CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2007
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 February 12, 2007 with Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp presiding. Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting to order
at 7:00
p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – CONI HADDEN
The
invocation was given by Council Member Coni Hadden who then led the pledge of
allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll
call was answered by 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; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant
City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Brian Hess, City
Engineer; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Chris Deal,
Parks & Recreation Director; Donna Kay Taylor, Community Center Manager;
Steve Rulo, Parks & Open Space Manager; LeAnn Lawlor,
Aging Services Coordinator; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development
Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; James Simpson, Deputy Police Chief; JoAnn
Mudge, Police Lieutenant; Greg Powell, Police Officer; Amy Brusven, Human
Resources Director; Annette Vaughn, Human Resources Safety Manager; Sara Cooke,
Public Relations Coordinator; Shawnna Funderburk, Assistant to the City
Administrator; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty
Tribune; and 7 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2007
Council Member
Hadden moved to approve the minutes as distributed. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried 7-0-1. Council Member
Parker abstained due to absence.
B. SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007
Council Member Coe moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried 4-0-4.
Council Member Phillips, Council Member Hadden and Council Member Hester
abstained due to absence.
C. EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 5, 2007
Council Member Martin moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Coe seconded
the motion, which carried 6-0-2. Council
Member Parker and Council Member Hadden abstained due to absence.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
A. PRESENTATION
OF MISSOURI STATE HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING POLICE OFFICER GREG
POWELL
Mayor Steinkamp read House Resolution No. 5758
commending Police Officer Greg Powell and thanked Officer Powell on his
service.
Don Dando, 2515 Hughes Road, requested the Council consider providing older PCs
and a projector for wall-viewing to the Senior Center for courses he offers to seniors. He stated the equipment would be put to good
use and offers the seniors an opportunity to learn at a slower pace than other
computer courses offered. He stated
there would be no out-of-pocket expenses to the City, just coordination. Mr. Dando also encouraged the Council and
Mayor to visit the Senior Center, which would be good for the Council and good for the
seniors to meet their representatives in City government.
Mr. Dando asked for assistance in addressing a concern
about signage off I-35 at the South Liberty Parkway exit. He
stated the stop light faces traffic but the sign is angled such that it is
confusing, causing some traffic to pause at the left turn light briefly before
continuing through the intersection on a red signal. He suggested putting the turn signal sign on
the signal structure.
Mayor Steinkamp thanked Mr. Dando for his remarks and
stated the Council would get a response to him.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
Council Member Hadden moved to acknowledge the election
of directors by the Public Facilities Authority. Council Member Hester seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
IX. ORDINANCES,
CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM JANUARY 12, 2007 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2, 2007 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6631 was read. Council Member King moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion.
Council Member Martin asked about multiple payments
with the description of assessment refund.
Finance Director Linda Tyree stated that when personal and real estate
taxes are paid in protest and the County changes the assessment, a refund is
required. They are marked personal due
to these being personal property tax.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member
Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – 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. 9091.
B. ADOPTION
OF BYLAWS PERTAINING TO THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN MARCIT INSURANCE POOL –
RESOLUTION
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion. Council Member
Phillips asked Assistant City Administrator Cynthia Boecker, who was named as
the City’s member representative, to review the changes to the bylaws. Ms. Boecker stated that MARCIT has not asked
cities to sign off on the bylaws in the past and that is the biggest
change. She added that MARCIT has gotten
more competitive to lower the cost of coverage.
Council Member Hester asked if the City used to have
health and vision coverage through MARCIT.
Ms. Boecker stated the City was a founding member of the MARCIT
insurance pool for worker’s compensation and had added health and vision until
the late 1990s. Council Member Parry
requested a copy of the bylaws. Ms.
Boecker stated copies of the document could be provided to Council. Mr. Parry asked what the impact of the bylaws
was on the City. Ms. Boecker stated the
pool operates as before, but the bylaws must be formally acted upon by Council.
The motion carried unanimously and is inscribed in
Resolution No. 2279.
C. CONTRACT
WITH GRASS ROOTS, INC. FOR CEMETERY MOWING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,800 –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6632 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Phillips seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion. Council Member
Hadden asked, since the City had been contracting with Grass Roots for some
time, if staff periodically checked the work being done. Parks & Open Space Manager Steve Rulo
stated the contract was rebid in 2006.
In 2003, Council requested the staff research options for contract
extensions. Grass Roots was the only
bidder in 2006. Council Member Hester
asked if the contractor is liable for any damage its mowers cause. Mr. Rulo stated they are liable for the full
cost of the repair in those circumstances.
Council Member King asked if contracting out this service is less
expensive that City staff doing the work.
Mr. Rulo stated the contractor uses a 6-person crew and gets the job
done with less cost. If the staff added
the work to its schedule it would extend the time by 10 or 11 days. Council Member Coe asked if the contractor
had ever been found liable for any damage.
Mr. Rulo said it had not, but had come to him when they hit markers and
worked with City staff to get the stone uprighted. The motion carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed
in Ordinance No. 9092.
D. EMERGENCY
REPAIRS TO LIBERTY COMMUNITY
CENTER HVAC
UNIT BY THE WALDINGER CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,530.58 – RESOLUTION
Council Member Hester asked about the typical life for
this type of unit. Community Center
Manager Donna Kay Taylor stated that rooftop units last about 10 years. The repairs have extended the life of this
unit considerably but replacement will be considered in the 2009 capital
improvements plan.
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Martin seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No.
2280. Council Member Hadden asked how
much had been spent on repairs to this unit since it was installed. Ms. Taylor stated she would research that and
get information to the Council.
E. MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CITY OF NORTH KANSAS CITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A MASS DIALER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
– ORDINANCE
Document No. 6633 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member King seconded the motion, which
carried unanimously.
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion. Council Member
Phillips asked under what circumstances the system would be used. Deputy Police Chief Jim Simpson stated that
there are ten different answer points, such as a boil order; an amber alert; or
a massive accident, but the system would be used for emergencies only. If the system is used too frequently, people
would begin to ignore it.
Council Member Hester asked why North Kansas City is paying the startup costs. Major Simpson stated that city had wanted to
do something several years ago and has been planning this for some time. Council Member Phillips asked how numbers are
identified to be included. Major Simpson
stated a list of 911 numbers from AT&T is being provided. He added that the Mid-America Regional
Council is looking into taking over the system, which would not be for some
time, but at that time the cost could go down.
The motion carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed
in Ordinance No. 9093.
F. DISCLAIMING
AND ABANDONING A UTILITY EASEMENT FOR LOTS 19 AND 20 - HILLS OF OAKWOOD –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6634 was read. Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules
and consider the ordinance on first reading.
Council Member King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Council Member King moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hadden
seconded the motion. Council Member Parry
asked who requested this disclaimer.
City Engineer Brian Hess stated it was the builder of the lots, which in
this case was Robertson Properties. The
motion carried unanimously. It was
approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9094.
G. CONTRACT
WITH C. GRANTHAM CO. FOR LIME SLUDGE REMOVAL IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$140,000 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6635 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 Martin moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion. Council Member
Parry asked if the sludge is typically applied to farm fields why the City
didn’t sell it. Public Works Director
Steve Hansen stated that it is difficult to get rid of. The City at one time had considered piping it
directly to the river, but had not been able to do so. That may be looked at in the future. There is more sludge than what’s useful for small
farms and this is the best option available at this time.
Council Member King asked if this had been brought
forward in 2005. Mr. Hansen stated the
bids at that time were higher but the removal was not at a critical point, so a
contract was delayed and negotiations with the only bidder continued this
year. While removal is still not
critical, there is more sludge and does need to be removed. The motion carried 6-1-1. Council
Member King voted in opposition. Council
Member Parry abstained. It was approved
by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9095.
H. ACCEPTANCE
OF PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY SEWER EASEMENTS FOR SOUTH LIBERTY WEST SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6636 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 Hadden 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. 9096.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Curt
Wenson stated that the strategic planning initiating committee would begin to
meet soon. He also stated there would be
minor Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments coming forward for Council
consideration based on concerns of the business community. Planning & Development Director Steve
Anderson stated that staff had met with the Chamber and business owners to
review possible changes to the UDO.
These amendments would be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning
Commission and then brought to the Council in a study session before formal
consideration.
Mr.
Wenson reviewed the verdict in the condemnation proceeding for a temporary
easement related to the South Liberty Parkway. He stated the
jury award of $500,000 is extremely excessive when considering the appraisal
was $5,000 and the City offered $10,000 for this temporary easement needed
during construction. The City has
requested a new trial and the Council will be provided updates as they are
available.
Assistant
to the City Administrator Shawnna Funderburk stated that staff had followed up
on Council Member Hadden’s request related to recycling batteries. Drop boxes would now be available at several
city buildings. The public will be able
to drop off any cell phone and rechargeable batteries. When the boxes are full, they are mailed back
to the company and a new collection box is received.
Mr.
Anderson reviewed the development services survey results from 2006, noting the
City staff has again received high marks for assistance to the public with
development projects. Those who complete
the survey are being heard.
Mr.
Wenson reviewed state legislation that has been introduced regarding cable
television which could have a costly effect on the schools and cities. Under this legislation the school district and
City bear the costs of the public access channels, which could cost taxpayers
thousands of dollars. City staff had a
good meeting with Representative Flook, Council Member Hester and Liberty School
District
staff to discuss the City’s and School
District’s concerns.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Phillips noted Whittaker Homes’ offer to coordinate road improvements in the area of
its development with others and hoped the City could look at doing something at
Glenn Hendren and other locations. Mr.
Wenson stated that staff would look at all options and that Steve Hansen
continues to work with the Missouri Department of Transportation on several
areas near the Whittaker development.
Council
Member Martin stated she was disappointed that no Planning & Zoning
Commission appointment had come forward, because that body needs a full
compliment. Mrs. Martin asked about the
next step with the Farmers’ Market. Mr.
Anderson stated that adjustments to an agreement were sent to the Association
for review and the agreement is scheduled for Council consideration on February
26. Mrs. Martin asked about the size of
the group. Mr. Anderson stated there are
seven or eight on the board and there are at least 30 vendors. Mrs. Martin commented on the survey and said
it is obvious those responding want home grown produce at the market. Mrs. Martin then commented on the results of
the development survey, noting that only three had indicated the development
fees were too high. She stated the City
must be doing something right or the fees were not really too high to begin
with.
Council
Member Hester asked who makes the decision on the Farmers’ Market. Mr. Anderson stated the Council would consider
an amended agreement with the Farmers’ Market Association and that staff had
worked with Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. and the Association board. The last amendment to the agreement pertained
to the additional location of the market in the Crowley Furniture parking lot.
Council
Member Hadden thanked the staff for a quick response on the batteries recycling. She asked how the citizens would be
informed. Ms. Funderburk stated that a
press releases will be issued when the program is started. Mrs. Hadden stated she had received several
notices for Clay County meetings reviewing its comprehensive plan but the
City generally had meetings scheduled at the same time. She asked if the City is being represented at
those County meetings. Mr. Wenson stated
that City Planner Becky Wymore is attending.
Mrs. Hadden suggested there should be strong interaction between this
process and the strategic planning process.
Mr. Wenson stated that the County’s review of its comprehensive plan is
focused on land use issues and the City’s strategic planning process is broader
in scope. Mrs. Hadden asked if there had
been any resolution to the issue of how to better do cemetery repair. Mr. Rulo stated a large number of headstones
need repair and the funds have not been available. He stated that staff could look again to find
grants or other funds to assist in the effort.
He said that an earlier estimate of $500,000 was needed just to address
half the stones in the cemetery.
Council
Member Coe expressed concern that Kansas City had stated it didn’t know what chemicals were in
place at the plant where an explosion occurred last week. He asked if Liberty’s staff had the information it needed for area
businesses that use chemicals. Fire
Chief Gary Birch stated that the types of chemicals used at the location in Kansas City were known to the Kansas City Fire Department. What is not always known is what the
conditions and combinations of chemicals may produce that must be addressed in
an emergency such as this one. He stated
Liberty would have contacted the Environmental Protection
Agency too under similar circumstances.
Council
Member Parry stated he attended the Clay County comprehensive plan meeting and Becky Wymore had done
a good job representing the City.
Council
Member King asked who received the 338 development services surveys
mailed. Mr. Anderson stated those
obtaining building permits for smaller jobs did not receive the survey. Surveys were sent to those building new
structures or additions. He added that
the 54 single family units were built by an estimated 10 to 15 builders. Mr. King stated he was glad the City was
moving forward on sign issues and noted the recent article in the Kansas City
Business Journal exposes the region to Liberty. He suggested
the Partnership could potentially help with the traffic issues.
Mayor
Steinkamp thanked Council Member Parry and Council Member Phillips for serving
as Council liaisons to the Strategic Planning Initiating Committee. With regard to the development fees, he
stated that time would tell and the City fee structure could affect new
development. He stated he would have a
name for appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission at the next
meeting. Mayor Steinkamp stated he spoke
with Mayor Patty York of St. Charles
and her comments about New Town at St. Charles and the Whittaker group had been very positive. He also noted that a meeting was scheduled
with CBL and the Whitehall development is moving forward with CBL pursuing
potential tenants. News about that
should be available this spring.
Mayor
Steinkamp stated the executive session would begin about 8:15 following adjournment of this meeting.
Council
Member Martin asked if a no smoking ordinance could be added to a study
session. Mr. Wenson stated that topic
would be reviewed at the May 21 study session.
Mayor Steinkamp stated that it had been purposefully placed on an agenda
after the election so that the Council going forward could consider the issue.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk