CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008
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 14, 2008 with Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp presiding. Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting to order
at 7:02
p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – NICK KING
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 and
Anna Marie Martin, 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; Dan Estes, Assistant City
Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief;
Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Marcella McCoy, Finance Manager; Diana Adams,
Special Project Manager; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Gary
Birch, Fire Chief; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Tony
Sage, Information Services Director; Shawnna Funderburk, Assistant to the City
Administrator; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty
Tribune; Jill Sederstrom, The Kansas City Star; and 24 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES (SEE CONSENT AGENDA)
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Mayor
Steinkamp welcomed Boy Scouts from Troop 374, which is sponsored by the First
Presbyterian Church of Liberty, including Chad Lee, Paul Tasetano, Will Cox,
Nathan Whitelock, Clutch Dubrel, Bryce Graskemper, and Troop Leaders Lianne
Zuber, Darrell Whitlock, Mike O’Neil and Ray Graskemper.
Pat
Miller, 1955
Kings Highway,
thanked the Council for getting more information about the water rates compared
to other communities. She asked the
Council to consider not raising the rates but to find other revenues to cover
the expenses associated with providing water service.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. *TRIANGLE
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN 5-YEAR REVIEW
(*REDEVELOPER
LTD ENTERPRISES WILL MAKE PRESENTATION)
Dan Carr, of LTD Enterprises, provided a review of
development in the Liberty Triangle, noting the following in his
presentation: the extension of College
Street to 291 Highway is completed but awaits addition of a traffic signal and
sign-off by the Missouri Department of Transportation, which is anticipated
this Spring; Once Rogers Sporting Goods moves to its new location, Blue Jay
will be extended through the Triangle, which may be completed by next winter;
Texas Roadhouse is operating and considered one of the best revenue-producers in
the region by the corporation; the strip center is 100% leased; Red Robin and
Starbucks are operating and doing well; an Olive Garden is expected to open in
mid-February. Future development in the
planning stages includes a Hy-Vee, but details on an outdoor garden center is
still being negotiated with Lowe’s, which development agreement restricts
another garden center in that location; Hy-Vee also plans to add a gas station,
which may be located in the northwest part of the Triangle. An additional strip center is being planned
to be anchored by a sports bar/restaurant.
The developer is in negotiations with another restaurant and a strip
center with a tower element and four-sided architecture is planned for the
space vacated by the Clay County Health Center. Two parcels
in front of Texas Roadhouse are being considered for a hotel or two additional
restaurants. LTD Enterprises also
anticipates acquiring a pad site from Lowe’s for a full service restaurant.
Planning in the Triangle is turning its focus on
creating a better ambiance. Landscaping
to dress up the detention basin and providing nice entrances to the City are
among the developer’s objectives. The
developer is working with the Liberty Arts Council on ideas for the
roundabouts. In response to Council
questions, Mr. Carr noted that work is continuing on landscaping along 152
Highway, although some work along Blue Jay and Conistor awaits the completion
of the Olive Garden construction and demolition of the former health department
building. Pine trees have been planted
near the hotel and sprinklers have been added for the roundabouts.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone present wished to speak. Bob
Hedrick, 1858 Loughery, asked if any consideration had been given to the empty
Hy-Vee store, once it moves to the Triangle.
City Administrator Curt Wenson stated that the owner is making a strong
effort to market the space and it is in a good location to attract prospective
tenants.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Mayor Steinkamp
closed the public hearing.
IX. ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM DECEMBER 7, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2008 – ORDINANCE
Council Member Brenton requested that checks numbered
105342 and 105377 be removed and voted on separately.
Document No. 6791 was read. Council Member King moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion. Responding to Council
question, staff noted that Green Ready Mix from Excelsior Springs was used for
small repairs that are not done by the Liberty vendor.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member
Martin – 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. 9248.
Council Member Martin moved to approve checks numbered
105342 and 105377. Council Member
Phillips seconded the motion. Vote on
the motion was as follows: Council
Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Brenton –
abstain, due to a potential 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 unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in
Ordinance No. 9248.
B. AMENDMENT
OF WATER RATES – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING) (Continued
from January 7, 2008 special
session)
Document No. 6787 was read. Council Member Martin moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion. In response to
Council questions, staff stated that a full closeout of the 2007 fiscal year
would be necessary before it was known whether the General Fund fund balance
would remain at 10.43% and the City should remain mindful of the assumption it
would not be higher than the current estimate.
In order to hold a water rate increase to 2.5%, the budget development
included reduction of the overhead payment to 7%, which represents a reduction
of $100,000 to the General Fund revenue.
The result of not increasing the water rate would further reduce the
fund balance in the General Fund. Staff
recommended holding anticipated one-time telecom settlement funds to determine
highest need. Transfers from the capital
fund provide funding for capital water expenditures and the rate increase
secures necessary revenues to cover budgeted expenditures.
The vote resulted in a 4-4-0 tie with Council Member King, Council Member Parry,
Council Member Jenness and Council Member Foster voted in opposition. Mayor Steinkamp broke the tie with a vote in
favor. The motion carried 5-4-0; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in
Ordinance No. 9249
C. VACATION
OF RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR ROGERS PLAZA – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6792 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member King 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. 9250.
