CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 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 March 10, 2003 with Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins presiding.  Mayor Hawkins called the meeting to order at 7:00 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, Ward I; LeRoy Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Juarenne Hester, Ward III; 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 and Recreation Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Jim Griffey, Acting Fire Chief; Sharon Grimes, Public Relations Coordinator; Sara Ott, Assistant to the City Administrator – Human Resources; Diana Adams, Financial Analyst; Donna Kay Taylor, Community Center Manager; Steve Rulo, Parks & Open Space Manager; Dennis Dovel, Sports Complex Manager; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Scott Faubion, Liberty Tribune; and 9 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 24, 2003

 

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

 

B.                 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 2003

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the minutes.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried 4-0-1.  Council Member Coe abstained due to absence.

 

C.                 STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF MARCH 3, 2003

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried 4-0-1.  Council Member Coe abstained due to absence.

 

D.                 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 2003

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the minutes as distributed.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried 3-0-2.  Council Members Coe and Robertson abstained, due to absence.

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

Cathy Guebarra spoke on behalf of herself and a neighbor.  She stated she lives at 315 S. Fairview and there is a problem with another neighbor that lives in HUD housing.  She stated that they have been disappointed with the response to their complaints by the Liberty Housing Authority and calls to federal agencies.  She stated that she has consistently been told there is nothing that can be done and now children are at risk.  Ms. Guebarra stated she is bringing this to the Council’s attention in hopes of the problem being addressed.

 

Mayor Hawkins said he appreciated her concerns and that the additional information provided to staff would be reviewed and a response prepared.  He stated that the Housing Authority does operate independently.  Ms. Guebarra said she understands that, but the Housing Authority represents the city with its actions.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

            Mrs. Gentrup stated there being no items for consideration on the agenda, the study session scheduled for March 17 has been cancelled.  There is also no meeting scheduled for March 31.

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.                 UTILITY RELOCATIONS FOR SOUTH LIBERTY PARKWAY CONSTRUCTION

 

1.         APPROVAL OF THE COST OF RELOCATING UTILITIES WITH KCPL IN THE AMOUNT OF $363,684.69 – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the relocation costs.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

2.         APPROVAL OF THE COST OF RELOCATING UTILITIES WITH SBC IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000.00 – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the relocation costs.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

3.         APPROVAL OF THE COST OF RELOCATING UTILITIES WITH PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT #2 IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000.00

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the relocation costs.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

B.                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM FEBRUARY 21, 2003 THROUGH MARCH 7, 2003 – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Robertson asked to have check. No. 74236 removed and voted on separately.

 

Document No. 6039 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin asked about check no. 74150 for posters.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that this was reimbursement for printing of historic preservation posters.  Funds from sales of the posters would go directly to the Preservation Development Commission funds and Dr. Geilker was reimbursed from these funds.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Collins – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member Robertson - yes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8500.

                       

Council Member Hester moved to approve check no. 74236.  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 Coe – yes; Council Member Robertson - abstain.  Council Member Robertson abstained due to a potential conflict of interest.

 

C.                 *HART ACRES LOCATED AT 920 RICHFIELD ROAD

 

Mrs. Gentrup said that Council had delayed consideration of these applications so that staff could clarify the application of the Roadway Development Tax.  Public Works/Development Services Director Steve Hansen stated that the Roadway Development Tax specifies that new developments and those generating new traffic after January 1, 2002 would be subject to its provisions.  The Hart Acres application is, therefore, subject to the Roadway Development Tax.  Because the buildings on these lots already exist and no building permits would be sought or issued, there would be no charges to the applicant.  Mr. Hansen stated that the tax is applied at the building permit stage.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification regarding the difference between this application and the Green Lantern car wash.  Mr. Hansen stated that the Green Lantern application involved placing a new building spanning a lot line.  The action in that case was to consolidate the two lots into one lot.  He stated that application involved new construction, building permits and would generate new traffic.  This application, he said, is to realign two existing lots.

 

Mayor Hawkins clarified that, if this application was comparable to the Green Lantern development, a new building would be constructed on the second lot after realignment.  Mr. Hansen agreed.  Mayor Hawkins stated it is educational to draw comparisons.  He said the Dando development had been brought up at the last meeting.  He said it was his understanding that application was a lot split and involved extending utilities and improving streets, neither of which are required with this application.  Mr. Hansen stated that was correct; he said the lots in this application both have access to a fully improved street.

 

1.         PRELIMINARY PLAT – RESOLUTION [P&Z CASE NO. 02-1072PP; Applicant: Darren Hart] (Continued from the February 24, 2003 regular session)

 

Council Member Robertson moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2124.

 

2.         FINAL PLAT – ORDINANCE [P&Z CASE NO. 03-1086FP; Applicant: Darren Hart] (SECOND READING)

 

Document No. 6031 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8501.

 

D.                 ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENTS FOR SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION TO LIBERTY HOSPITAL – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6040 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.

 

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. 8502.

 

E.                  *ACCEPTANCE OF BID AND AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BRUNER CONTRACTING COMPANY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,777.00 FOR FIRE STATION #1 REMODELING AND ADDITION – ORDINANCE

 

Acting Fire Chief Jim Griffey stated that in August 2000, a ¼-cent sales tax was passed by voters in part for remodeling and an addition to Fire Station #1.  He stated that WRS architects have prepared a rendering and only one minor change has been made to the design.  He stated that the addition and remodeling would provide more space for training and for the two ambulances and fire apparatus housed there.  Chief Griffey stated that space is needed for the five personnel housed there per 24-hr. shift.  He stated that a training officer is to be hired soon.

 

Mayor Hawkins asked when work would begin.  Chief Griffey said on next Monday, if approved by Council.  Council Member Robertson asked when work would be completed.  A WRS representative said work should take about 120 days.  Council Member Coe asked if the flat roofs would stay.  Chief Griffey said they would and a pitched roof would be added to the newer parts of the building.  Council Member Martin asked what minor change had been made.  Chief Griffey said that the wall on the southeast side of the building would have blocked views of the intersection and so part of it has been removed in the revised design.

 

Document No. 6041 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

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. 8503.

 

F.                  CONTRACT WITH GRASS ROOTS FOR MOWING CITY PROPERTIES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $37,850.00  – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that, at Council’s direction, staff spoke with the vendor about extending the contract at the same price.  The vendor agreed to a three-year extension.

 

Document No. 6037 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8504.

 

G.                 OFFICIATING SERVICES AT SPORTS COMPLEX

 

Council Member Martin asked how the amounts had been determined.  Sports Complex Manager Dennis Dovel stated that they were based on the number of teams and the number of games anticipated when developing the budget.  Mrs. Martin asked what would happen if there were more games than budgeted.  Mrs. Gentrup stated if they went over, the costs would be covered by fees for increased play.  If necessary, she said staff would come back to Council.

 

1.         AGREEMENT WITH GREATER KANSAS CITY UMPIRES ASSOCIATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.00 FOR SOFTBALL OFFICIATING – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6042 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 Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8505.

 

2.         AGREEMENT WITH EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $45,000.00 FOR BASEBALL OFFICIATING – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6043 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 Martin moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Robertson seconded the motion.  Mrs. Martin asked why the two vendors are necessary.  Mr. Dovel stated that one exclusively officiates for baseball and the other exclusively for softball.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8506.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        PURCHASE OF PRINTING SERVICES FROM TOWNSEND COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE 2003 PARKS BROCHURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,110.00 – MOTION

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated the purchase was originally for one year, but staff had spoken with the vendor and the price is locked in for a two-year period.  Mayor Hawkins asked about any increases in postage.  Community Center Manager Donna Kay Taylor stated that is paid separately and increased postage would increase the costs to send, but not to print.

 

Council Member Collins moved to approve the purchase.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.         BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER OF WATER METER SETUPS, RADIO BOXES AND WATER METERS FROM NATIONAL WATERWORKS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,887.00 – MOTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve to purchase order.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Robertson asked if staff had tried to use local vendors.  Mr. Hansen stated there is only one vendor for meters in the Kansas City area.  Staff attempted to get three bids for the other equipment.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mrs. Gentrup noted the information provided to Council at its request about the May ICSC conference.  Mayor Hawkins asked about the registration deadline.  Mrs. Gentrup said discounted registration is still available through the end of March.  Mayor Hawkins stated that Council direction is sought as to sending staff to this conference.

 

Council Member Hester asked if anyone had attended in the past.  Mrs. Gentrup said no one from Liberty had attended.  She said those who had attended indicated it is where significant discussions take place about retail business development in the coming year.  She stated it is an opportunity to talk to developers.

 

Council Member Martin stated it appears to be beneficial, particularly as Liberty is in the beginning phase.  She asked who would attend.  Mrs. Gentrup stated she and Mr. Hansen would attend if directed by Council.

 

Mayor Hawkins stated there is no guarantee it will be worthwhile, but Council Member Parker and others suggested it.

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve sending Mrs. Gentrup and Mr. Hansen to the ICSC conference.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Mayor Hawkins asked that staff consider sending someone to the conference in Denver pertaining to Traditional Neighborhood Design.

 

XII.      MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL – None.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

                                                                                   

                                                                                                __________________________________

Mayor

Attest:

 

           

            _____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk