budget is a planning document and while he was personally not in favor of the gateway sign, he realizes the need to approve a budget.  Mayor Hawkins said the budget sets the work plan and is discussed because of what might come to the fore.  He said decisions will be made in the next year as well.

 

Mayor Hawkins noted the alteration to the sewer charge.  He stated it is important to recognize that the 7% increase is part of the overall plan, which has been discussed since 2002.  This increase is needed to cover covenants in the debt agreements.  He said the Council had made public choices through bond issues and Council decisions.  If the Council votes against this increase, it puts the bonds in default.

 

1.                   ADOPTION OF 2005 BUDGET - ORDINANCE (1ST READING)

 

Document No. 6290 was read.  Mayor Hawkins said the budget ordinance would go to second reading on December 20, 2004.

 

2.                   2005 FEE ADJUSTMENTS

 

a.         AMENDMENT TO SECTION 29-49.1, “SANITARY SEWER RATES”, OF THE LIBERTY CITY CODE – ORDINANCE (1ST READING)

 

Document No. 6291 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which failed due to lack of a unanimous vote in favor.  Mayor Hawkins said the sewer rate ordinance would go to second reading on December 20, 2004.

b.         ESTABLISH FEES FOR 2005 BUDGET – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2188.

 

c.         RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEES FOR SOLID WASTE AND CURBSIDE RECYCLING – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked for clarification that this is still at the low end of trash removal rates in the metro area.  Mrs. Gentrup said that, while a recent survey had not been conducted, she believes it is still on the low end of rates compared to other area cities.  Mr. Brenton said it seems like a bargain.  The motion carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2189.

 

d.         RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ROADWAY DEVELOPMENT TAX RATE EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2005 – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2190.

 

E.         *PUBLIC FACILITY AUTHORITY LEASE AGREEMENTS

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated this is somewhat of a housekeeping item as year to year approval is required for lease of the facilities owned by the Public Facilities Authority.

 

1.         RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY CENTER – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6292 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden 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. 8753.

 

2.         RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR FOUNTAIN BLUFF SPORTS COMPLEX – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6293 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 Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8754.

 

F.         TREE CITY USA

 

Mayor Hawkins stated that, in order to meet the requirements for becoming a Tree City USA by the end of the year, it was requested that the ordinance be considered on first reading.  He also noted that the appointments needed to be separate motions.

 

1.         AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATION” AND CHAPTER 28A, “TREES” OF THE LIBERTY CITY CODE ESTABLISHING A TREE BOARD AND TREE CARE – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6294 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 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. 8755.

 

2.         APPOINTMENTS TO TREE BOARD

 

a.         Appoint Neal Shoger to a term expiring 12-15-2005 – MOTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

b.         Appoint Brian Kelley to a term expiring 12-15-2005 – MOTION

 

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

 

c.         Appoint Michael Cheek to a term expiring 12-15-2006 – MOTION

 

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

 

d.         Appoint Carole Susko to a term expiring 12-15-2006 – MOTION

 

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

 

e.         Appoint Steve Karol to a term expiring 12-15-2007 – MOTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

G.         AGREEMENT WITH BFI WASTE SERVICES OF KANSAS CITY FOR DROP-OFF RECYCLING SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that BFI’s proposal for drop-off recycling would open the Thomas Disposal site Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm and the third Saturday of the month from 8 am to noon.  She stated that in January and February the current schedule of collection in the City Hall parking lot would continue while residents were informed of the change.  Council Member Parker asked if the dumpsters being used for recycling at Thomas Disposal would be clearly marked.  Management Assistant Lyndsay Heal said she would work with BFI to make sure that was done.

 

Document No. 6295 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 Brenton moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin said she thinks this is a great idea and she appreciates BFI bringing the offer to the City’s attention so they could better serve the citizens.  Council Member Parker asked for clarification that this changes the drop-off recycling only and this would not change residential collection.  Mrs. Gentrup said that was correct.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8756.

 

H.        AGREEMENT WITH KCATA FOR CONTINUATION OF LIBERTY EXPRESS BUS SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said that this is to continue express bus service between Liberty and downtown Kansas City.  She stated that one large bus and one small bus would be used by ATA with additional funding by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).  Mrs. Gentrup said this funding was due to MoDOT’s interest in reducing the traffic on the Paseo Bridge.

 

Document No. 6296 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 Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Hester stated that during this temporary circumstance, which has decreased the City’s cost for the Liberty Express service in 2005, could be an opportunity to build ridership.  Council Member Brenton stated that he would vote in favor of the agreement, but that this is a continuation of a subsidy program.  He said he hopes the number of riders can be increased, because when the City again faces tight budget years, this program faces being cut.  It is not carrying its own weight.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8757.

