CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2005

 

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 April 25, 2005 with Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp presiding.  Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

II.         INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The invocation was given by Council Member Bill Parker who then led the pledge of allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

Roll call was answered by Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp; Harold Phillips and Coni Hadden, Ward I; LeRoy Coe, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and John Parry, Ward III; and Nick King 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; Kate Egan, Preservation Planner; Becky Wymore, Planner; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Marcella McCoy, Assistant Finance Director; Mary Towse, Human Resources Director; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; Janese Heavin, Sun News, and 9 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.                 REGULAR SPLIT SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 2005

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the minutes as distributed.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

A.                 PROCLAMATION FOR LIBERTY DAY OF FASTING AND REJOICING

 

Mayor Steinkamp read and presented a proclamation to Rean Duncan.  Ms. Duncan thanked Mayor Steinkamp for continuing the tradition, recognizing this event, now in its seventh year.  She encouraged those present to participate, either by fasting or by contributing to local charities.  She also noted the Liberty Community Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for the following day at the Community Center.

 

B.                 PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH

 

Mayor Steinkamp read and presented a proclamation to Mike Gilmore.  Mr. Gilmore said there is a great deal to celebrate and be proud of in Liberty with regard to its heritage.  He thanked Mayor Steinkamp for the recognition.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated there would be a joint study session of City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 16 to review land use along the South Liberty Parkway.

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.        AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD MAY 2, 2005 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS 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

 

A.        REZONING OF PROPERTY IN THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF KANSAS AND CONISTOR STREETS IN THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE FROM R-1C, STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO C-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT [P&Z CASE NO. 05-012R; APPLICANT: LTD ENTERPRISES LLC] – ORDINANCE

 

Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and noted the applicant has requested the consideration be delayed to May 23.

 

1.         CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING TO MAY 23, 2005 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION – MOTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to continue the public hearing to May 23, 2005.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

2.         CONTINUE CONSIDERATION OF P&Z CASE NO. 05-012R TO MAY 23, 2005 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION – MOTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to continue consideration of the case until May 23, 2005.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.         *SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW EDUCATIONAL OFFICES AND CLASSROOMS AT 17 S. JEWELL STREET [P&Z CASE NO. Case No. 05-009SUP; APPLICANT: WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE] – RESOLUTION

 

Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson reviewed the application for a special use permit.  He stated the Historic District Review Commission (HDRC) reviewed the application on March 28, considered the use appropriate and recommended approval by the City Council.  Mr. Anderson stated the site has direct access to Jewell Street via an alleyway.  He noted improvements would take place over the right-of-way; the alley was an important means of access and would not be abandoned.  He stated there would be an addition to the rear of the building and the sidewalk would be improved.  The building would be used for classrooms and offices and seminars would be held on site.

 

Mr. Anderson said the application had been measured against the seven findings for special use permits with all being met.  Both staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval.

 

Council Member Hadden asked what was on the property behind this one.  Mr. Anderson said there were two properties.  Mrs. Hadden asked if the alley could be extended at some point to serve those properties.  Mr. Anderson said it could.  Mrs. Hadden asked if the houses off Mill Street access their properties via the alleyway.  Mr. Anderson said they do.  Mrs. Hadden asked if the easement to extend is on private property.  Mr. Anderson said it is.

 

Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if anyone 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.

 

Council Member Hadden said she had no problem with the plan and thought it would be a good addition for the college and for the City.  She asked about the size of the groups that would attend classes and seminars at the building, but believes that this being a special use permit, if there were to be a problem, that could be looked into at that time.

 

Council Member King said he had spoken with a neighbor at this location and that person thought the use was a terrific idea and was pleased to see it being restored to something useful.  He asked for clarification of the parking.  Mr. Anderson said the access to the lot would be very clearly defined.

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the special use permit.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2208.

 

C.         *REZONING OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MISSOURI AND PINE STREETS FROM CBS, CENTRAL BUSINESS SERVICE DISTRICT TO RNC, NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [P&Z Case No. 05-011R; APPLICANT: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NORTHLAND] – ORDINANCE

 

Mr. Anderson stated the lot at Pine and Missouri Streets is currently zoned CBS, Central Business District, and is undeveloped.  He stated the applicant, Habitat for Humanity Northland, is looking for sites for new home construction.  The site has access to an improved street network and the only question about adequate public facilities is with respect to the sanitary sewer.  He said it has not yet been determined whether there is access for a gravity flow sewer and a lift station may be required.  He said these are not often allowed.  If necessary, they have only been allowed for a single family residence.

 

Mr. Anderson stated this property is located at the edge of an area that is both commercial and residential and so development could occur either way, whichever is best suited.  He stated that staff recommends residential development for this site, particularly as it would conform to the existing neighborhood.  He said the residential area is all fairly dense, single family dwellings and the area to the north is commercial and more industrial.  He noted that dissecting the tract on the top is a drainage way that is not conducive to development.  He stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval.

 

Council Member Phillips asked for clarification that, if the property was developed, the property owner would pay for connection to the sewer.  Mr. Anderson said that was correct.  Council Member Hadden asked about the lift station as an option, noting it had been discouraged in previous development.  She said lift stations have been maintained by the City, but because this would be inside the house, asked if the property owner would maintain it.  Mr. Anderson said that was correct and that this would be a unique situation because the entire structure would be dependent on the lift station and

would be the responsibility of the property owner.  Mrs. Hadden asked if the decision is made to put in a lift station, that would mean there would be no attempt to connect to a sewer line in the future.  Mr. Anderson said the property could be connected in the future.  Mrs. Hadden asked where the nearest sewer line is now.  Public Works Director Steve Hansen said there is a manhole at Pine and Missouri Streets but it is not accessible; the next one is to the west and south across a creek.

 

Council Member King asked if the property would need a grinder pump.  Mr. Hansen said it would.  Mr. King noted that Habitat for Humanity builds housing for families with limited means.  He asked what would happen if the property lost power.  Mr. Hansen said the City would require an alternative power source.  Mr. King asked if there was a possibility of placing more than one house on the large lot.  Mr. Anderson said it would depend on how the house was situated and whether a lot split was possible.  Mr. King said the business to the north uses the lot to run its trucks to the business.  Mr. Anderson said there is a right-of-way immediately to the north and access across this property would stop.  Mr. King asked if a kitchen was included in the floor plan.  Mr. Anderson said the applicant could address that question as plans had not yet been submitted to staff.

 

Council Member Phillips asked if the downtown visioning process included any recommendations that affect this area.  Mr. Anderson said the plans have been more general than block to block.  He said there is a possible opportunity to the north for commercial development.

 

Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of the application.  Gary Moore, Habitat for Humanity Northland, 8002 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri, stated that this is a good fit for the neighborhood.  He said a recent lead story in a newspaper noted the need for affordable housing.  He said this project would do just that as well as involve Liberty Savings Bank, which is celebrating its anniversary.  He said the project would specifically honor John and Mary Pritchard, who had initiated Habitat for Humanity in this area.  He said students at William Jewell College were also looking for a way to get involved and planned to volunteer on the project.  Mr. Moore said the lot has a creek that is 10-15 feet below the grade of the lot and the house would be built so as to face the other houses in the neighborhood.  He said the house will have a kitchen.  Mr. Moore said he is comfortable taking this direction to integrate the design into the neighborhood.

 

Council Member Coe asked if the applicant had considered a duplex for the site.  Mr. Moore said the site was big enough but he would have concerns about preserving the integrity of the neighborhood.  He said this is a new area and there haven’t been any discussions about a duplex.  Mr. Coe said there are apartments in the neighborhood and it is not justified to say it wouldn’t fit.

 

Marvin Weishaar, 638 N. Fairview, Liberty, stated that he is a representative of Liberty Savings Bank and Habitat for Humanity Northland.  He said about a year ago the lot became available and, as Liberty Savings Bank was chartered in 1955 and was looking for a way to celebrate its fifty years in business, this seemed appropriate.  He said that John Pritchard was a founder of Habitat for Humanity and they elected to build this house and dedicate it to the founders.  He said they hoped to break ground this year and the college would be joining in the project.

 

Mayor Steinkamp 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.

 

Tom Williams, 401 Murray Road, stated that he wasn’t opposed to the project particularly but four years ago, he had wanted to put in a lift pump and was told he could not.  He said he owns the three lots behind this one and there is no sewer there.  He said now is the time to put in a gravity sewer.  He said the land is level on the other side of the creek and hasn’t been developed because there are no sewers.  He said this land was zoned residential and was changed to commercial, now they want to change it back.

Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else wished to speak in opposition to the application.  Seeing none, he closed the public hearing.

 

Council Member Hadden asked when a decision is made to do an environmental impact study.  Mr. Hansen said staff is not aware of anything that would cause a problem on this property and therefore no study is required.  Mrs. Hadden said it makes sense to look ahead.  Mr. Hansen said environmental issues are usually identified during the sale of the property.  He said staff had not been made aware of any conditions.  Mrs. Hadden said she is very supportive of Habitat houses and they make good neighbors.  She asked if there is anything to suggest this be looked at ahead of time.  Mr. Hansen said the City could not require it, but could encourage it.

 

Document No. 6347 was read.  Council Member Hester moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which failed due to lack of a unanimous vote.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would go to second reading on May 9, 2005.  Mrs. Gentrup asked the Council to provide direction on any additional information it would like to receive prior to considering the case on second reading.

 

Council Member Hester said she is always supportive of Habitat projects and this one is particularly appealing because it will honor John and Mary Pritchard.  She suggested the sewer access to the property to the west be addressed for the future.  Mr. Hansen said this project would not affect the ability to obtain sewer service to the other property in the future.  Mrs. Gentrup said provision of sanitary sewer service to the neighbor would be similar to what was done for the Lake and Linden street properties, in which a neighborhood improvement district was formed and the property owners assessed for the sewer connection.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM APRIL 8, 2005 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2005 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6348 was read.  Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion.  Council Member Hadden asked about check number 88600 for a license plate from vocational enterprise.  Chief Birch said this license was for a trailer used by the fire department.  Mr. Hansen noted that all city plates are purchased through vocational services in Jefferson City.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member Parry – yes; Council Member King – yes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8807.

 

B.         *OAK PLAZA ADDITION, FIFTH PLAT LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF M-291 HWY. AND LIBERTY DRIVE [APPLICANT: STAR DEVELOPMENT]

 

1.         FINAL PLAT [P&Z CASE NO. 05-010FP] – ORDINANCE

 

Mr. Anderson stated this plat is north of Quik Trip and comprises 4.22 acres on one lot.  He said the preliminary plat was approved in 1996 and there was a great deal of discussion at that time about access to M-291 Hwy. and extending Range Line Road, north of Quik Trip.  In meetings with the developer there have been a number of discussions about gaining a second

access point via Cherokee Drive.  In the 1996 proposal there was one large facility on the site.  This application reduces the total amount of square footage.  Mr. Anderson stated that the site has access to existing sanitary sewer and water mains and storm water will be managed by an on-site detention facility in the southeast corner of the property.  The application conforms to City standards and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval of the final plat.

 

Council Member Hester asked if access would be through the street north of O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and Quik Trip.  Mr. Anderson said that was correct and another access point will be added through Cherokee Drive.

 

Council Member Coe said he remembered the application in 1996 and there was a great deal of concern about traffic.  He said he would not be in favor of this application without the additional access provided via Cherokee Drive.  Mr. Hansen said a signal would not be approved by the State at the exit to M-291 because of its close proximity to the signalized intersection at Liberty Drive and M-291.  He said staff had worked with MoDOT to get additional access which Cherokee Drive would provide.

 

Council Member King asked for clarification of a piece showing on the map.  Mr. Anderson said that was an anomaly created when the map was digitized for the report.  Council Member Hester asked about the property line.  Mr. Anderson said the property line was not shown correctly on one exhibit.  The street does not encroach onto the lot.

 

Don Hathaway, Wieskirch & Parks Engineers, Inc., 111 N. Main , Ste. 10, Independence, stated that he would be happy to answer any questions.

 

Document No. 6349 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member King 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. 8808.

 

2.         SITE PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF OAK PLAZA OFFICE/RETAIL CENTER [P&Z CASE NO. 05-005SP] – RESOLUTION

 

Mr. Anderson reviewed the proposed site plan, noting there would be five buildings with a total of 33,000 square feet, which is less than what was proposed in 1996.  He said this site plan better addresses the market for the site, which would be more office-oriented.  Mr. Anderson said there would be 180 parking spaces and an exit onto Cherokee Drive added.  He said there would be access to and through the site via sidewalks.  The detention basin would serve the entire development area.  He reviewed the landscaping plan and said there would be open space between the buildings and to and along Cherokee Drive.  He said there would be a retaining wall that would complement the buildings with a height between two and nine feet.  The landscaping would buffer the property from the property to the north and there would be an aluminum fence on top of the wall for additional screening and for safety.

 

Mr. Anderson said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the site plan with the stipulation that the private drive connecting the site to Cherokee Drive must be completed prior to occupancy of the site.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the square footage of the buildings in this site plan.  Mr. Anderson said the square footage proposed for one facility in 1996 was about 40,000 and there are five buildings being proposed in this site plan with a total square footage of 33,000.

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the site plan with the stipulation recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Council Member Parry seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2209.

 

C.         STREET RENAMING – OAKWOOD BUSINESS PARK – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said this street renaming has been requested for better identification of streets for public safety purposes.  She noted that both the developer and the only existing business tenant agreed to the change.

 

Document No. 6350 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8809.

 

D.        CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HOLT ESTATES STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS WITH HOLTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION LLC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $349,022 – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said each year the capital plan looks at projects that address storm water priorities.  The third and fifteenth priorities are addressed with this project.  Staff recommends acceptance of the lowest and best bid.

 

Document No. 6351 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member King 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. 8810.

 

E.         AGREEMENT FOR CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF WATER WELLS WITH DOUGLAS PUMP SERVICE, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $36,832 – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated this is a contract for annual treatment of water wells.  Different wells are identified each year for cleaning.  She said staff recommends acceptance of the lowest and best bid from Douglas Pump Service.  Council Member Parry asked if it was known why Layne Western submitted a much higher bid than the others.  Mrs. Gentrup said staff suspected it might be a courtesy bid, just to keep the vendor name on the bid list.  Mr. Parry asked how the City checks on the quality of the work.  Mr. Hansen said they do that by observation and through pump tests afterwards, showing an increase in capacity.

 

Council Member King asked if there has been any below par work done for the City in the past.  Mr. Hansen said there had been a vendor whose work had to be redone in order to meet the specifications and at no additional cost to the City.  Mrs. Gentrup said in this event, it was unlikely the staff would recommend using the same vendor in the future.  Council Member Hadden asked if staff checks with other cities if the vendor has not worked in Liberty.  Mr. Hansen said they do.

 

Document No. 6352 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 Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8811.

 

F.         *SOUTH LIBERTY PARKWAY PHASE I

 

Mr. Hansen stated that MoDOT required Pleasant Valley to approve the proposed work in its jurisdiction as a condition of permit issuance.  The design changes included revisions to the Stewart Road/Liberty Drive intersections and to a connecting roadway between Liberty Drive and the parkway.

 

The May 2004 amendment also included construction engineering services once the project construction began.  These services consisted of oversight of the Withers Road bridge and retaining wall construction as well as preparation of “as constructed” plans.

 

Mr. Hansen said the proposed amendment to the engineering contract covers work beyond the original scope of services including design of water main crossings, design of a street light system and revisions to the traffic control plan for the 69/I-35/Liberty Drive interchange.  It was indicated by Mr. Hansen that these revisions to the traffic control plan were to correct earlier problems experienced last year when traffic was restricted at the interchange.

 

Mr. Hansen said, in total, the additional services result in an amendment to the contract increasing it by $48,700 to $1,011,700.

 

Council Member King asked why the changes being made now were not incorporated in the original design.  Mr. Hansen said they would have been included originally but budget concerns caused some elements to be left out initially.  Now, he said, the project is at a point where it makes sense to include these elements again.  Mr. King clarified that the project is going so well that these elements can be added now to save both time and money later.  Mr. Hansen said that is correct.  Mr. King asked if there are sufficient contingency funds available to cover this increase.  Mr. Hansen said there were at this time.

 

Council Member Parry said he thought they didn’t want to bore under the roads.  Mr. Hansen said that can be a problem, and doing the water crossing work now means boring will not be required.  Mr. Parry asked for clarification that there is no infrastructure in place now for future development.  Mr. Hansen said with these revisions, the water line crossing will be built.  Council Member King asked if the City will pay for construction of water pipe at the time development takes place.  Mr. Hansen said the City puts in water crossings for future connections by developers.  Mr. Parry asked if this provides all that is needed for development.  Mr. Hansen clarified the City adds the crossings for water lines; the sewer is coming from Kansas City and is not designed yet.  Mr. Parry asked about electric connections.  Mr. Hansen said there would be both aboveground and underground lines and these would be provided by the power companies.  He added that the City only puts in casing for City-installed utilities.  Mr. Parry asked for clarification of the contingency funds identified and whether they were before or after these latest costs were included.  Mr. Hansen said they were before these additions to contracts were included.  Mr. Parry said he believed it would be wise to put in all infrastructure now to save money.  Mr. Hansen said there is nothing designed at this point.  Mr. Parry asked what happens to contingency funds that are not used.  Mrs. Gentrup said the Council would reallocate any unused funds and that the project is going well, but there are other issues, such as property acquisition, that may add to the costs.  Mr. Parry said it makes sense to have work done now to prepare for development.  Mr. Hansen said the contingency funds currently total $630,000 and with the contract amendment for Amino Brothers, the remaining contingency will total approximately $371,000.

 

1.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH HNTB CORPORATION FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6353 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Coe 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. 8812.

 

2.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH AMINO BROTHERS CO. INC. – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said this contract amendment is for work that has already been done.

 

Mayor Steinkamp asked if the $213,000 is out of the contingency funds.  Mrs. Gentrup said it is.

 

Document No. 6354 was read.  Council Member King moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8813.

 

G.         THE COBBLESTONES

 

1.         DISCLAIMING AND ABANDONING WATER MAIN EASEMENT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6355 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member King 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. 8814.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF WATER MAIN EASEMENT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6356 was read.  Council Member King 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. 8815.

 

H.        AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ADMINISTER STATE REVOLVING FUNDS FROM MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PERTAINING TO THE RUSH CREEK SEWER PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the voters approved the issuance of bonds for Upper Rush Creek Sanitary Sewer and other projects last spring.  City staff is still in the discovery process with regard to whether the bonds will be issued through the City or other funding.  She stated that this resolution authorizes Public Works Director Steve Hansen to sign documents necessary to explore funding through the State Revolving Fund.  If this funding is selected, additional action will be required of Council at that time.  Assistant Finance Director Marcella McCoy added that the City could be placed on the funded list in June.

 

Council Member King asked how much interest would be saved using this alternate form of financing.  Ms. McCoy said it could be significant.  Mrs. Gentrup said the Council would be provided with more details next week.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the status of the City’s potential for funding.  Mrs. Gentrup said the City was not on a list for consideration but that status had changed recently and there was again a possibility of funds being made available through this program.  Mrs. Gentrup said Piper Jaffray representatives had assisted City staff with getting the project reconsidered.  Council Member Hadden thanked the staff for making every effort to find appropriate funding for this project.  Council Member King asked if the $9.4 million identified in election information included interest.  Ms. McCoy said it does not.  Council Member Parry asked what information was provided to voters.  Ms. McCoy said $6 million was identified as costs for this specific project.  Mrs. Gentrup said the bond issuance up to $9.4 million was approved by voters.  Information about those bonds and companion rates will be provided to Council.

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2210.

 

I.          ACCEPTANCE OF QUIT CLAIM DEED FROM MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR THE LIBERTY MANOR STORM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6357 was read.  Council Member Hadden 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 Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8816.

 

J.          LICENSE AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH LOGISTIC SYSTEMS, INC. FOR CAD SYSTEM – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member King asked if this is a continuation of an existing agreement.  Mrs. Gentrup said it is.  Mr. King asked if the cost was higher this year than last.  Police Chief Knouse said he could provide that information to Council.  Mr. King asked if there is also a breakdown of the costs between licensing and maintenance.  Chief Knouse said he would check into that information as well.

 

Document No. 6358 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Phillips 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. 8817.

 

K.        AMENDMENT TO THE LIBERTY CITY CODE PERTAINING TO DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the City Code doesn’t allow fireworks displays except for public displays with Council approval.  She said this amendment proposes changing the Code to allow the fire chief and city administrator to approve displays with proof of proper insurance, notice to property owners and a minimum notice for requesting the approval.

 

Council Member Hadden asked if the fire chief being able to approve fireworks displays was the only change.  Mrs. Gentrup said there is no minimum time required for making a request in the current Code and no notification of nearby property owners.

 

Document No. 6359 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden 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. 8818.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS – None.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mrs. Gentrup introduced Becky Wymore, who started as a planner in the Planning & Development Department today.  Mrs. Gentrup stated Ms. Wymore has experience working in the Des Moines, Iowa area.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Phillips said he had enjoyed the tour of City Hall and the opportunity to meet staff.  He said he was very impressed with the energy of the staff.  Secondly, Mr. Phillips said he had received a call about drainage issues near the Liberty Hills apartments and lastly, Mr. Phillips said the Dougherty Historic Group is planning a second anniversary celebration of tornado survival and invited those interested to attend.

 

Mayor Steinkamp also thanked staff for the tour and said, with the many new faces on the Council, a retreat was being planned.  He asked Council members to check their availability for a full-day meeting on Saturday, August 6 and a half-day meeting on Saturday, August 13.  Mrs. Gentrup said a consultant from the University of Kansas, John Nalbandian, who has also served as an elected official, would facilitate.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

 

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Mayor

Attest:

 

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Deputy City Clerk