CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2003

 

 

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 January 13, 2003 with Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins presiding.  Mayor Hawkins called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

II.            INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The invocation was given by Council Member Ed Collins, who then led the pledge of allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            Roll call was answered by Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins; Ed Collins and Coni Hadden, Ward I; Anna Marie Martin and LeRoy Coe, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and Lyndell Brenton, Ward III; and Bill Parker and Jim Robertson, Ward IV.  Also in attendance were Patty Gentrup, City Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works/Development Services Director; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Marcella McCoy, Assistant Finance Director; Jim Weber, Fire Division Chief; Sara Ott, Assistant to the City Administrator - Human Resources; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Scott Faubion, Liberty Tribune; and 5 members of the public.

 

IV.            APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 23, 2002

 

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

 

V.            CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

Mayor Hawkins recognized Brett Balzer, a boy scout in Troop #374, working on his communication badge.  Mayor Hawkins also recognized Dub Steincross, who chairs the Public Facilities Authority.

 

VI.            MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the next study session would be on Tuesday January 21 due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday.

 

VII.            CONSENT AGENDA

 

Mayor Hawkins asked that the motion related to the executive session authorization be removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately.

 

A.                APPOINTMENTS – MOTION

 

Planning & Zoning Commission

 

Reappoint Patti Banks to a term expiring 01/01/06

Reappoint Dan Williams to a term expiring 01/01/06

Reappoint Russ Weathers to a term expiring 01/01/06

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the appointments.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.         AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE JANUARY 13, 2003 REGULAR SESSION IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION, AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(1) RSMo - MOTION

 

Mayor Hawkins called Council’s attention to the change in the reason for the executive session.  He stated that the closed session is now being called to discuss pending litigation.  Council Member Martin moved to authorize the executive session.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

C.            AUTHORIZATION FOR STREET LIGHT INSTALLATION – MOTION

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the appointments.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.            PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

IX.            ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM DECEMBER 20, 2002 THROUGH JANUARY 10, 2003 – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Robertson requested that Check No. 72989 be removed and voted on separately.

 

Document No. 6008 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked about check no. 72949.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that it was for police department pre-employment psychological exams.  Mr. Brenton asked if the payment was for two examinations.  Mrs. Gentrup said it was.  Mr. Brenton asked about check no. 72987 to Right of Way Associates.  Mrs. Gentrup stated it was for the South Liberty Parkway project.  Public Works/Development Services Director Steve Hansen stated that the contract was for appraisal services.  Mr. Brenton asked if the payment was final.  Mr. Hansen stated additional services had been requested and there may be additional payments.  Mr. Brenton asked if these expenses are being tracked separately, as they are for work in the Triangle.  Mr. Hansen stated those expenses included in the TIF plan are being tracked separately, but these are probably not subject to reimbursement under TIF.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Collins – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member Brenton – yes; Council Member Robertson – yes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8473.

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve Check No. 72989.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Collins – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member Brenton – yes; Council Member Robertson – abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. 

B.                 *AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE OF COMMUNITY CENTER REFUNDING AND IMPROVEMENT BONDS BY PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that Todd Goffey with Piper Jaffray would present the report to Council.  Todd Goffey, Piper Jaffray, stated that the Public Facilities Authority had approved bonds for the community center expansion along with refinancing of the existing bonds for the original construction of the community center.  The current interest rate on the bonds would be reduced to an average of 3.9% for a savings of $90,000 between now and 2008.  He stated the new bonds would be paid over a 15-year period to 2018.  Mr. Goffey said that Standard & Poore’s had issued an underlying rating of “A”.  He stated that not many bonds of this type receive an “A” rating.  Mr. Goffey said closing is anticipated for January 28.

 

Document No. 6009 was read.  Council Member Hadden moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Robertson 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. 8474.

 

C.                 ACCEPTANCE OF WATER, SANITARY, STORM, STREET AND GRADING FOR WHITE TAIL POND, 3^RD PLAT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Robertson moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2118.

 

D.                ACCEPTANCE OF STORM SEWER FOR HIGHLAND PARK BUSINESS CENTER, 3^RD PLAT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Brenton moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2119.

 

E.                 ACCEPTANCE OF STORM, GRADING, STREET, WATER AND SANITARY FOR CLAYWOODS, 11^TH PLAT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1.  (Council Member Robertson abstained due to a potential conflict of interest.)  It is inscribed in Resolution No. 2120.

 

F.                  AMEND LIBERTY CITY CODE SECTION 20-193, SCHEDULE XXIII, “LOADING ZONES”, PERTAINING TO FRANKLIN AND LEONARD STREETS – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6010 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider to ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8475.

 

G.                 MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH INTER-TEL FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,631.00 – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated this is an annual maintenance agreement for the phone system.  She stated the amount had increased slightly.  She also noted that expanded information on financial considerations is now being included in action reports, due to current budgetary constraints.  Council Member Hadden asked if the current phone system as configured is considered adequate.  Mr. Hansen said it is, based on historical data.

 

Document No. 6011 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden 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. 8476.

 

H.                CONTRACT WITH GEORGE BUTLER ASSOCIATES FOR PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT IN THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $9,850.00 – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated these expenses are reimbursable under the TIF Plan.

 

Document No. 6012 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked if the earlier site study connects to this one.  Mr. Hansen stated it was done several years ago.  He stated this study would conduct an assessment for more than just the Lowe’s tracts.  Mr. Brenton asked if the same vendor conducted the earlier study.  Mr. Hansen said the earlier study was conducted by a different vendor.  Council Member Hadden asked for clarification of the work being done.  Mr. Hansen stated it is an environmental study and would possibly come up with some of the same information as the earlier study, but this one is required for the new development to proceed.

 

The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8477.

 

I.                   CONTRACT WITH KLOVER ARCHITECTS FOR LAND PLANNING SERVICES IN THE LIBERTY TRIANGLE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.00 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6013 was read.  Council Member Brenton moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Robertson 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. 8478.

 

J.                   AGREEMENT WITH AQUILA FOR STREET LIGHTING – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the staff had discussed the contract with Aquila and this is essentially renewing the earlier contract that was in place for the last ten years.  Council Member Parker asked if this is the same vendor as handled the last 10 year agreement.  Mr. Hansen stated it is.  Mr. Parker stated there are still outages that were reported in his ward several weeks ago.  Mr. Hansen stated that Aquila is working to improve its response.  Council Member Hester asked if the City would be obligated to maintain the lights, once the contract expires.  Mr. Hansen stated Aquila handles the maintenance of the poles, the provision of electricity and the replacement of bulbs.  Council Member Brenton asked if staff had investigated what it would take for the City to own the system.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that, about 13 years ago, that option had been reviewed internally, but nothing since.  Mr. Brenton asked about getting into such a long-term contract with the current environment.  He stated that Kansas City, Missouri had decided it was more economical to own and maintain its own system.  Mayor Hawkins asked if the staff could take some additional time and look at the City’s options.  Council Member Parker asked for some language about Aquila’s responsibility with respect to maintenance be added.  Council Member Martin asked if Aquila owns the system.  Mrs. Gentrup said it does.  Mr. Hansen said staff could work with Aquila on the possibility of a shorter-term agreement.  Mrs. Hester asked if the City receives credits when lights are repaired in a timely manner.  Mr. Hansen stated that, even if that is stated in the contract, there is no mechanism or system currently in place with Aquila to track it.  He said a system would be worked out with both the City and Aquila.

 

Document No. 6014 was read.  Mayor Hawkins the staff to bring the contract back for consideration after additional options had been researched.

 

K.                CONTRACT WITH KCATA FOR LIBERTY ACCESS BUS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,484.00 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6015 was read.  Council Member Brenton 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 Hadden seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked if the amount received can be enhanced.  Parks & Recreation Director Chris Deal stated these funds are in addition to what is received through Mid-America Regional Council grants that total $98,000.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that additional information could be provided.  Mrs. Hester withdrew her motion and Mrs. Hadden withdrew her second.  Mayor Hawkins stated this would go to second reading on January 27, 2003.

 

L.                 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH LIBERTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT FOR NEW AMBULANCE – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6016 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hadden 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. 8479.

 

X.            OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.                PURCHASE OF CITY VEHICLES FROM CHUCK ANDERSON FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,958.88 – MOTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the purchase.  Council member Martin seconded the motion.

 

Council Member Brenton asked how often vehicles of this type are replaced.  Mr. Hansen stated two were replacement vehicles and one was new.  He stated the vehicle being replaced in Public Works was a 1995 vehicle used for plowing and carrying paint-striping equipment.  Assistant City Administrator Cynthia Boecker stated that replacement of vehicles was included in the three-year capital improvement plan.  She stated that she had reviewed all vehicle requests with department directors and those with highest mileage and maintenance costs were targeted for replacement.  She stated that vehicles are reviewed for use elsewhere when possible as is the case with the Parks vehicle being replaced, which would be moved to the Sports Complex eliminating the need to purchase a new vehicle for that facility.  Council Member Collins asked if these new vehicles would be used for snow removal.  Mr. Hansen said they would.  Council Member Robertson asked the City’s sales tax rate.   Mrs. Gentrup stated it is 2.25%.  Mr. Robertson referred to the minimal difference between the bidder receiving the award and the local bidder.  Mrs. Gentrup stated the City does not pay sales tax, so the difference is larger.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

B.                 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR CITY VEHICLE FUEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,369.00 FROM PETROLEUM TRADERS – MOTION

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the $106,000 in expenses is spread over a number of funds.  Mayor Hawkins asked if the City had dealt with this vendor in the past.  Mr. Hansen said it had.

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the purchase order. Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Martin expressed her appreciation for the recently distributed Progress Report and that many of the last year’s accomplishments had gotten lost in the budget discussions.  Council Member Hadden agreed and stated it should be required reading for all; very good information was included.

 

Council Member Robertson thanked the mayor for attending the meeting with developers.  Mayor Hawkins stated it had been a good discussion and there may be items coming forward, based on those discussions.  Mrs. Gentrup stated a joint study session with the Planning & Zoning Commission would be scheduled in late February to review Blueprint for Liberty issues.  Mayor Hawkins stated the developers at the meeting expressed concerns about the new water and sewer charges and perhaps those issues could be included in the study session.

 

XIII.            ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

                  Mayor

 

Attest:

 

 

           

            _____________________________________

      Deputy City Clerk