D. CONTRACT
FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH BURNS & MCDONNELL FOR NORTH LIBERTY WATER
SUPPLY STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,960 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6793 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the
motion. For lack of a unanimous vote in
favor of the motion, Mayor Steinkamp stated the ordinance would be considered
on second reading at the January 28, 2008 regular session.
E. CONTRACT
FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH GEORGE BUTLER ASSOCIATES FOR SANITARY SEWER RENEWAL PROGRAM IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $115,200 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6794 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Phillips seconded the
motion. For lack of a unanimous vote in
favor of the motion, Mayor Steinkamp stated the ordinance would be considered
on second reading at the January 28, 2008 regular session.
F. ACCEPTANCE
OF OAKWOOD BUSINESS PARK TRACT 8 WATER MAIN EXTENSION PROJECT – RESOLUTION
Council Member Brenton moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2330.
G. NEWTON PARK SANITARY SEWER PROJECT
1. ACCEPTANCE
OF EASEMENTS – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6795 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Jenness seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Jenness moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Duncan
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9251.
2. ACCEPTANCE
OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION
Council Member Duncan moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2331.
H. BLACKBERRY
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
1. DISCLAIMING
AND ABANDONING A CERTAIN SECTION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG BLACKBERRY DRIVE – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6796 was read. Council Member Brenton 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 Brenton
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9252.
2. DISCLAIMING
AND ABANDONING STORM DRAINAGE FACILITIES AND UTILITY EASEMENTS – ORDINANCE
Mr. Wenson referred to a minor correction to the legal
description which has been provided to Council in a revised ordinance.
Document No. 6797 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Phillips seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Jenness moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Duncan
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9253.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Phillips thanked the staff for its coordination of the legislative
breakfast.
Council
Member Martin thanked the staff for its commitment and efforts in addressing
the water rates.
Council
Member Jenness reviewed activity of the Parks Charitable Fund Advisory
Committee, noting that it had achieved its first objective to get 100%
participation from the members of the Advisory Committee and the Parks
Board. Council members have contributed
as well. Since the fund-raising efforts
began, $4,600 has been raised for the Fund and in-kind contributions of $20,000
have also been received for printing of the brochure, dirt for two parks’
projects and resurfacing of the court at Ruth Moore Park.
Mr.
Jenness also asked if the smoking survey results would be provided to the
Chamber and the Partnership. Mr. Wenson
stated that staff had met with the Partnership and a separate survey aimed at
the business community was also being planned.
The joint discussions would continue through a review of both surveys.
Council
Member Duncan stated that the Liberty Arts Council had received a number of
entries in the Liberty Citizen cover
contest. The entries would be juried and
a reception was planned to formally recognize the winners and display the
artwork.
Mr.
Duncan asked whether placement of public art in Tax Increment Financing
Districts could be a reimbursable expense.
Mr. Wenson stated that was definitely an option and could be explored in
current development where interest is shown.
Council
Member Parry asked if an announcement was expected from CBL anytime soon. Mr. Wenson said it was possible as he had
spoken with the developer of Whitehall Station today.
Mr.
Parry suggested the smoking survey be altered to allow the response of “no
support” for each survey question. Mr.
Wenson stated he would review the survey with Public Relations Coordinator Sara
Cooke.
Council
Member King asked if the survey was available at city hall in printed
form. Mr. Wenson said it is available
both on-line and in printed form at city hall.
Mr.
King asked what percentage the State collects from cities as a fee. Assistant City Administrator Dan Estes stated
State processing fee is usually one percent but he would get confirmation from
the State.
Mayor
Steinkamp noted he, too, had spoken with the Whitehall Station developer and he
understands the City’s position. CBL is
waiting for some additional information which it expects to have soon.
Mayor
Steinkamp noted that Columbia, Missouri recently celebrated the first anniversary of
implementing its smoking ban.
Mayor
Steinkamp asked council members to review and respond to the two handouts they
were provided last week regarding the City Administrator annual review and
vacancies on Boards and Commissions.
Because the process of confirming an individual’s interest in serving
and obtaining a biographical sketch can take time, he asked that council
members submit suggestions as soon as possible.
Mayor
Steinkamp reminded council members of the upcoming Westgate Division MML dinner
meeting and Chamber banquet.
Mayor
Steinkamp stated that he had discussed with North Kansas City Mayor Gene Bruns
the possibility of using casino funds available to that city to secure much-needed
repairs to the city-owned Frank Hughes Library building in Liberty, which houses the Clay County Archives. Thanks to the efforts of City staff following
that discussion, it is anticipated that a grant proposal for $40,000 will be
fully funded. The Archives is a repository
for many significant Clay County records and the repairs this grant will allow are
expected to provide improved quarters for those archival records for ten to
fifteen years.
Fay
Bedinger asked to comment on the smoking survey. Mayor Steinkamp noted that the citizen
participation section of the meeting had closed earlier and he would discuss
the matter with her following adjournment of the meeting.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk