CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 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 August 22, 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 Coni Hadden
who then led the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll
call was answered by Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp; 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
Cynthia Boecker, Acting City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works
Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Craig Knouse,
Police Chief; James Simpson, Deputy Police Chief; Chris Deal, Parks &
Recreation Director; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Linda Tyree, Finance Director;
Marcella McCoy, Assistant Finance Director; Dee Mizell, Financial Analyst; Mary
Towse, Human Resources Director; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator;
Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie
Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune, and 13 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES [SEE CONSENT AGENDA BELOW]
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Mayor
Steinkamp welcomed the following scouts from Troop #134, all of whom are
working on their citizenship badges:
Alex Creswell (with his father, Alden); Michael Zenk (with his father,
Bob); Eric Blanch; Ammon Sarver; Daniel Tervort; Dallin Russell; and Evan
Russell.
Robyn
Hawkins, 1102 S. Jefferson, Kearney, Missouri, expressed concern about an area
just outside the business she is trying to open at 2 E. Franklin. She has purchased the property and was informed
that, as the property owner, maintenance is her responsibility. She has had the area mowed but has not found
a way to deal with the smell. Because
there is no pooper scooper law in Liberty and dogs use this area near her shop, there is a
stench from dog feces and urine. She
encouraged Council to consider adopting an ordinance requiring pet owners to
pick up after their dogs. She also asked
if the Council could offer some assistance for her to replace the area with
pavers.
VI. REVIEW OF MEETING SCHEDULE – None.
A. MINUTES AND MEETING SUMMARIES FROM
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1. REGULAR
SESSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2005
Council Member Hester moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Hadden
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2. STUDY
SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF AUGUST 15, 2005
Council Member Hester moved to approve the meeting
summary as distributed. Council Member
Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
B. AUTHORIZE
EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD AUGUST 22, 2005 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REGULAR SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION MATTERS AS
AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 610.021 (1) RSMo – MOTION
Council Member Hester moved to authorize the executive
session. Council Member Hadden seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.
*ESTABLISH 2005 PROPERTY
TAX LEVY – ORDINANCE
Ms. Boecker noted that the property tax levy must be
established by September 1. Financial
Analyst Dee Mizell stated the 2005 property tax levy supports the 2006 budget
and is based on state formulas and the Hancock amendment. She noted the levy proposed is a decrease
from 2004. The assessment year begins
the first week in October and as the assessed value increases the property tax
levy goes down.
Ms. Mizell stated the levy is made up of $0.8225 for
the General Fund and $0.1451 for the Parks Fund. The projected revenue from this levy is
$4,145,678. There is an increase in real
estate tax revenues due to new construction.
Business property tax revenues are projected to increase due to new
businesses and existing businesses adding to their taxable property. The railroad tax has decreased.
Ms. Mizell stated that establishing this property tax
levy provides for funding of the 2006 budget.
Because the levy must be established and filed with the county by
September 1, staff recommends approval on first reading.
Council Member King stated he appreciated the
information provided by staff which clarified the projections as being from a
year ago. He added that the levy is set
in August before the budget starting in January and this represents a 3.6%
increase in projected revenues.
Council Member Hester asked if the property
assessments are done by the City. Ms.
Mizell said that state law requires the city to use the assessment values
determined by the county.
Council Member King said it is his understanding that
owners of property constructed after the last assessment would be charged at
the rate of the adopted 2005 property tax levy.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak in favor of the tax levy. Seeing none, he asked if anyone present
wished to speak in opposition to the tax levy.
Seeing none, he closed the public hearing and returned discussion to
Council.
Document No. 6409 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 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. 8866.
A.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM AUGUST 5, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 19, 2005 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6410 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to approve the ordinance. Council Member Parker seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion was as follows: 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. 8867.
B.
*ISSUANCE OF
SEWER SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)
Ms. Boecker stated the bond issuance is on second
reading and bonds were issued last week contingent on Council approval. Assistant Finance Director Marcella McCoy
reviewed the bonds, brought forward for issuance after voters approved $9.4
million in sewer revenue bonds to complete the Upper Rush Creek sewer improvements project and to begin an inflow and
infiltration prevention program.
Ms. McCoy stated the City has been approved for state
revolving funds to provide $6.2 million for construction costs of the Upper Rush Creek project. The
bonds, in the amount of $3.2 million, will provide funds for the Upper Rush Creek project, implementation of an inflow and infiltration
prevention program and repayment of the loan from the Missouri Development
Finance Board. The remaining $3 million
will be used to refund the existing bonds issued in 1995 for the Town and Cates
branch sewer basin improvements. This
will provide a lower interest rate and allow the bonds to be paid off a year
earlier, in 2014. Ms. McCoy noted the
bonds have maturity dates ranging from February 1, 2006 to February 1, 2025 with interest rates from 3% to 4.2%. Standard & Poor’s underlying rating of
“A” is good for the City’s sewer fund.
Document No. 6391 was read. Council Member Hester moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Parker
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Ordinance
No. 8868.
C.
AGREEMENT WITH THE
PAR GROUP IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,000 FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH –
ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)
Mayor Steinkamp stated this contract is on second
reading and will provide executive search services for retention of a city
administrator. He identified members of
the committee (Human Resources Director Mary Towse, Council Member King,
Council Member Hadden and himself) and recapped the process it had gone through
to identify and recommend The PAR Group.
Council Member Parry asked if this will pay for a
candidate flying in for an interview.
Mayor Steinkamp said a portion of the $19,000 is for expenses.
Council Member Parker said he would first like the
City to conduct a search of its own in the metropolitan area and place ads in
appropriate trade journals. He said the
human resources director had been hired to help the City with local
recruiting. Mr. Parker emphasized that,
before spending taxpayers money for a national search, the City should see
what’s available locally. He said for
that reason, he would oppose approving this contract.
Council Member King said he appreciated Council Member
Parker’s position but was in favor of hiring a search firm because he believed
it protected local people. He said, if a
search is conducted locally, those applying at that time might be rejected when
looking nationally. Conducting a
national search from the start ensures that any local candidate hired is the
best choice.
Council Member Hadden said all the firms considered
have good credentials. Hiring a search
firm allows the City to be objective and to conduct the search using a broad
base. Mrs. Hadden said she would vote to
approve the agreement in order for Liberty to identify the best candidates and to ensure its
selection of a city administrator is the right one.
Council Member Hester stated a search firm can help
clarify what the City’s needs are, taking their services beyond identification
of candidates.
Council Member Coe said the City had used search firms
on two occasions and neither person was still with the City. He noted that Patty Gentrup was hired as city
administrator and had served well in that position, having been hired without
the expense of a search firm. He asked
what the City would do if the wrong decision was again made after using a
search firm. He expressed concern about
the possibility of additional expense.
He stated he would vote in opposition to the contract.
Document No. 6407 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member King seconded
the motion. Mayor Steinkamp said he
believes Liberty deserves the best and that can be accomplished by
looking at candidates locally, regionally and nationally. He said, while $19,000 is a significant sum,
it is a small price to pay for the cream of the crop. He added this is the right way to approach
this issue.
The motion carried 4-2-0. Council
Member Parker and Council Member Coe voted in opposition; it was approved by
the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8869.
Mayor Steinkamp said he was sure the entire Council
would work toward the goal of hiring the best individual for the position.
D.
TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BEER GARDEN AT CLAYVIEW COUNTRY CLUB DURING FALL FESTIVAL –
RESOLUTION
Ms. Boecker stated this is a request by the Liberty
Area Chamber of Commerce for a beer garden at the Clayview Country Club on
September 23 and 24, during Fall Festival.
Council Member King asked if those entering the beer garden must be
21. Chamber President Gayle Potter
stated that they must be at least 21 years old and that the Chamber works with
North Kansas City Beverages to make sure all staff working in the beer garden
know how to check for identification and that they work comply with all state
statutes and city ordinances.
Council Member Parker said this was the third year for
the event and no problems had been reported.
Council Member Hester moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Hadden
seconded the motion, which carried 5-1-0. Council
Member King voted in opposition. The
resolution is inscribed in Resolution No. 2226.
E.
ACCEPTANCE OF
SANITARY SEWER EASEMENTS – UPPER RUSH CREEK SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT – ORDINANCE
Council Member Hester asked for a review of what goes
into determining the cost for obtaining an easement. Public Works Director Steve Hansen said it
depends on the amount of property that is affected. He added that farmland has a different value
than commercial or residential property.
He stated that easements are acquired at no cost, where possible. If that offer is rejected, then a certified
appraiser provides an appraised value and that forms the basis of the initial
offer. Prior to filing an eminent domain
petition, staff again looks at the appraised value including legal costs
associated with condemnation. This
information is then used in negotiations and in determining whether eminent
domain should be pursued. The factors
for each easement vary, so they can’t be easily compared from one to another.
Document No. 6411 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 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. 8872.
F.
ACCEPTANCE OF
SANITARY SEWER EASEMENTS – HEARTLAND MEADOWS INDUSTRIAL
PARK –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6412 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 Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8873.
G.
AGREEMENT FOR
POLICE & FIRE DRY CLEANING SERVICES – ORDINANCE
Ms. Boecker pointed out the comparison of cleaners in
the example should have read $135 and $200 instead of $13.50 and $20.00, but
the result was the same for purposes of identifying Mayfair Cleaners as having
the lowest and best bid.
Council Member Parry asked how much of the expense was
for police compared to fire. Deputy
Police Chief Simpson said $7,100 is for police and the jail with $2,100 being
for fire.
Council Member Hadden asked what costs there were for
the jail, since prisoners are housed at the county detention center now. Deputy Chief Simpson said there are still
prisoners housed in the police facility up to twenty hours and even though the
costs have decreased for these services, there are still some.
Deputy Chief Simpson noted this is a two-year contract
with a possible extension for an additional year. Council Member Parry asked what notice would
have to be given. Deputy Chief Simpson
said one week’s notice would be sufficient.
Document No. 6413 was read. Council Member King 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. 8874.
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Ms.
Boecker noted Monday, August 29 is a fifth Monday, so no meeting is
scheduled. Monday, September 5 is a
holiday and there is no study session on September 6, so the next meeting of
Council will be Monday, September 12. Mayor
Steinkamp asked if there would be a packet delivered next Friday. Ms. Boecker said one was planned, but the
executive secretary would call Council if that changed.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Hester asked about the removal of the right turn on red at the
school. Police Chief Craig Knouse said
it was a school crossing and allowing right turn on red was the safest way for
pedestrians in that area. Ms. Boecker
said all the temporary changes regarding right turn on red were related to
traffic near schools.
Council
Member Parry asked about police presence at Doniphan School for school traffic.
Chief Knouse said it is more important to monitor traffic near schools
now, with more children walking and riding their bicycles. Mr. Parry said he was concerned about the
crossing guards with so many children.
Chief Knouse said officers spend time at each elementary school and meet
with school officials when issues are identified.
Mr.
Parry asked about the law enforcement officers at the school. Chief Knouse said the school resources
officers are part of a cooperative agreement between the City and the Liberty School
District. Deputy Chief Simpson said there are also
highway patrol officers who carry weapons and serve as security at the schools,
but they are not part of the City program with the School District.
Council
Member King asked if a new machine that bevels sidewalks to remove edges could
be used to address the issue on Wildbriar.
Mr. Hansen said he has seen ads for that equipment but has not seen it
in action. He said the Wildbriar issue
is with the manhole. He added that
grinding down the sidewalk might cause its integrity to be lost.
Council
Member Parker asked if there are adequate sidewalks on Liberty Drive. Council
Member Parry said there are not and the school has opted to bus the children to
the middle school and junior high school for now.
Mayor
Steinkamp encouraged council members to attend the meeting with the Partnership
for Community Growth and Development on September 8, 2005, which would provide information on Tax Increment
Financing. Ms. Boecker said a reminder
was in Council packets and those planning to attend could contact Janet Pittman
in Administration. The meeting begins at
7:30 a.m. at the School District Administration offices at 650
Conistor.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy
City Clerk