 

I.          *CONTRACT WITH PATTI BANKS ASSOCIATES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 – ORDINANCE

 

Mr. Anderson stated that late last year the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Main Street Program had come to Liberty and produced a report on the downtown in the spring of this year.  He stated that among the various observations in the report was a recommendation to develop a downtown master plan to be incorporated into the City’s comprehensive plan.

 

Mr. Anderson stated a request for qualifications had been sent to 19 planning firms, seven of which submitted qualifications.  This group was culled to four, all of which were interviewed by Downtown Task Force Member Ray Brock, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Marianne Hill and Council Member Coni Hadden.  He stated that Patti Banks Associates (PBA) had been selected by all three members and that her team included professionals with expertise in planning, marketing and architectural design.  Mr. Anderson stated that PBA has strong experience and the team related well to the community.  He said staff recommends approval of the contract which is not to exceed $50,000.  He also noted that the Downtown Task Force has met and is anxious to get started on this planning project at a kickoff meeting January 10, 2005.

 

Document No. 6297 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hester 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. 8758.

 

J.          CONTRACT WITH BURNS & MCDONNELL FOR WATER SYSTEM UPDATE STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $65,000 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6298 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 Martin 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. 8759.

 

K.        AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH OLSSON ASSOCIATES FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES PERTAINING TO LIBERTY MANOR WEST & HOLT ESTATES STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,458 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6299 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 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. 8760.

 

L.         AGREEMENT WITH TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDING SERVICES FOR CLEANING SERVICES AT CITY HALL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $24,600 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6300 was read.  Council Member Brenton 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 Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8761.

 

M.        AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO STANDARD AGREEMENTS FOR MUTUAL AID WITH DESIGNATED FIRE DEPARTMENTS – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that the City is in the process of reviewing and updating its mutual aid agreements.  She stated this ordinance would allow the mayor to sign these standard agreements as they are brought forward.  She noted that, if an agreement is proposed that is not in standard form, it would come to Council for separate consideration.

 

Council Member Hadden asked if most cities have given someone the authority to sign these agreements in this manner.  Fire Chief Birch said that some have fire boards or councils but a person has been designated to sign for them.  Mayor Hawkins asked if some have expired.  Mrs. Gentrup said none had expired.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if we charge when we dispatch an ambulance outside the City.  Chief Birch said if Liberty transports, Liberty bills.  Council Member Parker asked if Clay County residents are considered non-residents.  Chief Birch said anyone outside the city limits of Liberty is considered non-resident.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if the city bills when an ambulance is dispatched but no one is transported.  Chief Birch said there is no charge in those instances.  Mrs. Gentrup said the City probably makes more requests for mutual aid than what it provides.  Mr. Brenton asked if there is a cost associated with that response.  Mrs. Gentrup said there is and that is covered by property tax support.  Chief Birch said the private sector had the same procedure, to charge only when someone is transported.

 

Council Member Parker asked if the need for mutual aid assistance would change when the fourth fire station is added.  He asked if the City would need to add an additional ambulance for that station.  Chief Birch said just a pumper is currently planned for that station, but the numbers will have to be reviewed.  Mr. Parker expressed concern about coverage with the development in that area.

 

Council Member Collins compared the no charge for non-transport to police responding to false alarms.  He said public safety is a service provided by the City.  Council Member Martin said she had called the fire department when she smelled gas at her home and had not been charged for the response.  She said she appreciated knowing they were there when needed.

 

Document No. 6301 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 Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8762.

 

N.        AGREEMENT WITH LIBERTY SPORTS OFFICIALS FOR RECREATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICIATING SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup noted this is the second year for this group to provide officiating services in support of City programs.

 

Document No. 6302 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 Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8763.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.                 ADOPTION OF 2005 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to adopt the program.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.                 PURCHASE OF POLICE VEHICLES FROM LARRY REYNOLDS COMMERCIAL SALES IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,192.90 – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the purchase.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion.  Council Member Hester asked what is typically done when the local bid is within 5%.  Mayor Hawkins said Council has asked that staff advise them when this is the case.  He asked if accepting the lowest bid would be an issue for maintenance.  Police Chief Knouse said it would not because they use local dealers and extended warranties.

 

Council Member Brenton asked how this purchase compared to the replacement vehicle purchase earlier this year.  Chief Knouse said it was within a hundred dollars.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Brenton asked if any consideration had been given to a name change for Stewart Road in the Triangle since it is no longer contiguous.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that is being discussed with property owners.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

Mayor

 

Attest:

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk