CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, MAY 12, 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 May 12, 2008 with Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp presiding.  Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

 

II.         INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            The invocation was given by Harold Phillips, 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; James Simpson, Deputy Police Chief; Matt Kellogg, Master Police Officer; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Marcella McCoy, Finance Manager; Diana Adams, Special Projects Manager; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Mike Snider, Deputy Fire Chief; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Jonna Wensel, Community Development Manager; Brad Boone, Information Services Specialist III; Shawnna Funderburk, Assistant to the City Administrator; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; David Knopf, The Kansas City Star; and 7 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES (SEE CONSENT AGENDA)

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

A.                 PROCLAMATION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH

 

Mayor Steinkamp read the proclamation and presented it to Nancy Johnson.

 

B.                 PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

 

Mayor Steinkamp read the proclamation and presented it to Master Police Officer Matt Kellogg.

 

Fay Bedinger, 232 W. Franklin, requested the Council take action necessary to remove fluoride from the City’s drinking water supply.

 

James Moores, 908 Scott Drive, expressed support for William Walker and Jeffrey Moore being named to the Citizen Sales Tax Oversight Committee (see appointments under Other Business on this agenda).  He also asked when the Bennett Park tennis courts construction would be completed and the courts available for use again.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

A.                 APPOINTMENTS

 

Liberty Community Christmas Tree Advisory Committee

Reappoint Larry Stanley to a term expiring May 1, 2011

Reappoint Barbara Yoakum to a term expiring May 1, 2011

 

Liberty Arts Commission

Reappoint Shane Immelt to a term expiring May 15, 2011

Reappoint Cheryl Holtman to a term expiring May 15, 2011

 

Liberty Parks & Recreation Board

Reappoint Gary Moore to a term expiring June 1, 2011

Reappoint Bill Niffen to a term expiring June 1, 2011

 

Board of Ethics

Reappoint Ken Chatlos to a term expiring June 15, 2013

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the appointments.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2008

 

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

 

C.                 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2008

 

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

 

D.                 SPECIAL SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF MAY 5, 2008

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

E.                  STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF MAY 5, 2008

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.        ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM APRIL 18, 2008 THROUGH MAY 2, 2008 – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member Foster asked if the amount above the $25,000 had been approved in the payment made to Public Water Supply District #2.  Staff responded that the additional payment was included in what Council approved and was for the District’s legal expenses.

 

Council Member King expressed appreciation to staff for information provided before the meeting about the payments to HNTB for engineering services related to South Liberty Parkway.

 

Document No. 6845 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to approve the vendor payments.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion.

 

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. 9298.

 

B.         AMENDMENT TO 2007 BUDGET – ORDINANCE

 

Council Member King thanked staff for additional information provided but again suggested the numbers reported in the budget and the action report should read the same.  Staff restated that budget figures are rounded while actual expenditures are not.

 

In response to further Council questions, staff noted that there are special obligation bonds related to the Clay County Health Center move out of the Triangle.  Currently capitalized interest pays for this debt, but it is anticipated that this can be rolled into Tax Increment Financing at some point as development occurs.  These bonds are due in 2010 and development is anticipated on the site by that time.

 

Council Member Brenton stated it would be easier to vote on the amendment with the additional information provided by staff.

 

Document No. 6846 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 King 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. 9299.

 

C.         FINAL ENGINEERING DESIGN FOR FLINTLOCK OVERPASS PROJECT

 

1.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH HNTB CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,198,000 – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

Document No. 6835 was read.  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. 9300.

 

2.         AMENDMENT TO 2008 BUDGET INCREASING THE 2010 CAPITAL BUDGET BY $1,200,000 – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

In response to Council questions, staff stated that the amount in the budget amendment reflected the amount anticipated to be received, $1.2 million.  The amount above what is needed for the HNTB contract amendment would be available to other engineering projects.

 

Document No. 6836 was read.  Council Member Martin 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. 9301.

 

D.        CONTRACT WITH GEO-TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR SOUTH LIBERTY PARKWAY, PHASE 2 GEO-TECHNICAL SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $45,553 – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council questions, staff provided the following information:  the work of this contractor would provide information that would allow the City to better describe the bid specifications for the engineering of the project.  For example, if rock is determined to be present, a “rock clause” would likely be inserted in the contract.  With this type of project, vendors with experience in the area of the project are given more weight in the selection process.  City policy does not require these type of service contracts to be awarded by bid and State statute precludes it.

 

Document No. 6847 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 Phillips moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9302.

 

E.         AGREEMENT WITH MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR ORTHO-PHOTOGRAPHY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,895 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6848 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 Martin 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. 9303.

 

F.         CONTRACT WITH KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN CRIME COMMISSION & CRIME STOPPERS/TIPS HOTLINE – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council questions, staff noted that TIPS Hotline and WeTIPS are separate programs.  The amount provided for the TIPS hotline is $1,000 annually.  Council Member Jenness stated the WeTIPS program is emphasized in the schools with fliers available and provided to counselors.

 

Document No. 6849 was read.  Council Member Martin 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, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9304.

 

G.         EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH JAMES L. HART FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council questions, staff noted that the 3-year agreement locked in the fee for services, but the contract also provides for termination with 60-day notice by either party.  Having a medical services director has worked well and the City emergency services staff continues to work well with the Liberty medical community.  The fee paid has not changed in the last five years.

 

Document No. 6850 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion.  There not being a unanimous vote, Mayor Steinkamp stated the ordinance would go to second reading at the May 27 regular session.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        CITIZEN SALES TAX OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

 

Council Member Brenton expressed concern about the lack of diversity among the appointees, with only two women and no minorities among them.  He said he was not critical of the selection process, but hoped that with the expiration of terms for these individuals that further efforts would be made to be more diverse in representation on the committee.

 

Council Member Duncan expressed surprise that there were no Liberty business owners in the group.  Mayor Steinkamp noted that Mr. Moore operated a Liberty business until just the last year or two and Mr. Thomas currently operates a business in Liberty.

 

Mayor Steinkamp noted that the term for committee members will eventually be three years, once the staggered terms are established.

 

1.                   MICHAEL HAGAN – MOTION

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

2.                   DONALD SMITH – MOTION

Council Member King moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Parry seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

3.                   JIM GLEASON – MOTION

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

4.                   WILLIAM CARLIN WALKER – MOTION

Council Member King moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

5.                   JEFFREY MOORE – MOTION

Council Member King moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Foster seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

6.                   DALE ELIZABETH WALKER – MOTION

Council Member Jenness moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Parry seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

7.                   BLAKE THOMAS – MOTION

Council Member Jenness moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

8.                   MARJORIE COX – MOTION

Council Member King moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

9.                   GREGORY BALLENTINE – MOTION

Council Member Jenness moved to approve the appointment.  Council Member Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Mr. Wenson state that a brief peace officers’ memorial service is scheduled the morning of Thursday, May 15, outside the Missouri Street entrance to City Hall.  He also noted that there are eleven planning items to be considered at the May 27 regular session so it will be a lengthy agenda.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Phillips and Council Member Jenness thanked the mayor and staff for the forum held in Ward I.  Mr. Jenness encouraged citizens to attend the other scheduled forums this month and in June.

 

Council Member Duncan thanked the citizens who have agreed to serve on the sales tax committee.

 

Council Member King asked for clarification of the additional funds from the Road District.  Staff noted that $368,000 over what was initially budgeted for 2008 ($590,000) has been added for overlay for a total 2008 budget of $958,000 with the rest placed in the General Fund to support Public Works related to street maintenance ($224,000).  Mr. King asked when and in what way the council member would be selected to serve on the Citizen Sales Tax Oversight Committee.  Mr. Wenson stated that Council action could be placed on the May 27 agenda.  Mayor Steinkamp asked the Council to make the selection themselves, because unless directed otherwise by legal counsel, he would not break a tie vote.

 

Mayor Steinkamp asked for an update on the tennis court project.  Staff stated that the School District has indicated the work is expected to be finished by the end of June.  Drainage, base rock, curbing and some poles are already in.

 

Mayor Steinkamp noted that he would be out of town on May 19 and Mayor ProTem Duncan would chair the Council study session that evening.  He also mentioned the MML Westgate Division meeting at the Independence Bass Pro store.  He asked council members to provide their suggestions for this year’s civic award by May 27, as the award recipient will be announced at the Westgate Division meeting in July.  Mayor Steinkamp noted the June 13 scheduling of the MARC annual meeting.  If council members wish to attend any of these upcoming meetings, they should contact Administration staff.

 

Mayor Steinkamp referenced a new website for public transit (google.com/transit) that can be used to identify how to get around metropolitan areas using public transportation.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    Mayor

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk