CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006
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 March 13, 2006 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 Harold
Phillips who then led the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll
call was answered by Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp; Harold Phillips, Ward I; LeRoy
Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and John Parry, Ward III;
and Nick King and Bill Parker, Ward IV.
Also in attendance were Curt Wenson, City Administrator; Steve Hansen,
Public Works Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Linda
Tyree, Finance Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Val
Drogt, Special Projects Manager; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator;
Brian Hess, City Engineer; Marcella McCoy, Finance Manager; Kathy Goode,
Finance Manager; Tony Sage, Information Services Manager; Janet Pittman, Executive
Assistant; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Sun Tribune; Tanya Fogg Young, The Kansas
City Star; and six members of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2006
Council Member King moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion which carried 5-0-2.
Council Member Parker and Council Member Martin abstained, due to absence.
B. STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF FEBRUARY 27, 2006
Council Member Coe moved to approve the meeting
summary as distributed. Council Member King
seconded the motion, which carried 5-0-2.
Council Member Parker and Council Member Martin abstained, due to
absence.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Mayor Steinkamp noted that this is an opportunity for
individuals to make comments about items not on the agenda and announced a time
limit of five minutes for each speaker.
Arlene White, 1526 Canterbury Lane, stated she wanted to discuss job losses at K-Mart. Ms. White stated two co-workers were not
offered new jobs with Sears, or other positions at other locations. Ms. White is an assistant manager and stated
she had been with K-Mart for over 21 years, and for others like her, this job
is their only source of income. Some of
these individuals are older and can’t go somewhere else because they need to
maintain their benefits.
Ms. White noted her store manager is still working on
getting her a job; however, she feels badly for others, especially ones who
have experienced a cut in pay twice.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if Council had any questions. Council Member Coe asked Ms. White if she
knew what the percentage paycuts were, and if they were higher than 31%. Ms. White stated that she did not know;
however, there was one co-worker who had been with K-Mart 21 years and her wage
was cut by $2 per hour. Council Member
Coe stated he heard some were cut $4, though that could be hearsay. Mayor Steinkamp thanked Ms. White for her
comments.
Donna Colley, 1511 Hardwick Drive, stated she had been with K-Mart for over 30
years. Ms. Colley stated she was offered
a job but not at the same pay. She
stated she had a full-time office position and was told she would have to go
part-time. The first cut she received
was 29%. She stated that offer was later
rescinded and she would have seen a 41% cut.
Ms. Colley noted that the Pharmacy staff are still K-Mart employees and
they didn’t lose anything. Council
Member Parry asked if Ms. Colley was seeking a remedy from the City. Ms. Colley said no, she doesn’t need to work;
however, she wants Sears to honor their agreement with the City. Council Member Parry stated he is unsure what
the City can do. Council Member Hester stated
it seemed that there were two aspects here; pay cuts and job loss. Ms. Colley stated that is correct. Mayor Steinkamp thanked Ms. Colley for her
comments.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM FEBRUARY 17, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2006 – ORDINANCE
Document
No. 6494 was read. Council Member Martin
moved to approve the ordinance. Council
Member Hester seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member
Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – 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. 8953.
Finance Director Linda Tyree stated this is an annual
housekeeping item. Throughout the year
there are some changes that occur. In
preparation of the 2005 year end audit the Finance Department reviewed and
compared actual amounts to budget to ensure that correct accounting procedures were
followed. Ms. Tyree stated that no
monies are expended with this action.
This action makes sure that amounts booked and recorded have been
approved by Council.
Council Member King asked if the Public Facilities
Authority Debt Service Fund Amendment of $2,500 was to provide for outside
certification that the invested reserve monies are earning less interest than
the interest paid for the debt issuance.
Ms. Tyree stated that is correct.
Mr. King asked what would happen if it was determined that this was not
the case. Ms. Tyree stated this is
called “arbitrage” and the City would be required to pay taxes on this amount.
Council Member Parry requested clarification on the
TIF Debt Service Fund and stated he would follow up directly with Ms. Tyree for
an explanation.
Document No. 6495 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which
failed 6-1-0. Council Member Parry voted in opposition to
the motion.
Mayor Steinkamp stated the ordinance would be
considered on second reading at the March 27, 2006 meeting.
C. *CONTRACT
WITH SPRINGSTED
INC. FOR ROAD
IMPACT, WATER, AND WASTEWATER RATE STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $43,000 –
ORDINANCE
Planning and Development Director Steve Anderson
stated that last fall the City, the Partnership for Community Growth and
Development (PCGD) and Aquila agreed to retain Springsted Inc. to perform a
Comparative Development Fee and Requirement Study. The first phase included interviews with
developers to determine what fees and cost factors are most important when making
location decisions. The second phase, which is currently in progress, is an
analysis comparing Liberty’s development fees, infrastructure extension
requirements and incentives’ policies in five communities with whom Liberty typically competes for residential, commercial and
industrial development. Mr. Anderson
stated that this contract would be for the third phase, which is a cost of
service analysis and rate study of the roadway development, water and sewer
funds. The study will serve the dual purpose of generating the necessary
financial information needed to make policy decisions on future development
impact fees and utility rates and also satisfy existing bond covenants that
require the City to conduct a water and sewer rate study every five years. The study will require approximately 12 weeks
to complete.
Council Member Martin asked what Council’s involvement
had been in phases one and two. Mr.
Anderson stated that the PCGD contracted with Springsted for the first two phases
and the City partnered with them.
Council Member Phillips asked to what extent other consultants were
considered. Mr. Anderson stated that no
other consultants were interviewed as it was determined that after completing
phases one and two, Springsted was qualified to complete phase three and bond
counsel is satisfied with the contract and their service. Additionally, Mr. Anderson noted that prior
to the PCGD contracting with Springsted they contacted a number of other firms;
however, they determined that Springsted was the most qualified. City
Administrator Curt Wenson added that he interviewed the person who would be
completing phase three and was impressed with the individual’s knowledge of
cost of service analysis.
Council Member Hester stated she welcomes the information
and it is something we have needed for a long time; however, she is not
familiar with this company, which is listed as a financial services consultant. She noted that the previous rate study was
completed by an engineering/law firm. Mrs.
Hester wondered how an extensive report could be completed in 12 weeks and
would like to know more about the company and if they have engineering
experience. Mrs. Hester also noted that
results of the third phase of the stormwater study may also affect Council’s decisions. She stated a study session is needed so that
Council can review the information from phase one and two and outline what
questions they want to be addressed by this study. Mr. Wenson noted that the study currently
being done is incomplete without the cost comparison of fees. Without this third phase Council won’t have
the information needed to make decisions related to fees. In addition, he noted
that Springsted is a credible national firm.
Mrs. Hester stated that phase three is critical and that Council input
is needed. Mr. Parker stated that
$3,400 was the City’s portion for phases one and two, and $43,000 is the
contract
amount
for phase three. He asked what the cost
would be for additional questions. Mr.
Anderson stated that depends on what Council would want to include. Council Member Martin stated that Council is
coming in the back door on this and if phase three is needed to make one and
two worthwhile then Council should have had input. Mr. Wenson stated that phase three is integral
to the decision making process for Council.
Mr. Anderson noted that the PCGD was proceeding with phase one and two
regardless and the City decided to participate so that the project was looked
at in totality.
Council Member King asked if the contract was based on
the previous rate study. Mr. Anderson
stated it was similar; however, there was more engineering work in the previous
report because it was used to decide on implementation of impact fees. Council Member Phillips stated that he
appreciated phases one and two and the need for phase three; however, he was
not comfortable with the size of the contract .
He stated that he would like more information on the company. Mr. Wenson stated that the company can come
in and provide Council with a presentation.
Mayor Steinkamp noted that showing rates in different communities is
interesting; however, phase three will provide us with what could happen if we
raise or lower the fees, rather than relying on assumptions.
Council Member Hester asked when the results from
phase three of the stormwater study will be available. Mr. Hansen said that phase two has just begun
and anticipated that results would be brought to Council mid-year 2007. Once Council determined a strategy to proceed,
end results may be available in 2008.
Mr. Wenson noted that the PCGD wanted to see the
results of phase one and two immediately; however they have agreed to wait for
these results while the City proceeds with phase three. Council Member King stated he was prepared to
move forward.
Document No. 6496 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member King seconded the motion, which
failed 2-5-0. Council Member Phillips, Council Member
Martin, Council Member Hester, Council Member Parker and Council Member Parry voted
in opposition to the motion.
Mayor Steinkamp stated the ordinance would be
considered on second reading at the March 27, 2006 meeting.
Mayor Steinkamp asked Council if they would like to
have a study session to review this item.
Council concurred they would like to review this in a study session with
a presentation by the consultant. Mr.
Wenson stated they would coordinate this with the consultant for a study
session on either March 20 or prior to the regular session meeting on March 27. Council Member Parry asked if Council could
receive a copy of the results of phase one and two in addition to a copy of the
contract with Springsted. Mr. Wenson
stated Council will be provided with information from Springsted.
D. *CONTRACT
WITH KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT FOR STREET LIGHTING SERVICES IN SOUTHWEST
SECTION OF LIBERTY – ORDINANCE
Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated this
contract is for street lighting service for the South Liberty Parkway and its connecting streets in the southwestern
portion of the City. The lease agreement
is for a term of 10 years and is similar in nature to the agreement the City
has with Aquila, including performance related measures. Council Member King asked what portion of
the City’s streetlights are provided by KCP&L. Mr. Hansen stated the percentage is very
small. Council Member Parry asked if the
budget amount of $350,500 is for all streetlights. Mr. Hansen said that is correct and includes
the cost of these fixtures. Council
Member Parry asked when South Liberty Parkway will be open.
Mr. Hansen stated the road should be open in June and these lights
should be operable when the parkway opens.
Council Member Phillips stated that he envisioned the
parkway to include higher scale buildings and wondered if these fixtures would
be more distinctive than the City’s current lights. Mr. Hansen stated the lights would be like
those on Withers
Road, south
of Kent Street, and located in the median and would consist of spun
aluminum poles with cobra heads. Council
Member Parker asked if there would be opportunities in the future to replace
the type of head. Mr. Hansen said there
would
not;
however a different pole color may be an option. Mr. Hansen noted that since KCP&L only
services a small portion of the parkway it is important that the lights are
compatible and similar in style to those that can be provided by Aquila
along the remainder of the project.
Document No. 6497 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
E. MUNICIPAL
AGREEMENT WITH MISSOURI HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT M-291 AND CLAYWOODS
DRIVE/SOUTHVIEW DRIVE – ORDINANCE
Council Member Parker asked if there would be a
stacking lane. Mr. Hansen stated the
project would consist of geometric improvements including lengthening of the
turn lanes and removing the crossover medians.
Mr. Hansen noted this project includes participation from both the
Missouri Department of Transportation and the City. Initially, a span wire signal would be
installed to complete the project as soon as possible; however, at some unknown
point in the future these will be converted to a pole installation. Council Member Parker and Council Member
Hester thanked staff for getting this done.
Document No. 6498 was read. Council Member Hester moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
The motion carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed
in Ordinance No. 8655.
Council Member Parry stated that in the future he
would like to see more information included on trade-ins such as the age of the
vehicle and mileage. Council Member
Parry stated that Clay County holds an auction to dispose of their vehicles. Mr. Hansen noted the City used to sell used
vehicles at auction; however, this process was very cumbersome. In addition, he noted the City has taken used
vehicles to the auto auction and found the City gets more for the vehicles as
trade-ins. The City tries to purchase
better equipped vehicles that result in a better resale/trade-in value. Mr. Hansen stated that staff will continue to
look at options for disposition of vehicles.
Mr. Hansen outlined that the City now has a vehicle committee, comprised
of employees from various departments, which reviews the maintenance history,
mileage, appropriate use and other factors to determine if a vehicle is to be
replaced or not and develops specifications for new vehicles. Mr. Parry asked if this review was based on
the approved budget. Mr. Hansen stated
that is correct.
Council Member Martin moved to approve the
purchase. Council Member Hester seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously. The
motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Phillips
moved to approve the purchase. Council
Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The motion
carried unanimously.
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Mr.
Wenson stated he would check with Springsted to see if they would be available
for a study session on Monday, March 20.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Phillips thanked the citizens who spoke this evening and stated he would
appreciate a review of what Sears promised.
Council
Member Martin noted that after reviewing the boards and commissions directory, a
number of vacant positions remain and it would be nice to have these
filled. Mayor Steinkamp stated he is
reviewing each board and commission to see if they are still needed rather than
just appointing individuals to fill vacancies on boards and commissions that
don’t meet. Mr. Wenson stated that staff
is preparing a recommendation that will be brought to Council for their
consideration in a couple of weeks.
Council
Member Hester said that she was at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre Sunday
afternoon when the tornado sirens were activated and she wanted to commend the
staff on how well trained they are in emergency procedures. The evacuation of the 750 people in
attendance went very quickly and smoothly.
Council
Member Coe requested a copy of the Sears agreement. He said that if Council knew Sears was going
to cut wages he didn’t think the agreement would have been approved. Mr. Wenson stated Council will be provided
with the agreement and can review and make recommendations for
consideration.
Council
Member Parry proposed that a Finance Committee be formed. Council Member Parker asked what the role of
this committee would be. Council Member
Parry stated it would provide an opportunity for Council to assess the City’s
financial future by reviewing every financial ramification. Council Member Martin stated that review
traditionally occurs during study sessions and questioned what benefit the
committee would provide. Council Member
Parry stated the committee could help shape what comes forward to Council and
assist staff with anticipating what questions Council might have and would
include council members and staff. Mayor
Steinkamp asked if Council would like staff to research what a Finance
Committee’s function could be and examples of what it might look like. Council Members Parker, Coe and King
expressed an interest in exploring this.
Mr. Wenson stated staff will research this item and bring forward
information to Council for consideration
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk