CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, JULY 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 July 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 Harold Phillips 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 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; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Tony Sage, Information Services Manager; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Jason Noble, The Kansas City Star; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; and 4 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.        REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2006

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the minutes as corrected.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried 6-0-2.  Council Member Hester and Council Member Parker abstained due to absence.

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

A.        RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR THE NATIVE SONS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY – RESOLUTION

 

Mayor Steinkamp read the resolution thanking the Native Sons for a historical marker to be placed at Mt. Memorial Cemetery.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2255.

 

Julie Struble, 36 Moss, asked to speak to the matter at the end of the agenda regarding the stop signs at Sunset and Moss.  She stated that if the 4-way stop was not warranted because of traffic, she believed it was still warranted because of the number of children that walk to school.  She stated the sight distance is a concern and westbound traffic cannot see people in the crosswalk until they get to the top of the hill, which is almost at the intersection.  She stated that the 4-way stop has been in place since she and her husband moved to their current residence and no one mentioned it might be removed.  Ms. Struble expressed concern that the change had been made without any prior notice to residents.  She stated it has changed the neighborhood and again expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians at the intersection.

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated that staff would provide comment later on the agenda.

 

Thomas Murdock, 14 Moss, asked to see sources stating the 4-way stop is not warranted and can, in fact, cause accidents.  He stated this street shouldn’t be considered a major thoroughfare and should maintain the 25 mph speed limit to keep traffic slow and to maintain the feel of the historic district.  He stated the entire environment should be regulated.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.                 APPOINTMENTS

 

Liberty Housing Authority

Reappoint David Maltby to a term expiring 07-01-2010

 

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

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM JUNE 16, 2006 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2006 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6548 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.

 

Council member Martin referred to check number 96186, a payment to the medical director, and asked if he is paid on a contractual basis or as an employee with taxes being withheld.  Fire Chief Gary Birch stated he is paid under a contract and is not an employee.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Martin – 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. 9007.

 

B.         *APPEAL OF HDRC DENIAL OF CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR A SIGN AT 11 EAST KANSAS – RESOLUTON (To be continued to July 24, 2006 regular session at request of staff and appellant)

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated the applicant is discussing solutions with Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. for the sign and both he and the staff are requesting a continuance to the next regular session.  Council Member Hadden moved to continue consideration of the appeal until the July 24, 2006 regular session.  Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  Mayor Steinkamp stated the appeal would be continued to the July 24 regular session.

 

C.         MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH MISSOURI HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR FIRE STATION WARNING SYSTEM – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6549 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Parry asked where the loss control funds are in the City’s budget.  City Administrator Curt Wenson stated the funds are a rebate from MARCIT, the insurance pool in which the City participates and funds are placed into the City’s account for its use in funding safety and risk management projects.  Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated that program funds had been spent on several projects, including retiling in the city hall stairwells and adding safety containers.  Mr. Wenson stated that the City can receive from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on the pool’s loss history.  Council Member King clarified this meant the City was not having to fund this purchase.  Mr. Hansen stated that was correct.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9008.

 

D.        MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH MISSOURI HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR I-35, US69, M33 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – ORDINANCE

 

Mr. Hansen reviewed the project for which this agreement is required, stating that part of the process to obtain government funding for the improvements includes entering into this agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.  He stated that the City’s capital plan includes $2.3 million for improvements at this interchange in 2007.  The federal/state participation is $1.5 million and $2.1 million has been identified through the Roadway Development Tax (RDT) fund for the City’s share of the project cost.

 

Mr. Hansen stated the project design is nearing completion.  Following state approval, construction is anticipated to begin later in 2007 with completion of the project in 2008. He stated that improvements consist of additional lanes and widening at the intersection for additional capacity, signal modifications and the realignment of Glenn Hendren south to Shepherd Road.  The City’s participation level, set in this agreement, is $1 million, with $920,500 required to be deposited at least 90 days prior to the advertisement for bids.  City’s costs include $79,500 for right-of-way acquisition and a three percent contingency.

 

Council Member Martin asked for clarification of the figures provided.  Mr. Hansen stated that the City’s obligation is the $1 million and any additional costs over the estimated project total of $2.35 million.  Mrs. Martin asked about the $2.1 million in City funds identified for the project.  Mr. Hansen stated that staff recommends that balance budgeted remain available for contingencies and consideration for other projects after the deposit is submitted.

 

Council Member Parker asked about improvements to Petty Road.  Mr. Hansen stated there will be some improvements to Petty Road with the project, so it will be better following this project.  Mr. Parker asked about improvements on the road up to the county line.  Mr. Hansen stated that a majority of the improvements in this project would be to 69 Highway and 33 Highway.  At some point, Petty Road will be upgraded, but improvements at that location were held until this interchange project.  Mr. Parker stated that residents are concerned about access during the project.  Mr. Hansen stated there will be access for them during construction.

 

Council Member King asked if there is $2.1 million in the RDT fund now.  Mr. Hansen said there is.  Mr. King asked about other projects included in the fund’s balance.  Mr. Hansen stated that would require some time to review other projects and would best be left for another meeting.  Mr. Wenson stated that capital improvements are reviewed annually for the next three years, which will be brought to Council for budget discussions.  Mr. King asked if $1.1 million of the $2.1 million could potentially be reallocated.  Mr. Hansen said it could.  The RDT funds must be used for arterial or major roadways that convey traffic from one part of the City to another.  He stated that the South Liberty Parkway is such a roadway, as is Kansas Street, Richfield Road and Ruth Ewing Road.

 

Council Member Parry asked why funds are being spent on this interchange when it will not spur development.  Mr. Hansen stated this project was identified for improvements along with the other three Liberty/I-35 interchanges in a corridor study prepared in the 1990s.  Federal/state funding was identified for improvements at these interchanges with actual allocation approved through the Mid-America Regional Council.  Mr. Wenson added that other projects may not rank as high, but the City must leverage funding for these projects.  Mr. Hansen added that very few City projects are eligible for federal funding.  He noted that funds were originally included in the capital improvements plan through Liberty 2010, but due to declining revenues, the projects were moved to the RDT program.  Mr. Hansen stated that, if the agreement is not approved, the City would forfeit the funds, which would then be made available to another city.  Mr. Wenson stated the City must leverage funds in competition the entire metropolitan area.  Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson stated that Hallmark is a major property owner in this area is pleased to see these improvements being planned.  Mr. Hansen added that the new high school should also spur development.  Council Member Martin stated the hospital is very pleased with the prospect of these improvements, because of the difficulties turning onto 69 Highway from 33 Highway.  She said it will be very helpful to the City’s community partners.

 

Council Member Coe asked if any of the improvements will affect the car lot at the old Blue Light location.  Mr. Hansen stated that some right-of-way will need to be acquired but most would be through the hospital.  Council Member King asked about the commuter lot.  Mr. Hansen stated it was be moved but will be within the same general area on state-owned land.

 

Document No. 6550 was read.  Council Member King moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9009.

 

X.        OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        *UPDATE ON ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN REVIEW OF LIBERTY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH EXPANSION AT 1815 WEST LIBERTY DRIVE

 

Mr. Wenson stated that the church has withdrawn its application and will bring forward a different proposal after discussions with its neighbors.

Mayor Steinkamp asked staff to provide updates to the Council.

 

B.         *UPDATE ON STOP SIGN REVIEW AT SUNSET AND MOSS STREETS

 

Mr. Hansen reviewed the history of the 4-way stop sign originally being placed at Sunset and Moss during a neighborhood improvement project in the early 1990s.  Following completion of the project the sign was left in place by staff at the request of a neighbor.  Mr. Hansen stated the 4-way stop sign was removed in June, because it is not warranted at that location, does not slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety.  He stated that national studies have shown that unwarranted signs can increase the problem instead of alleviating it.  Those who have to stop unnecessarily often, speed up to make up the time.  He noted examples of locations where 4-way stops are installed and appropriate – Kent Street and Withers Road and South Wales and Withers Road.  He stated there should be equal traffic volume in order to warrant a 4-way stop and Sunset carries much more traffic than Moss.  He added that Sunset is a collector street and should be 36 feet wide, but due to this being in an older part of town is only 24 feet wide.  Six of the seven accidents occurring at this intersection since 2001 resulted from following too close, failure to yield or inattention.  Citations (166 since January 2001) included failure to yield, seat belt violations, lack of insurance, careless driving, improper license plates and similar violations.  The accident history indicates problems associated with improper stop sign installation were an indirect cause of nearly all of the accidents.

 

Mr. Hansen stated that staff recommends looking at traffic calming techniques such as humps or speed tables along Sunset in the very near future to be included in the capital improvements plan review.  He stated that an officer had monitored speed and determined the average speed of traffic along Sunset near Moss is 28 to 30 mph.

 

Council Member Parker asked what the speed limit is on Sunset.  Mr. Hansen said it is 25 mph.  Council Member Martin asked what precipitated the removal of the 4-way stop.  Mr. Hansen stated a citizen has requested it and staff had received complaints over the years about a 4-way stop being located at that intersection.  Mrs. Martin asked about the speed along Sunset.  Mr. Hansen stated that anything over 30 mph is not comfortable to drive along this narrow street, particularly at the turn toward Kansas Street.  He stated the 4-way stop won’t slow traffic from the stop light at Mill Street.  Mrs. Martin stated the 4-way stop has been in place for more than ten years and she appreciated the concerns of the residents.  Mr. Hansen stated that staff shares these concerns but believes that traffic calming measures are a better solution to address these concerns.  He agreed that crosswalk signs should be posted and would be placed this week.

 

Council Member Phillips asked how the traffic calming costs would be covered.  Mr. Hansen stated that the staff would first review what methods might be most effective and that it would be more cost effective to incorporate their installation into an overlay project, but that can be evaluated in the next few weeks.  If the cost is too great, then it can be considered in the 2007 budget.  Mr. Phillips stated it is valuable to hear from neighbors and would like to have funds in the budget so that neighbors would work with the City on solutions in their own neighborhoods in a creative partnership.  Mr. Wenson added that aesthetics of the historic districts are also a factor to consider in these discussions.

 

Council Member Hadden questioned why the 4-way stop had not been placed at Fairview during the construction project that prompted its installation in the first place as there are several crosswalks along that street as well.  Mr. Hansen stated that a review of traffic calming options would look at the entire section of Sunset.  Council Member Coe noted there is one other 4-way stop that is not warranted and that is in Canterbury and there is more traffic on Sunset than along Dunwich.  Mr. Wenson stated that staff would bring a report back to the Council by the end of August.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mr. Wenson reviewed the meeting schedule, including a Tax Increment Financing Commission study session on Wednesday, July 12, a study session on July 17 and the next regular session on July 24.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Phillips stated he had met with an enthusiastic group about the proposed annexation.

 

Council Member Hadden mentioned a resource for electric vehicles who had been an exhibitor at the National League of Cities conference.  Mr. Hansen stated he would appreciate receiving information on that option; staff had look at propane-powered vehicles several years ago, but there were no fueling stations around.

 

Council Member Coe asked that Brown Street be included if the City considered adding traffic calming devices.  He stated he would attend the Clay County Coordinating Committee dinner on July 20, but noted it conflicted with the West Gate Division dinner meeting, being held the same night.

 

Mayor Steinkamp asked anyone planning to attend the West Gate dinner meeting to contact City staff soon.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

Mayor

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk