CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 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 May 29, 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

 

            The invocation was given by Council Member Nick King who then led the pledge of allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

Roll call was answered by Paul Jenness and Harold Phillips, Ward I; Greg Duncan, Ward II; Lyndell Brenton and John Parry, Ward III; and Fred Foster and Nick King, Ward IV.  Also in attendance were Curt Wenson, City Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Rebecca Wymore, City Planner; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Brian Hess, City Engineer; Brad Boone, Information Systems Specialist; Shawnna Funderburk, Assistant to the City Administrator; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Jason Noble, The Kansas City Star; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune and 15 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES

 

A.        REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF MAY 14, 2007

 

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

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

A.        LIBERTY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA – RESOLUTION

 

Mayor Steinkamp read a resolution of congratulations and commendation for the Liberty Senior High School Orchestra.  Council Member King moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Parry seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2300.  Mayor Steinkamp then presented the resolution to Dr. Mary Lou Jones and Orchestra Member Luke Plesko.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.        AUTHORIZE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO BE HELD JUNE 4, 2007 IN THE COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION MATTERS AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(1) RSMo, REAL ESTATE MATTERS AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(2) RSMo, AND CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AS AUTHORIZED BY 610.021(12) RSMo – MOTION

 

Council Member Phillips moved to authorize the executive session.  Council Member Duncan seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM MAY 4, 2007 THROUGH MAY 18, 2007 – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Brenton requested that checks numbered 101670, 101767 and 101700 be removed and voted on separately.

 

Document No. 6682 was read.  Council Member King moved to approve the ordinance with the above-referenced exceptions.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked for a brief update on the expenditure for Flintlock Road, paid with check number 101843.  Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated that this was one among several periodic payments for preliminary design of the Flintlock overpass and connections into Liberty.  He stated it is anticipated that the preliminary design would be finished and a total contract completed in the next two months.  When this is approved, the project would be ready to move into the final design phase in late summer.  The City would need to commit funds for the project.  The Shoal Creek TIF District and the Liberty School District have already indicated funds are to be made available for their shares of the project cost.  An intergovernmental agreement must also be executed by these parties, including the City.  Mr. Brenton asked if all engineering services are being paid by the City.  Mr. Hansen stated that the City sends documentation of its payments to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and receives reimbursement.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Brenton – yes; Council Member Foster – yes; Council Member Jenness – yes; Council Member Duncan – yes; Council Member Parry – yes; Council Member King - yes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 9142.

 

Council Member King moved to approve checks numbered 101670, 101767 and 101700.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion.  Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Brenton – abstain, due to possible conflict of interest; Council Member Foster – yes; Council Member Jenness – yes; Council Member Duncan – yes; Council Member Parry – yes; Council Member King - yes.  The motion carried 6-0-1; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 9142.

 

B.         *PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WHITEHALL STATION, SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTH LIBERTY PARKWAY AND I-35 – RESOLUTION

 

City Planner Rebecca Wymore stated the previous preliminary development plan included major retail and commercial buildings, as well as mixed use that could include commercial uses and second-story residential.  Since that preliminary development plan was approved, the applicant has partnered with a national developer and has submitted a revised preliminary development plan.  This plan provides a conceptual plan with a site layout for 28 buildings, ranging in size from 8,500 to 200,000 square feet with 715,974 square feet proposed in all.  No residential is included in this revised preliminary development plan, though the applicant is studying that option for the future.  Public space is planned for the center of the site and parking lots will include landscape islands.  There will be five access points to the site, with a large roundabout proposed for the western access off of Interstate 35.  Elevations will be provided with the final development plan.  Ms. Wymore stated this preliminary development plan establishes the most recent vision for the site.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval.

 

Council Member King asked for clarification of the number of buildings shown on the plan, as he could not find 28 on the exhibits provided.  Ms. Wymore stated that this plan is conceptual at this point but 28 buildings were noted in the application.

 

Council Member Duncan asked about the process required to add back residential to the plan.  Ms. Wymore stated the eastern portion of the site is zoned Mixed Use and could include residential.  The western portion of the site is zoned for commercial uses and would not permit residential development in that area without rezoning.  The detail of the development would come forward for Council consideration with the final development plan.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if Garrison Road is currently used by Ford.  Ms. Wymore stated that was correct and that improvements would be required to that road with this development.

 

Council Member Phillips asked if the buildings would have the four-sided style of architecture.  Mr. Wymore stated that would be included in the final development plan.

 

Council Member Brenton asked how far the Flintlock/Garrison Road intersection is from the city limits.  Mr. Hansen estimated that intersection is about a quarter of a mile from the city limits.

 

Council Member Foster asked if any fast food restaurants would be permitted in the development.  Ms. Wymore stated they would not be permitted in the Mixed Use zoning but would be possible in the commercially zoned portion of the site.  The proposed uses would be included in the final development plan phase.  City Administrator Curt Wenson stated that the Council could place restrictions on uses.

 

Council Member King moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton stated that he liked the compact nature of this revised plan with a single phase, because the construction would not be drawn out.

 

Council Member King stated he was pleased to see a roundabout proposed the conceptual plan was exciting.

 

The motion carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2301.

 

C.         AGREEMENT WITH DR. JAMES L. HART FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6683 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 Phillips moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member King seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked about this physician’s experience and what individual training and feedback he would provide.  Fire Chief Gary Birch stated that fire staff reviews reports daily and the reports are reviewed quarterly with the medical director.  If anything unusual comes up, one-on-one training is provided.  If the medical director doesn’t provide this in a quarterly meeting, he reviews the information with the Deputy Fire Chief, who serves as the Emergency Medical Services director, and it is conveyed to staff.  The medical director meets with the front line staff at least four times a year.

 

Council Member Duncan asked if this is a new requirement.  Chief Birch stated it has been required for several years.  The medical director must be an Emergency Room physician and this allows the staff to work under established protocols.  Mr. Duncan asked if this is the same doctor the City has used in the past or this is a change.  Chief Birch stated this is a change.

 

Council Member King asked if the topics for the quarterly sessions are determined by the medical director.  Chief Birch stated they can be but the staff sometimes requests a review of a particular topic when an issue has been identified.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if the doctor was affiliated with Liberty Hospital.  Chief Birch stated Dr. Hart used to be with St. Luke’s North but now oversees the Emergency Room at St. Luke’s East.  His services were secured within the amount budgeted for a medical director.  The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9143.

 

D.        AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE TRAFFIC REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO GLENN HENDREN DRIVE AT NASHUA ROAD – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6684 was read.  Council Member King moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member King moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion.  Council Member Jenness complimented Public Works and the Police Department, stating this was a much needed change.  He stated the parents whose children attend Lewis & Clark Elementary appreciate the change because of the added safety.

 

Council Member Parry asked about the adverse comments that were received.  City Engineer Brian Hess stated that, at first, it was from people not stopping, and getting used to the change.  Inconvenience was noted.

 

Council Member Phillips stated that the staff report noted this was a step toward final configuration leading to installation of a traffic signal.  He asked if the City could consider alternative options to another traffic signal.

 

Council Member Brenton asked for a summary of the general volume of comments.  Mr. Hess stated they were about 50 percent positive and 50 percent negative during the first week.  After that it was mostly positive.  Police Chief Craig Knouse stated this is a positive change and has made this a safer intersection.  Mayor Steinkamp stated he received about ten calls and only one was against the change.

 

The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9144.

 

E.         ACCEPTANCE OF REGIONAL PUBLIC WORKS MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT COORDINATED THROUGH THE MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6685 was read.  Council Member Phillips 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 Jenness seconded the motion.  Council Member Brenton asked what the City’s responsibility is as a responder in this agreement and what compensation is available.  Mr. Hansen stated that the public works’ departments generally offer assistance in the area now.  In 2003, the American Public Works Association (APWA) offered assistance to Liberty after the tornado.  Building inspectors assisted City staff in assessing building damage.  City public works’ staff offered assistance to Parkville during recent flooding.  This agreement formalizes aid for larger occurrences for clean-up and recovery response.  It also allows the City of those being helped to be reimbursed after the first eight hours.  This is being offered for the first time in the metropolitan area and the City has been working with the Mid-America Regional Council on this mutual aid agreement for two years.  Mr. Hansen noted that public works’ staff would still offer assistance, even without the agreement.  Council Member Brenton asked for clarification that this is mutual aid for emergency situations only.  Mr. Hansen stated that is correct.

 

The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9145.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF BROADCASTING EQUIPMENT BY RANGEL TELEVISION SYSTEMS – ORDINANCE

 

Public Relations Coordinator Sara Cooke stated that televising Council meetings and other events in the Council Chambers is an opportunity to expand communication with residents.  The project was put on hold when Senate Bill 284 raised questions about the viability of cable channel.  With the channel intact for now, the proposal to purchase and install broadcasting equipment is Cable franchise fees provide funds to help with equipment purchases.  The City has budgeted $81,000 and lighting, cabinetry and electrical work has already been completed.  Approximately $60,000 remains for this project.  Two bids were received and staff recommends acceptance of the lowest and best bid from Rangel Television Systems.

 

Council Member Jenness stated his support for broadcasting meetings but questioned accepting the only bid received.  Ms. Cooke stated that five requests for proposal were sent out and follow-up contacts were made with each.  One declined to bid and one of the two bids received was incomplete, because it provided no training.  She added that the City had also looked at another option but it didn’t include training or installation.

 

Council Member Parry asked if the staff is working with the School District.  Ms. Cooke stated there have been discussions about additional programming and the staff is also working with William Jewell College.  Mr. Wenson stated that the School District has reviewed the equipment being considered for compatibility.

 

Council Member Duncan asked if this vendor has worked with other communities.  Ms. Cooke stated that both Olathe and Leavenworth are using Rangel Systems now and Blue Springs is about to enter into an agreement with this vendor.  The references provided by the vendor have been checked by City staff.

 

Council Member Brenton asked if the $1,375 each month in franchise fees is sufficient to operate the equipment purchased.  Ms. Cooke clarified that franchise fees cannot be used for personnel.  In the short term, she will be providing staff support for the project.  In the future, it is anticipated that interns could be brought in.  When programming is expanded, additional funding will be needed for staffing.  For now, the broadcasting is to be limited to just Council meetings.  William Jewell College is willing to assist in finding grants to connect and expand programming in the future.  Council Member Brenton stated it was a good idea for getting the community partners involved.

 

Council Member King asked what the ongoing costs would be.  Ms. Cooke stated that the maintenance costs are not anticipated to be very high, but when editing is added, there would be additional costs.  Council Member King asked if there would be additional budget needs later.  Ms. Cooke said that was correct.  Mr. King asked if any other projects were considered for these funds.  Ms. Cooke stated they considered a projector or additional editing equipment.

 

Mr. Wenson stated this project is a response to the Direction Finder survey in which comments were offered that there is not enough communication by the City to the community.  Mayor Steinkamp added that this has been identified as a Council goal.

 

Document No. 6686 was read.  Council Member Parry 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 Parry seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9146.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mr. Wenson stated that the TIF Commission would meet on Monday, June 4 to consider an amendment to the Liberty Triangle TIF Plan.  The Commission would meet again on Wednesday, June 6, to review Tax Increment Financing in general and then would meet on June 22 to review an amendment to the Whitehall TIF Plan.

 

Mr. Wenson asked council members to contact him about their availability for a study session on July 2, since the July 4^th holiday falls in that week.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Phillips stated it is his understanding that resident permit parking may be considered as a solution to the Jewell District parking.  He asked if the Council wanted to review the proposal in a study session.  Mayor Steinkamp stated that a study session might be helpful, but the proposal could come forward to Council at a regular session and, if Council was not comfortable making a decision at that time, a study session could be scheduled.

 

Council Member Phillips stated he would like Council to learn more about the tools for traffic calming available to the City.  Mr. Wenson stated that staff would soon be scheduling a goal setting retreat for Council and that could be considered at that time.

 

Council Member Brenton stated the medical director is a critical position to support Liberty citizens, as contact with the fire department is much more likely to occur through paramedics than a need for firefighters.

 

Council Member Foster stated he had received several calls from citizens concerned about the creek washing out back yards off of Old Manor.  Mr. Wenson stated that the Parks and Public Works’ staff are looking into it and should have a full report in the next couple of weeks.

 

Council Member Jenness thanked Aquila for providing volunteers to plant one hundred trees at the sports complex.

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated that Council Member Martin had represented the City at the Freedom House ground-breaking recently.  He reminded Council of the Liberty 4^th Fest on July 4^th, which will take place at the sports complex for the first time.  He asked council members to attend if possible.  Mayor Steinkamp asked council members to provide him with their nominations for the Civic Leadership award by next week’s study session.  Mayor Steinkamp stated there had been a brief discussion of the mayor pro tem at the last meeting and he would be bringing this back to Council for consideration at the next regular session.

 

Mayor Steinkamp extended his sympathies and those of the Council to Council Member Martin for the death of her father.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    Mayor

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk