CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 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 April 10, 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 John Parry who then led the pledge of allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

Roll call was answered by Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp; Coni Hadden and Harold Phillips, Ward I; LeRoy Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and John Parry, Ward III; and Nick King, Ward IV.  Also in attendance were Curt Wenson, City Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Mike Snider, Deputy Fire Chief; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Marcella McCoy, Finance Manager; Annette Vaughn, HR/Safety Manager; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Val Drogt, Special Projects Manager; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Brian Hess, City Engineer; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; and 17 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.        STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF MARCH 27, 2006

 

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

 

B.         REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 27, 2006

 

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

 

C.         EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 27, 2006

 

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

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION – None.

 

Mayor Steinkamp called attention to revised agendas which replaced the agenda that was distributed last week.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.        AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD APRIL 10, 2006 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE REGULAR SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION MATTERS AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 610.021(1) RSMo, AND CONTRACT MATTERS AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 610.021(12) RSMo – MOTION

 

Council Member Hester moved to authorize the executive session.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM MARCH 17, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6506 was read.  Council Member King moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – 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. 8965.

 

B.         *FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WARREN HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REQUESTED BY LIBERTY SCHOOL DISTRICT – RESOLUTION

 

Public Works Director Steve Hansen reviewed the final development plan approved in March 2005.  He noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission had reviewed the initial final development plan application from the School District with the understanding that the extension of Camille Street to A Highway was part of the plan.  The Commission recommended approval of the development plan.  The School District then cited substantial cost increases for public works and building construction in asking City staff not to require extension of Camille Street beyond the school site frontage.  Staff requested a new traffic study without the extension to determine if the area would be adversely affected.  The study did not reveal adverse effects on the street or intersection capacities in the area.  The extension of Camille Street to A Highway was not required by the subdivision or adequate facilities ordinances.

 

Mr. Hansen continued his review, stating that considerable discussion by City Council and comments from residents focused on public safety access and increased traffic levels in the Place Liberté subdivision and surrounding street network.  The final development plan was approved by City Council requiring the extension of Camille Street to A Highway prior to occupancy of the school.

 

Construction of the school (Warren Hills Elementary) is well underway with completion anticipated this fall.  Camille Street has been improved to the school and graded east of the school to A Highway.  This access is being used by construction vehicles.  Mr. Hansen stated that the School District is still looking at the rising costs and has asked the City to take another look at the requirement to improve Camille Street to A Highway before the school can be occupied.  City staff reviewed the safety and technical issues and concluded that the connection of Camille Street to A Highway is beneficial for overall traffic flow.  The School District agrees with staff that this connection will have a positive impact on the area, however, is concerned about its cost and impact on the school’s budget.

 

Providing a granular surface from the school to A Highway satisfies the safety related concerns of both police and fire departments by offering a suitable alternative access route to and from the school if an emergency arises.  The School District is willing to extend Lynette to Camille Street to provide a secondary access route to the school.  The School District has agreed to complete construction of the improvements extending Camille Street to A Highway within two years.

 

Council Member Hadden asked if the School District will continually maintain the aggregate base.  Mr. Hansen stated this section of road would be barricaded and be used for emergency access only.  Once improvements begin, there will be access.  Council Member Phillips asked how this was accessible in an emergency if barricaded.  Mr. Hansen stated there could be a lock and key system to provide City emergency vehicles access to the school.  Council Member King asked who would be responsible for maintaining the road.  Mr. Hansen said that, if the resolution is approved, the School District would be responsible for the making sure the road meets requirements to allow emergency access.

 

Council Member Hester asked if the two year period would be from the date of occupancy of the school.  Mr. Hansen stated that is correct.  He added that the School District’s plans to sell the property to a developer and this could make the street’s improvements happen sooner.

 

Council Member Coe stated that is not just fire and police but the massive traffic before and after school that concerns him.  He expressed serious reservations and questioned why the City would allow the delay in road improvements until after the school is open.  Mr. Hansen stated that the staff uses the ITE manual and traffic studies to determine the impact of traffic.  With or without the extension of Camille Street, there is no indication that the capacity of the area roadways will be degraded by this development. Mr. Coe said there are too many children being picked up and those cars and the bus traffic will be a problem around this school as it is in his neighborhood, which is near Ridgeview Elementary.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the cost of the road.  Mr. Hansen stated he would rely on the School District to provide that information.  He added the road has been graded down to a point short of A Highway and then there is a jog to A Highway.  This is due to the presence of utility lines which were not originally noted by the utility companies.  There will also be costs along A Highway and the School District’s request is a matter of economics.

 

Superintendent Scott Taveau, Liberty School District, 650 Conistor, stated that in a review of the construction costs by the District staff three weeks ago, it was clear that something different would have to be done.  After a lot of study, City staff was asked to reconsider the requirement to improve Camille Street to A Highway before the school opens.  He noted that when the bond issue was crafted, the School District had no idea the costs would increase as they have.  The cost for road improvements and moving the utilities coupled with huge increases in construction costs is now $1.4 million more than anticipated.  Increases in the cost of construction materials and petroleum along with natural disasters have combined to raise costs beyond expectations and the School District is facing huge cost overruns.  Supt. Taveau said the School District is asking the City for a reprieve.  They understand the road is needed, but the addition of two years will allow them to identify a developer to share in the cost of road improvements.  If a developer is not found, the costs would be addressed in the 2008 bond issue.

 

Mike Brewer, Executive Director of Support Services, Liberty School District, 444 East Kansas, stated that he is a Liberty citizen and appreciates the concerns that have been expressed.  He stated that the extension of the road would add $830,000 to the project, with a large part of the expense coming from moving utilities under A Highway.  He stated that the School District has opened seven new schools and added space or renovated seven other schools since 2000, all paid with bond funds, but there is also the additional cost of staffing and equipment.  The School District explored every option with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the utility companies in meetings.  The utility companies won’t help and to design over the existing utilities would be even more expensive.  If given two more years, the School District will finish Lynette and the access road.  Mr. Brewer noted the school will open at less than full capacity and the road will be in within two years, before the school reaches full capacity.  This is acceptable to all involved.  There will be 350 students that ride busses and routes have been designed to go through the subdivision with the least development.  Walkers and car riders will be there whether or not the road is extended.  Superintendent Taveau stated there is not as much traffic with elementary schools as there is at secondary schools.

 

Council Member King asked about the capacity of busses.  Mr. Brewer said the busses hold 84 riders.  Mr. King asked for clarification of the School District’s plans if a developer is not found.  Superintendent Taveau stated that the bond issue will go forward in April 2008, but the construction plans are in place and the project could be completed by Fall 2008.

 

Council Member Hadden asked what the opening enrollment was expected to be.  Mr. Brewer said it anticipated that the school will open with 480 students and 130 of those live within one mile and do not ride the bus.  Mrs. Hadden asked when the school was expected to be at capacity.  Mr. Brewer said the school would reach capacity (600) within four or five years.  He added that the additional elementary schools have absorbed the growth.

 

Council Member Coe asked about the children in Amber Meadows.  Mr. Brewer stated that most of those would be walkers.  Mr. Coe asked what plans the School District had if the 2008 bond issue did not pass.  Superintendent Taveau said the School District has made the commitment and there are capital funds for the project.  They have experienced success with previous bond issues.  Mr. Coe asked if the road would be extended in 2007 or 2008.  Superintendent Taveau stated the road would be extended as soon as possible.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the two cost figures that had been mentioned by the School District.  Superintendent Taveau stated the $830,000 is the cost for moving the utilities.  Mrs. Hester asked about the cost of extending Lynette Lane, which wasn’t in the original plans.  Mr. Brewer stated that would cost $200,000 or less and some asphalting is in the existing contract, so this is more cost effective.

 

Council Member Phillips asked the School District to comment on its position that the extension of Flintlock Road is needed for safety reasons, but safety has not been mentioned by the School District with this project.  Superintendent Taveau stated that safety always comes first and before the School District came to the City for assistance, the School District staff wanted to make sure emergency vehicles could get in and out.  He stated that all life safety issues have been addressed.  Mr. Phillips asked how the School District could count on the 2008 bond issue passing.  Superintendent Taveau stated there is no guarantee on bond issues, but the other option is to secure a developer who would help with the cost.  He added that the School District and the City serve the same constituents and there is a good relationship between the two.

 

Council Member Martin asked if the bond issue did not pass that would stop construction.  Superintendent Taveau stated the School District could not do that and while it would like to open schools with the same equipment in order to provide the same quality education, some purchases would have to be delayed in order to cover the costs of extending Camille Street to A Highway.  He said the School District’s record stands for itself and they are at this meeting to request the City’s help.

 

Council Member Martin stated that no one would question the School District’s ability to provide for quality education.  She asked if the utility relocation was a surprise.  Superintendent Taveau said it was and that the State’s one call system had been used but these utilities had not been identified at that time.  Council Member Parry asked what would be involved in moving the utilities.  Mr. Hansen stated that with a gas line, a new one would have to be laid; fiber optic cable requires not only a relocation to a lower elevation but splicing.  He noted that even above ground utilities can be too high or too low and require relocation.  Mr. Parry asked what standards apply.  Mr. Hansen stated that some utilities, such as telephones, are regulated by their specific industry.  Water and sewer have prescribed elevations by the City as well as the Public Service Commission.

 

Mayor Steinkamp noted that this item does not require a public hearing, but he would offer an opportunity for anyone wishing to speak to do so.  He announced a four-minute time limit per speaker and asked if anyone else present wished to speak in favor of the School District’s request.  Seeing none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the School District’s request.

 

Matt DeWeese, 1308 Camille Street, thanked Mike Brewer for his time on Saturday to provide information to residents, who were unaware of this item being brought forward.  He stated that safety is paramount and Lynette is 24 feet wide.  With two 7-foot wide F-150 trucks parked across from each other, there is little room left for other vehicles to get through.  He asked Council to carefully consider whether fire trucks would be able to get through.

 

Andy Rieger, 1316 Camille Street, said the earlier decision of Council was based on safety and the most expedient way to get to and from the school.  He stated emergency equipment has four or five turns to get to his address without Camille Street being extended to A Highway.  Changes occur during the building process and such contingencies should be built in.  He asked the School District and Council to consider viable options instead of scrapping the original plan and deferring the extension of the street for years.  He said he would even pay higher taxes to get the road in as originally planned.

 

Scott Hidy, 2013 Court Louis, stated that all the trucks are not using the service road and they are breaking up his street entering and leaving the school development.  He asked how emergency vehicles would get through on the access road if cars were parked there.  He emphasized that the children’s safety was only possible if Camille Street is extended now and asked for another review by public safety officials.  He stated that holiday traffic is enormous and cars are parked everywhere, making it difficult to get through.  He added that the 150 children that are walking will be where every bus and the cars go everyday.  Mr. Hidy stated the School District should have known about the rising cost and should bite the bullet and extend the road now.

 

Pam Monteleone, 1416 Camille Street, stated they moved to their home a year ago and had to mark the utilities.  She said she found it hard to believe that the School District did not know utilities were present.  She questioned why the School District wouldn’t just add the extras for the school later and stick to the budget in which the street was planned.

 

Darwin Fest, 1407 Lynette Street, stated he lives a few blocks from the proposed extension of Lynette.  He stated these streets were not built for industrial traffic and the streets are now in poor to fair condition.  He said it appears the City is just taking on more maintenance costs.  He added that the park is across from his home and is very busy.  Since it abuts up to school property, he has safety concerns there as well.

 

James Monteleone, 1416 Camille Street, asked why the School District doesn’t use the capital funds available now.  There are children that will be walking to school when it opens that present a safety concern.  He asked where residents would park if parking is not permitted in front of their own houses.

 

Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else present wished to speak in opposition to the resolution.  Seeing none, he returned discussion to the City Council.

 

Council Member Parry asked if there is any way to put in a lesser quality road.  Mr. Brewer said MoDOT will not compromise and has approved the plan contingent on the utilities being moved and improving A Highway or elevating A Highway over the utilities.

 

Mayor Steinkamp clarified that it has always been contemplated that the bus routes would traverse the streets in Place Liberté and that the busses would go through Place Liberté or A Highway.  Mr. Brewer said the route had been similar to what he described earlier in his presentation.  Mayor Steinkamp noted that would be in addition to using A Highway for access.  Mr. Brewer said that was correct.  Mr. Hansen stated the traffic study had considered not just bus traffic, but all vehicular traffic to determine the impact and the existing and anticipated traffic were not close to exceeding the levels for the planned access through the subdivision.  Mayor Steinkamp asked for clarification that the streets are acceptable for emergency vehicles.  Mr. Hansen stated that emergency vehicles could access both houses in the area and the school.

 

Council Member Phillips asked about the property to be developed.  Superintendent Taveau stated the entire property comprises 38 acres with 15-16 acres being the school development.  He stated an architect had developed plans for home sites and the School District would work with a developer to share the costs.  The capital funds are now being used for the cost overruns.

 

Council Member Hester asked if there is parking on both sides of the street.  Mr. Hansen stated there is no restricted parking now and no plans to restrict parking unless all the residents in an area request it.  Mrs. Hester asked if there is a problem with the existing streets.  Mr. Hansen stated that Place Liberté is in an area that needs work, but each year the rising costs reduce the number of streets that can be overlaid.  Mrs. Hester asked if these streets can be moved up the list.  Mr. Hansen stated there is no technical reason for doing so.  Only half the street could be overlaid with the funds available and that is not the way street maintenance is accomplished.  The City will make repairs and maintain the street as necessary to make it safe.  Mrs. Hester asked how many of the busses would use A Highway to get to the school.  Mr. Brewer said about half the busses will use that route, when it is available.  He stated the School District constantly evaluates the busses needed and best routes.  Mrs. Hester asked what the School District would do if the capital funds are not available.  Mr. Brewer stated that the capital funds have been depleted due to being used to cover cost overruns.  Without a project next year, it will allow the funds to be built up.

 

Council Member Coe asked if fire trucks and busses can get through the streets in the subdivision.  Mr. Brewer stated the busses are on the streets now and there have been no issues about getting through.  Council Member King asked for an estimate of the number of students designated as bus riders that actually ride the bus.  Mr. Brewer said that with the elementary schools, it can be as high as 80 percent.  There are not that many extra cars dropping off and picking up students.  There is more parking area available and patterns of traffic for special events are discussed.  He added that there are crossing guards at schools where there are traffic issues.

 

Council Member King said he was aware of the creative parking that occurs at the community center and asked how police and fire would address cars parked in front of the barricade or how it could be prevented.  Police Chief Knouse stated that the markings at the school make a big difference.  He stated that police needed multiple ways to and from the school and this plan addresses the police department’s concerns in this regard.  Fire Chief Birch stated that the fire department’s concerns are both with getting to the school and getting away from the school in a mass casualty situation.  He stated the plan meets those needs.

 

Council Member King moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion.  Council Member Hadden stated that she had been thinking about this proposal and what was discussed in 2005 after the street was required to be extended to A Highway.  Mrs. Hadden stated she believes the traffic standards need to look more seriously at the number of additional vehicles with parents driving their children to school and picking them up afterward.   Mrs. Hadden stated that budgeting needs to be taken seriously, including looking at how costs can be reduced.  She stated that both the City and the School District have a responsibility to consider what must be removed from a project in order to complete it under budget.

 

Council Member Martin stated she was disappointed this was being returned to Council for reconsideration.  She stated the Council voted unanimously a year ago to require Camille Street be extended before the school opened.  Cost overruns appear to be the only changes and that happens in all projects.  The City has no options and cutting out parts of a planned project must be done at times.  She stated she would rather see the School District spend the money on extending Camille Street than put on an aggregate base and extend Lynette.  Mrs. Martin wished the School District had planned better for this project.

 

Council Member Phillips affirmed the School District staff visit with the neighbors and the School District’s commitment to safety.  He noted the difference between this school and the recently built Liberty Oaks is that elementary school went in to a subdivision in the initial stages of development and this school is being placed in a fully developed area.

 

Council Member King stated the school will open before it is at capacity and only 20 percent of the students are driven to and from school.  Public safety officials believe the changes address their concerns and there are already busses going through the Place Liberté neighborhoods now.  For these reasons, Mr. King stated, he supported the resolution.

 

The motion carried 4-3-0 and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2243.  Council Member Coe, Council Member Martin and Council Member Phillips voted in opposition.

 

Mayor Steinkamp recessed the meeting at 8:28 p.m.

 

Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting back to order at 8:35 p.m.  Council Member Parry was not in the room at this time.

 

C.                 *EMPLOYEE INSURANCE

 

HR/Safety Manager Annette Vaughn noted the City’s Employee Benefits Committee and management team recently reviewed employee insurance plans.

 

Council Member Parry returned to the meeting at this time.

 

Ms. Vaughn stated that the committee and CBIZ, the City’s benefits consultant considered which plans would go out for bid for better pricing.  United Healthcare has provided the City’s health insurance since 2000 and for the third year, United Healthcare is offering a renewal at no increase in premiums.  Ms. Vaughn noted that a zero percent increase is very unusual and due to the ability to continue with the same coverage at no increase in cost, staff recommends renewing the insurance plan with United Healthcare.

 

With regard to dental coverage, the City currently provides coverage through Aetna.  Because bids for this coverage were last solicited in 2000 and because of a decline in area dentists available through this plan, the City sought bids for dental coverage.  Of the three bids considered, MetLife

offered a better selection of dentists in the area and offered the highest coverage at a better price.  Staying with Aetna, the City would incur an eight percent increase.  Staff recommends MetLife for employee dental coverage.

 

Ms. Vaughn reviewed life insurance coverage and noted that the City had offered $25,000 in life insurance to employees for many years through ING.  Bids were solicited and four were considered.  Mutual of Omaha offers $30,000 in life insurance at a slightly lower plan rate than what the City is currently paying.  In addition, employees can voluntarily accept supplemental coverage up to $100,000 and the rates are guaranteed for three years.  Staff recommends Mutual of Omaha for employee life insurance coverage.

 

Ms. Vaughn then reviewed the short-term disability coverage and noted that the City has had such a high claims experience over the last three years that bids were not solicited this year.  Staff recommends renewing short-term disability coverage with MetLife.

 

Council Member Parry asked why a Health Savings Account (HSA) was not considered.  Ms. Vaughn stated that the staff relies on the consultant (CBIZ) to advise of trends and options.  With no increase from United Healthcare, an HSA was not considered this year.  Mr. Parry requested that HSA be considered next year and stated the City has a responsibility to offer the most cost effective options to its employees.  City Administrator Curt Wenson stated that there could be a cost to switch over to an HSA and with a zero percent increase that option was not considered this year.  Mayor Steinkamp asked Council Member Parry to clarify whether he wanted it considered for this coming year or next year.  Mr. Parry stated that he would like to see how much it would cost and asked that it be included in the options for the next plan year.

 

1.         CONTRACT WITH METLIFE FOR EMPLOYEE DENTAL INSURANCE – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6507 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 Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8966.

 

2.         RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE – MOTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the renewal of health insurance with United Healthcare.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

3.         CONTRACT WITH MUTUAL OF OMAHA FOR EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6508 was read.  Council Member Phillips moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8967.

 

4.         RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE WITH METLIFE – MOTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the renewal of short term disability insurance with MetLife.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Assistant City Administrator Cynthia Boecker noted that Annette Vaughn has been with the City for about a year and serves as HR/Safety Manager.  She has also been helping out for the last four months in the absence of an HR director.

 

D.        AGREEMENT WITH MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR SHARED COSTS OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6509 was read.  Council Member King 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.

 

Council Member Parry asked if the aerial photography was expected to cost $34,000.  Mr. Hansen stated that $34,000 has been budgeted, but the actual costs won’t be available until the final level of participation is known.  Ms. Boecker stated the aerials are done on an alternating year basis.

 

The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8968.

 

E.         LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) DATA – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6510 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 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. 8969.

 

F.         ACCEPTANCE OF HEARTLAND MEADOWS SANITARY SEWER EXT. PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2244.

 

G.         RUSH CREEK PARKWAY

 

1.         REIMBURSEMENT TO INTRA-STATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,170 OF OVERSIZED WATER MAIN EXPENSE FOR WATER MAIN EXTENSION – MOTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the reimbursement.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Parry asked for a list of encumbered funds from 2005.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF RUSH CREEK PARKWAY WATER MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2245.

 

H.        CONTRACT WITH CLAY COUNTY SANITARY AND DITCHING SERVICE, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $54,652.72 FOR A HIGHWAY WATER LINE EXTENSION PROJECT – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6511 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 Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin asked about the Mayes Plumbing bid.  Mr. Hansen stated this was the company’s first bid for this type of project and that may have affected the bid Mayes submitted.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8970.

 

I.          *ANNEXATION

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated that the annexation areas being proposed are generally within the Liberty School District and are being brought forward as part of the Council’s Strategic Goals.  Without objection, he asked for this addition to the agenda to be considered.  Mayor Steinkamp continued, stating that annexation allows Liberty to move forward and be first in line to incorporate these areas into the City.  There will be a public hearing on May 18 for Areas A and B, which will be placed separately on the August 8 ballot.

 

Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson stated that the Council’s goals, established in late 2005, included development of an annexation plan and these eight steps begin that process.  Area A is to the south of Liberty and is where the second phase of the South Liberty Parkway will be developed.  The Parkway will eventually extend from I-35 to 291 Highway when Phase II is completed.  Mr. Anderson reviewed the Resolution of Intent to be considered by Council at this meeting and two ordinances on first reading, one for annexation and the other for ballot certification.

 

Area B is to the north of Liberty and is similar to the area considered for annexation in 2002.  Mr. Anderson stated this is a prime growth corridor and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has noted this area in transportation plans for an additional interchange.  The same three steps noted for Area A above are also presented this evening for Area B, that being the Resolution of Intent and two ordinances on first reading.

 

Area C is to the east of Liberty and, as Mr. Anderson noted, is on a different time schedule due to the size of this area.  This will allow additional time to work with a consultant over the next two years to develop a plan.  The Resolution of Intent will be considered this evening, but the second reading of the ordinance for annexation will come forward in November 2007, with an election anticipated in November 2008.

 

Mr. Anderson reviewed the dates and benchmarks, including public hearings for Areas A and B at the Community Center on May 18 at which plans of intent would be available.  While no action is required on the plans, the Council would consider the two ordinances for Area A and the two ordinances for Area B on second reading at that meeting.

 

On August 8, a first election is scheduled for Area A and Area B.  There will be separate votes for each area and votes of the citizens in the annexation area are counted separately from those of the Liberty voters.  If more than 50% vote in favor in each area, the annexation passes on first ballot.  If not, then two-thirds of the combined votes in Liberty and the annexation area at a second election in November 2006, would approve the annexation of the area.

 

Council Member Martin asked when the Resolution of Intent is effective.  Mr. Anderson stated it will be in effect upon passage by the City Council.

 

1.         AREA A

 

a.         RESOLUTION OF INTENT - RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2246.

 

b.         ANNEXATION OF AREA A – ORDINANCE (FIRST READING)

 

Document No. 6512 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this ordinance would go to second reading following the public hearing on May 18, 2006.

 

c.         BALLOT CERTIFICATION – ORDINANCE (FIRST READING)

 

Document No. 6513 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this ordinance would go to second reading following the public hearing on May 18, 2006.

 

2.         AREA B

 

a.         RESOLUTION OF INTENT - RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2247.

 

b.         ANNEXATION OF AREA B – ORDINANCE (FIRST READING)

 

Document No. 6514 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this ordinance would go to second reading following the public hearing on May 18, 2006.

 

c.         BALLOT CERTIFICATION – ORDINANCE (FIRST READING)

 

Document No. 6515 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this ordinance would go to second reading following the public hearing on May 18, 2006.

 

3.         AREA C

 

a.         RESOLUTION OF INTENT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2248.

 

b.         ANNEXATION OF AREA C – ORDINANCE (FIRST READING)

 

Document No. 6516 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this ordinance would go to second reading following the public hearing tentatively scheduled for November 5, 2007.

 

Mayor Steinkamp restated the intent to extend Liberty’s boundaries as closely as possible to the Liberty School District boundaries, but they cannot align to those boundaries which are already in incorporated areas.  He stated the action being taken is to ensure and secure growth areas for Liberty, not for some other incorporated area.

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        *PRESENTATION: TAX INCREMENT FINANCING 101

 

Joanne Ellsworth, legal counsel with Williams & Campo, made a brief presentation, reviewing the basic concepts and procedures for tax increment financing (TIF), along with the mechanics and terminology.  She summarized the actions necessary, including required findings and public hearings to comply with state law, adding that TIF is subject to conflict of interest laws.

 

Mr. Wenson noted this allows the use of tax dollars and to make public infrastructure and improvements the top priority.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mr. Wenson stated that Amy Brusven has accepted the City’s offer for the Human Resources Director position.  She currently serves as the HR Director for Clay County and is expected to begin her duties with the City on May 10.  Council Member King added that he had enjoyed his experience participating in two interviews for the position and appreciated the competence she displayed.

 

Mr. Wenson announced that Steve Hansen has been named one of the American Public Works Association’s top 10 Public Works Directors of the Year.  The Mayor and City Council congratulated Mr. Hansen on the honor.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Martin asked for an update on Road District funding.  Finance Director Linda Tyree stated the cities are still in negotiation with the County.  Mr. Wenson stated that conversations with the County’s Interim Administrator indicate an interest in resolving this issue soon.

 

Council Member Hadden noted that the preservation awards were scheduled for May 18 at the Corbin Theatre.  She asked that the date be rescheduled, given the public hearing slated for that date at the Community Center.

 

Council Member King thanked Parks & Recreation Director Chris Deal and Public Works Director Steve Hansen for their assistance in addressing issues he brought to their attention.

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated there would be a ten minute break following adjournment of the meeting, before the executive session was convened.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

Mayor

Attest:

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk