CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, JULY 24, 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 24, 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 LeRoy Coe
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, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and John Parry, Ward III; and Bill Parker, Ward
IV. Also in attendance were Curt Wenson,
City Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve
Hansen, Public Works Director; Brian Hess, City Engineer; Craig Knouse, Police
Chief; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director;
Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Tony Sage, Information
Services Manager; Rebecca Wymore, Planner; Dan Fernandez, Planner; Jonna
Wensel, Preservation Planner; Janet Pittman, Executive Assistant; Angie
Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; Jason Noble, The Kansas City Star; and 15 members
of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2006
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the minutes
as distributed. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
B. STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF JULY 17, 2006
Council Member Coe moved to approve the meeting
summary as distributed. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. *PROPERTY
WEST OF WITHERS
ROAD AND
SOUTH OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER
1. AMEND
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/MAP FROM CONVENTIONAL RESIDENTIAL TO TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL
AND MIXED USE – RESOLUTION
Planner Rebecca Wymore reviewed the amendment to the
Future Land Use Map. At the June 26, 2006 meeting, Council approved an amendment to include the
South Liberty Parkway Corridor Study in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This study included future land use map
designations along the Parkway corridor, gathered from public input. The subject property was included as
conventional residential. The applicant
is proposing to amend the Future Land Use Map to include the subject property
as traditional residential and mixed use.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.
Council Member Phillips asked why
the staff report stated 14.3 acres and not 18 acres, as noted on the next item
regarding the preliminary development plan application. Ms. Wymore stated that a portion of the area
will be set aside as parkland and that portion is not required to be rezoned.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present wished to speak in favor of the
application. Bridget Herman, 1937 Surrey Street, stated she is the daughter of the applicants, Joe
and Mary Jane Duffey, who unfortunately were unable to be present this
evening. Ms. Herman noted that with this
multi-use land it is the hope of the property owners to follow what the
Blueprint for Liberty forsees.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else wished to speak
in favor of the application. Seeing
none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application or
had any questions. Seeing none he closed
the public hearing.
Council Member Phillips stated that this is a
wonderful opportunity for a local developer to make this happen.
Council Member Coe moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2256.
2. REZONE
FROM R-1A, SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO MU, MIXED USE AND RN, NEIGHBORHOOD
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN – ORDINANCE
Planner Rebecca Wymore reviewed the
application to rezone property immediately south of the Liberty Community
Center currently zoned R1-A, Suburban Residential, to 3.69 acres of RN,
Neighborhood Residential, and 10.78 acres to MU, Mixed Use. Ms. Wymore stated the preliminary development
plan proposed to leave 3.51 acres undeveloped as parkland along the western
portion of the site. In addition, the
applicant is working with the City of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department
and the Liberty School
District
for proposed future trail extensions and sidewalk access to the Community
Center. The proposed development will
consist of single-family dwellings as well as retail lofts and office
lofts. The single-family detached lots
will be developed on smaller lots allowing for more diversity. Ms. Wymore stated the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted to recommend approval.
Council Member Parker asked if there
is just one access for this development.
Ms. Wymore stated there is one access point on the east and a future one
proposed for the south as development would occur. Ms. Wymore stated staff is working with the
applicant to address traffic issues when the final plat comes forward.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak in favor of the application. Bridget Herman, 1937 Surrey Street, stated she is in favor of the application and would
be happy to answer any questions. Jeff
Price, 1917 High
Drive, of
Jeff Price Architects stated that the applicants, based on the Blueprint for Liberty, envision this area that is close in proximity to the
Community Center as the best place for this type of experiment. He noted that depending on how interest
develops, it will determine how the south portion is developed.
Steve Warger, 44 NW Indian Lane, Riverside, stated his firm is working on the addition of a
northerly entrance to access the Community Center. He noted that though this is a conceptual
design, this will be a very attractive development and they will be working to
address traffic and pedestrian traffic concerns.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else wished to speak
in favor of the application. Seeing
none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application or
had any questions. Seeing none he closed
the public hearing.
Document No. 6551 was read. Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules
and consider the ordinance on first reading.
Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
Council Member Parry asked how many square feet will
be retail. Mr. Warger stated 30,000
sq.ft. plus lofts. He noted the design
is still conceptual. Mr. Price stated
that on the conceptual design the lower façade is retail with residential lofts
and balconies above. He noted they have
developed images with a unified theme amongst the buildings. Council Member Hester commented this is a
fantastic idea and is great to get us running.
Council Member Parker asked if the
development can come off of the Community Center as a second entrance. Mr. Warger stated there would be a 60 ft.
right-of-way entrance. Council Member
Parker asked if this would be sufficient for fire trucks to get through. Mr. Hansen stated he would have to refer to
Fire Chief Gary Birch for the turn radius of the fire trucks; however, these
issues will be addressed when the final plat comes forward. Mr. Warger stated that the 60 ft.
right-of-way will be maintained.
Council Member Coe stated he thought
he saw something mentioned about a wine tasting; however, he wondered if that
would be possible given the proximity to the middle school. Ms. Herman stated
that is a potential idea and the area would meet the distance requirements.
Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance. Council Member Phillips seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously. It was
approved by the chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9010.
C. *SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR WELLNESS CENTER TO BE LOCATED AT 8 SOUTH PRAIRIE – RESOLUTON
Planner Dan Fernandez reviewed the
application for a special use permit to operate a wellness center at 8 S. Prairie Street. The business
will employ two licensed therapists who currently run Massage Solutions at 249 W. Mill Street in Liberty. In regards to
parking, the business will be able to utilize the driveway, street and public
parking lot. Mr. Fernandez stated the
applicants will not change the residential character of the house and the only
changes will be aesthetic, such as landscaping. Mr. Fernandez stated that the
application satisfied the six findings outlined in the City’s Unified
Development Ordinance and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
approval.
Council Member Phillips asked if the
applicants own the property and, if not, what would happen to the special use
permit in the event they moved out.
Planning and Development Director Steve Anderson stated that the special
use permit covers the property, not the applicant, and any changes in use would
require an amendment.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak in favor of the application. Ann White, 1799 Bittersweet Lane, Lathrop,
stated she is one of the applicants and feels that strong town presence is
essential and that small businesses such as this add to that feeling.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else wished to speak
in favor of the application. Seeing
none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application or
had any questions. Seeing none he closed
the public hearing.
Council Member Phillips asked if there are ways to
assist those who own the property to improve the outside of the home, perhaps
through the use of tax credits. Mr.
Anderson stated staff will contact the owner.
Council Member Coe moved to approve
the resolution. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2257.
D. *REZONE GARRISON CENTER, 502 N. WATER, ADDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY
(LOCAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT) – ORDINANCE
Ms. Wymore reviewed the application
that would designate Garrison School as a Liberty Historic Landmark. A nomination of a landmark or district
requires an application to amend the official zoning map of the City and
thereby must be reviewed under the procedures of the UDO. The Garrison School and surrounding neighborhood was listed as a National
Register District in 1987 for its significance in Ethnic Heritage and Community
Planning and Development. The Garrison School is also significant for being the site of the only
public education facility for African Americans in Liberty from 1880 through the 1950’s.
. Ms. Wymore noted that as a
landmark, demolition of the building would require approval by the Historic
District Review Commission (HDRC) and City Council. Additionally, any changes to the exterior of
the building would require review by the HDRC.
Ms. Wymore stated that the HDRC and the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval.
Council Member Phillips asked if
this designation would apply to just the school and not the district. Ms. Wymore stated that is correct.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak in favor of the application. A.J. Byrd, 431 E. Franklin, President of the Clay County African American Legacy,
stated he would be pleased to answer any questions Council may have regarding the
request.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone else wished to speak
in favor of the application. Seeing
none, he asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application or
had any questions. Seeing none, he
closed the public hearing.
Document No. 6552 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Parker seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Phillips stated he can’t speak strongly
enough of this organization and their attempts to protect this building.
Council Member Coe moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9011.
E. *APPEAL
OF HDRC DENIAL FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR A SIGN AT 11 EAST KANSAS – RESOLUTION (CONTINUED FROM JULY 10, 2006 REGULAR SESSION)
Mayor Steinkamp stated a request had
been received from the applicant to continue consideration of the appeal.
Council Member Phillips moved to continue
consideration of the appeal to the August 14 meeting. Council Member Hester seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
IX. ORDINANCES,
CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM JUNE 30, 2006 THROUGH JULY 14, 2006 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6553 was read. Council Member Coe moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member
Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council
Member Parry – yes; The motion carried
unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 9012.
B. APPLICATION FOR STATE D.R.E.A.M. INITIATIVE – RESOLUTION
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Coe seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2258.
C. ACCEPTANCE
OF SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT – OAKWOOD BUSINESS PARK, TRACT 5 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6554 was read. Council Member Coe 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 Phillips
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9013.
D. ACCEPTANCE
OF SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT – NORTHWYCK BUSINESS PARK, LOT 1 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6555 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 Hester stated she had not heard of the Hospital Valley project before.
Mr. Anderson stated it is a building off of Rush Creek Parkway, south of the hospital, that was approved administratively.
Council Member Coe moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9014.
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City
Administrator Curt Wenson noted that the August 7 Study Session would consist
of a mid-year budget review and August 14 would be a regular session. The August 21 Study Session would include a
follow up on annexation.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Coe stated he would like to thank Alicia Stephens of the Partnership for
Community Growth and Development for the letter in the Kansas City Star.
Mayor
Steinkamp stated that Council Member Coe would be attending the Clay County
Coordinating Committee meeting Thursday evening. He also reminded Council that the Boards and
Commissions recognition event is August 19 at the Liberty Community
Center.
Mayor
Steinkamp noted that there would be an Executive Session in the Council
Conference room immediately following the meeting.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk