CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 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 27, 2008 with Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp presiding. Mayor Steinkamp called the meeting to order
at 7:00
p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – NICK KING
The invocation was given by 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; Mike Snider, Deputy Fire Chief; Steve Anderson, Development
Director; Jonna Wensel, Community Development Manager; Dan Fernandez, Planner;
Katherine Burr, Planner; Tony Sage, Information Services Director; Shawnna
Funderburk, Assistant to the City Administrator; Jane Sharon, Deputy City
Clerk; David Knopf, The Kansas City Star; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribunes; and
13 members of the public.
IV. APPROVE
MINUTES AND SUMMARIES (SEE CONSENT AGENDA)
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Mayor
Steinkamp recognized Boy Scout Steven Untch with Troop 418, who is currently
working on his communications merit badge.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. *REZONING
PART OF LOT 3, BLACKBERRY SUBDIVISION, FROM MU, MIXED USE TO RN, NEIGHBORHOOD
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND .37 ACRES FROM R-1A, SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO
RN, NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [PZ CASE NO. 08-016R] (Continued from April 28, 2008) –
ORDINANCE
Staff reviewed the application to rezone portions of
the Blackberry Subdivision from Mixed Use and Suburban Residential Districts to
Neighborhood Residential Districts. Parkland dedication requirements are still satisfied with this amendment. Lot lines would be
rearranged and trail access changed. In
response to Council questions, staff clarified that a trail head is being eliminated
but the trail would still tie in to existing trails to the south in the future.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak in favor of the application. Joe Duffey, 1730 S. Withers Road, stated he was available to answer any questions
about the application. Mayor Steinkamp
asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the application. Seeing no one, he closed the public hearing.
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,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Phillips 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. 9305.
B. SECOND
PLAT REPLAT OF LOT 3 [PZ CASE NO. 07-057FP] – ORDINANCE (Companion application to rezoning above - does not require a public
hearing)
Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment
on the replat application. Steve Warger,
Harrington and Cortelyou Engineering reviewed the examples of plans and
addressed the eight variances requested with the final development plan. Jeff Julian, 10312 N. Lucerne, Kansas City, Missouri, planning to build the homes in this subdivision,
reviewed the design options and explained the need for the variances based on
moving the garage behind the house to meet City standards. In response to Council questions the
applicant and his representatives responded with the following
information. All the units are designed
with basements, some of which are walk-outs; there are two and three car garage
plans. The existing designs were adapted
to address the zoning standards and new untested plans were not considered, due
to the existing market. There will be a
mix of both traditional and conventional housing in this subdivision. Mr. Julian has experience building in the
northland. The homes in this subdivision
are anticipated to be marketed in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. In the remaining tracts not included in this
development plan, there will be mixed use, which could include duplex, triplex,
fourplex and town houses.
In response to Council questions, staff clarified that
the conceptual preliminary plan was approved with the initial rezoning application. The final development plan has more specifics.
Document No. 6851 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 Jenness moved to approve the ordinance,
which includes eight variances. Council
Member Phillips seconded the motion. In
response to Council questions, Staff noted that this was not the best approach
to zoning, with the eight variances, but was what was available for this
particular application, given the current codes. The Planning & Zoning Commission has
requested a study session to review codes related to traditional neighborhood
design (TND) and would like to see the City rely more on the Smart Code that
was adopted last year for TND. Council
Member Martin expressed concern about having so many variances, but appreciated
that the developer is moving into more traditional housing from what has been
exclusively conventional developments.
Council Member Duncan expressed interest in the Code allowing more
diverse development without having to relax the standards. The motion carried unanimously. It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed
in Ordinance No. 9306.
C. *SPECIAL
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW SMALL GROUP EVENTS AT THE STONE YANCEY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST,
421 N. LIGHTBURNE [PZ CASE NO. 08-025SUP] – RESOLUTION
Staff reviewed the application to allow small group
events at an existing bed and breakfast.
The plan included with the application does not include alcohol and the
groups would be limited to 30 in size.
The Historic District Review Commission and the Planning & Zoning
Commission recommended approval of the application. In response to Council questions, staff noted
that neighbors were generally in favor of the plan, once they were advised of
the stipulations.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak to the application.
Carolyn and Steven Hatcher, 421 N. Lightburne, operate
the bed and breakfast and offered to answer questions.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone wished to speak in
opposition to the application. Seeing no
one, he closed the public hearing.
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Jenness
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2355.
D. *SPECIAL
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE TEMPORARY SALE OF FIREWORKS FROM JUNE 20 TO JULY 5 AT 1005 N. 291
HWY. [PZ CASE NO. 08-026SUP] – RESOLUTION
Staff reviewed the application to allow sale of
fireworks in the parking lot on the north side of the antique mall on M291 Highway. All findings
were met and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. In response to Council questions, staff
stated that the information about City ordinances related to fireworks is
provided to the applicant by the City and duplicated and distributed by the
applicant.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak to the application.
Mike Matney, 110 Johnson Road, stated the location had moved to a paved lot this
year for ease of operation.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone wished to speak in
opposition to the application. Seeing no
one, he closed the public hearing.
Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution
with the stipulation to “disperse approved information which outlines what
fireworks are allowed to be discharged within the city limits.” Council Member Phillips seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2356.
E. *SPECIAL
USE PERMIT FOR STUDENT DORMITORY AT IMMACOLATA MANOR, 2145 MANOR WAY [PZ CASE NO. 08-027SUP] – RESOLUTION
Staff reviewed the application to allow use of the
carriage house on the site for an international student dormitory. The location would provide housing for 14
students and two chaperones. The 5
spaces allocated for the site would provide sufficient parking. The Planning & Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the application.
In response to Council questions, staff noted that
fire, building and planning staff participated in a review and a certificate of
occupancy would require completion of a final fire safety inspection.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak to the application.
Dale Herrick, 9818 Liberty Hills Drive, Executive Director of Immacolata Manor, stated the
students are participating in a 10-month program but the dormitory space would
be leased by the year. The Carriage House was previously occupied by seven
woman and this new option to house students was perceived as a very positive
step to serve the community.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone wished to speak in
opposition to the application. Seeing no
one, he closed the public hearing.
Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2357.
F. *AMENDMENT TO UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO
UTILITY BOXES [PZ CASE NO. 034-028A] – ORDINANCE
Staff reviewed proposed amendments to the Unified
Development Ordinance pertaining to placement of utility boxes. The amendments further clarify the zoning and
side and rear yard standards requiring a special use permit. The review of proposed utility box locations
has been added to final development plan and final plat applications to offer
options for approval. The Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended approval of the amendments.
In response to Council questions, staff provided the
following information: there are no
changes proposed with regard to placement of boxes in historic districts;
landscaping is not required in areas such as loading docks or areas that are
out of sight of the public, such as in narrow spaces between buildings.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak to the application.
Mike Chambers, AT&T, 500 East 8th Street, Kansas
City, Missouri, stated that the company still has a strong desire to
have the boxes out of sight and anticipates the cabinets would continue to get
smaller. In fiber-fed areas, there would
be no boxes at all.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone wished to speak in
opposition to the application. Seeing no
one, he closed the public hearing.
Document No. 6852 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 King moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Duncan seconded
the motion. In response to Council
questions, staff stated whether or not a special use permit was required to
depend on placement of the utility box.
By adding the utility box placement to the final plat and final
development plan stage, it could reduce the number of special use permit
applications. If a box is
non-operational for six months, it is considered abandoned and the UDO requires
it be removed within six months. The
motion carried 7-0-1. Council Member
Brenton abstained due to a potential conflict of interest. It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed
in Ordinance No. 9307.
G. *SPECIAL
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW UTILITY BOXES AT SOUTH VALLEY PARK, LOT 71; 1101 WELLINGTON
WAY; AND WESTOWNE OFFICE PARK, LOT 14 [PZ CASE NO. 08-028SUP] – RESOLUTION
Staff reviewed the application to allow utility boxes
in three locations, 2 in residential areas and one in an office park. A stipulation has been added to plant trees
as landscaping by the resident in whose yard the box is to be placed. All findings were met and the Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended approval.
In response to Council questions, staff stated that the box on Wellington Way would be in addition to the existing box.
Mayor Steinkamp opened the public hearing and asked if
anyone wished to speak to the application.
Mike Chambers, AT&T, 500 East 8th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri, stated that AT&T would be marketing
neighborhood by neighborhood and the reaction overall has been positive. The size of the boxes is why the company
works with the property owner to provide the best options for landscaping.
In response to Council questions, Mr. Chambers noted
that the landscaping change to trees was requested by the property owner. The four utility boxes previously approved
for special use permits are expected to be completed within 30 to 40 days.
Council Member Martin stated the size is still
objectionable, but commended the applicant for working with the property
owners. Mr. Chambers expressed interest
in future changes to the Code when trust has been developed. Council Member Foster thanked the applicant
for not working during hours when school is in session.
Mayor Steinkamp asked if anyone wished to speak in
opposition to the application. Seeing no
one, he closed the public hearing.
Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution
with the stipulation as to landscaping for the one location on Wellington Way. Council
Member King seconded the motion. Council
Member Brenton stated he would vote in opposition to the application because he
considered the initial four special use permits a pilot program and would like
to see the results of those before approving more. The motion carried 7-1-0. Council
Member Brenton voted in opposition. The
resolution is inscribed in Resolution No. 2358.
IX. ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM MAY 2, 2008 THROUGH MAY 16, 2008
1. EXCLUDING
KCP&L AND AQUILA PAYMENTS – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6853 was read. Council Member King moved to approve the
vendor payments. Council Member Martin
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. 9308.
2. KCP&L
AND AQUILA PAYMENTS – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6854 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to approve the
vendor payments. Council Member Jenness
seconded the motion. Vote on the motion
was as follows: Council Member Phillips
– yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Brenton – abstain; Council
Member Foster – yes; Council Member Jenness – yes; Council Member Duncan – yes;
Council Member Parry – yes; Council Member King – yes. The motion carried 7-0-1; with Council Member
Brenton abstaining, due to a potential conflict of interest. It was approved by the Chair and inscribed in
Ordinance No. 9308.
B. FINAL
PLAT FOR SHOPPES AT LIBERTY TRIANGLE, 4TH PLAT [PZ CASE NO. 08-032FP]
– ORDINANCE
In response to Council questions, staff noted that
adding turn lanes and a bigger footprint for the buildings, the plan has been
reduced from three to two.
Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public
comment. John Davis, representing Star
Development and LTD Enterprises, 244 West Mill, stated that utilizing the real
estate in the manner necessary only two fit on the site.
Document No. 6855 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 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. 9309.
C. FINAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 12,500 SQ. FT. BUILDING AT LIBERTY TRIANGLE, 4TH PLAT [PZ CASE NO. 08-033FP]
– ORDINANCE
In response to Council questions, staff noted that the
applicant was putting in 76 parking spaces, more than the 48 necessary, to
accommodate those desiring to park near the buildings and to allow for overflow
parking, thus reducing the number of people who go elsewhere because parking is
not available.
Council Member King moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution
No. 2359.
D. HIGHLAND PLAZA EAST, A HIGHWAY AND COOKINGHAM ROAD
In response to Council questions, staff stated that
all the sales tax would go to Kansas City, because the structure is in that city’s
jurisdiction. Notification of adjacent
property owners was not required because appropriate zoning was already in
place.
1. FINAL
PLAT, FIRST PLAT [PZ CASE NO. 08-024FP] – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6856 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 Martin seconded the motion. In response to a question about this space
being a commercial opportunity in Liberty, staff stated the proposal is based on what the applicant
brings forward. This application
complies with the City standards. The
motion carried 6-2-0. Council Member Brenton and Council Member
Parry voted in opposition. It was
approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9310.
2. FINAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PARKING LOT, [PZ CASE NO. 08-031FDP] – RESOLUTION
Council Member Jenness moved to approve the
resolution. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried 7-1-0. Council
Member Parry voted in opposition. The
resolution is inscribed in Resolution No. 2360.
E. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR DEMOLITION OF LIBERTY FEMALE COLLEGE, 438 E. FRANKLIN [HDRC CASE NO. 07-017J] – RESOLUTION
Council Member Phillips
stated he had a conflict of interest in this matter, and left the meeting at
this time.
Mayor Steinkamp offered an
opportunity for public comment. Mike
Mundy, 417 East Franklin, a part owner of the property, reviewed their
unsuccessful efforts to rehab the property.
With not enough remaining of historical value, the property did not
qualify for tax credits. Every effort
would be made in demolition to recycle timbers and brick. He noted that all neighbors had signed a
petition in favor of the demolition. If
approved, the property owners would proceed with plans to construct a single
family dwelling that would complement the neighborhood. In response to Council questions, Mr. Mundy
stated the structure is designated as a local landmark.
Council Member Duncan moved
to approve the resolution. Council
Member Martin seconded the motion.
Council Member Martin
stated it appeared the applicant had done all that could be done and a more
sound structure could be constructed in its place, if this one is
demolished. Council Member Parry stated
he owns a property that was in worse condition than this one and it is never
economically feasible to restore a historic property. Mr. Parry suggested perhaps another party
could take on the rehab of the structure.
Council Member Foster stated that he has restored properties in Liberty and suggested the Council tour the property before
voting to demolish it. He added that
even serious deficiencies can be addressed with time, money and patience.
Council Member Jenness
noted the Historic District Review Commission (HDRC) vote was 2-2-2 with three members absent and stated he could not
vote in favor of demolition under those circumstances. Council Member Duncan stated he had been
inside the property two years ago and it was not marketable. He added that without tax credits and with
the neighbors weighing in favoring the demolition, he believed it was better to
have what could be than what currently exists.
Council Member Brenton noted those HDRC members voting in opposition to
the demolition also said the property was not viable. He added that a little of the City’s
character is lost with the loss of any landmark. Council Member King reviewed previous Council
action in which the previous owner was not permitted to proceed with his plans
for this property. At that time, more
neighbors had opposed demolition, including the applicant. Mr. King added that demolition sets a
dangerous precedent and that maintaining a historic antebellum home is
necessary. Council Member Brenton noted
that the previous owner’s plan for the property significantly added to the
building’s footprint. The neighbors who
opposed the plan at that time were concerned mostly about the proposed attached
buildings. It would be wonderful if
someone could back up their passion for preservation with the funds needed to
accomplish it.
The motion failed 3-4-0. Council
Member King, Council Member Parry, Council Member Jenness and Council Member
Foster voted in opposition to the motion.
Mayor Steinkamp recessed
the meeting for a short break. Council
Member Phillips returned to the meeting at the time Mayor Steinkamp called the
meeting back to order.
F. AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES WITH KAPKE &
WILLERTH – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6857 was
read. Council Member Phillips moved to
waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion. Due to lack of
a unanimous vote to waive the rules, Mayor Steinkamp
stated the issue would go to second reading at the June 9, 2008 regular session.
G. EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH JAMES L. HART FOR MEDICAL
DIRECTOR SERVICES – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)
Document No. 6850 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. 9311.
H. UPPER RUSH CREEK SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Council members discussed the functions of the Board
of Utilities, questioning whether that board reviewed this type of issue prior
to it being brought to Council for consideration. Mayor Steinkamp stated a final contract
amendment is next on the agenda and a discussion about boards and committees
was a process discussion. Staff offered
to bring that discussion to a future study session.
1. FINAL
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH KAT EXCAVATION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,536.50 –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6858 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 Jenness
seconded the motion. In response to
Council questions, staff noted that the remaining funds could be used for other
active projects. The SRF funds would not
be available to projects other than those included in the initial
application. Bond covenants could be
reviewed to see of funds could be allocated to other than the initially
designated projects. The motion carried
unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9312.
2. ACCEPTANCE
OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION
Mayor Steinkamp noted that staff has requested the
acceptance of the project be removed to be brought back on a future agenda.
I. CONTRACT WITH BURNS & MCDONNELL
FOR NORTH LIBERTY WATER SUPPLY STUDY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $15,960 (CONT.
FROM 1/28/08) – ORDINANCE
In response to Council questions, staff stated this
study would look at what is required to provide Liberty water service to this area of the city and no longer
use Kansas City, Missouri water due to low pressure. Prior to development coming to this area, the
time was not right for considering this change.
This study will provide an indication of the costs for making the
necessary changes, and those can be built into the capital plan.
Document No. 6793 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 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. 9313.
J. GLENN
HENDREN WATER MAIN RELOCATION PROJECT
1. FINAL
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH HAVENS CONSTRUCTION FOR THE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,787.11
– ORDINANCE
Document No. 6859 was read. Council Member Brenton moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Jenness seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Martin moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Jenness
seconded the motion. In response to
Council questions, staff noted it is difficult to identify before construction
everything that will need to be done.
Records do not always identify where all lines are located. The motion carried unanimously; it was
approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No.9314.
Council Member Martin moved to continue agenda items
J.2, L and M to the June 9, 2008 regular session. Council Member
King seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
2. ACCEPTANCE
OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION
Mayor
Steinkamp stated this item would be considered at the June 9, 2008 regular session.
K. CONTRACT
AMENDMENT WITH C. GRANTHAM CO. FOR THE WATER TREATMENT LIME SLUDGE REMOVAL
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000 – ORDINANCE
In response to Council questions, staff stated that
storage of the sludge on City property had always been intended to be an
interim step to it being removed by a vendor.
Once approval and permits are obtained from Missouri Department of
Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, the lime sludge
would be piped directly to the Missouri
River. At that point no sludge would be held or need
to be hauled out by a contractor. Staff
is actively seeking required approvals by year end.
Council Member King offered materials to staff from
citizen research regarding use of lime sludge in construction.
Document No. 6860 was read. Council Member Martin moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Brenton 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. 9315.
L. AGREEMENT WITH KCATA TO PROVIDE ADA ACCESSIBLE
TRANSPORTATION – ORDINANCE
Mayor Steinkamp stated this item would be considered
at the June 9, 2008 regular
session.
M. AMENDMENT TO MARC CONTRACT FOR 2008
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING – ORDINANCE
Mayor Steinkamp stated this item would be considered
at the June 9, 2008 regular
session.
N. AGREEMENT
WITH CPMI DIGITAL, INC. FOR SOLICITATION AND PRODUCTION OF PARKS’ ADVERTISING
SIGNS – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6861 was read. Council Member King 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 Jenness
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9316.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
A. AMENDMENT
TO 2008 BUDGET INCORPORATING TELECOM SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Staff requested direction from Council regarding use
of one-time telecom settlement funds and again provided recommendations for
their use, including: a portion to be retained to enhance the unreserved fund
balance of the General Fund; funding of additional curb and overlay work; and
replacement of PCs.
In response to Council questions, staff noted that a
rating system and past commitments determine the overlay projects. The amount of funds available also dictates
what projects can be done. Traffic
calming options being considered along Kansas and around the Square include bulbouts and chicanes,
which would slow and possibly reduce truck traffic. The City would partner with neighborhoods to
add landscaping. These proposals have
not been tried in the past, but would have a positive impact in the
neighborhoods adjacent to the Square. The
use of telecom settlement funds as recommended by staff could increase in fund
balance from the estimated 10 percent at 2007 year end to 12 percent.
Council Member King restated his objection to
allocating the funds until the plans for the 2010 sales tax and transportation
sales tax are determined, suggesting the Tax Oversight Committee and citizens suggestions
from the forums should be considered before a decision is made. He suggested a study session with the Sales
Tax Committee to discuss the use of these funds.
Council Member Brenton recommended a portion of the
funds be used to provide a salary increase to department directors whose
salaries were not increased in 2008. He
added that the purpose of the Sales Tax Committee is to enforce policy not to
set it. The committee will ensure that
the Council does what it said it would do with sales tax dollars.
Council Member Phillips stated he would trust the
Sales Tax Committee to do its work. He
noted that Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. is working to improve the downtown
area, with landscaping and other improvements.
Extending HDLI’s involvement to street improvements would unduly burden
that organization.
Staff stated the use of the telecom settlement funds
would be added as an agenda item to the June 2, 2008 Council study session.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Council
Member Martin noted the water tower off Nashua is in need of washing again.
Council
Member Brenton asked that boards and commissions be reviewed in a future study
session. He added that with a water
study and rate structure being developed, the Board of Utilities could help by
making policy recommendations to Council.
Council
Member Foster reminded those present of the upcoming Mayor’s forum in Ward IV.
Council
Member Jenness expressed appreciation to Council for his appointment to the
Sales Tax Oversight Committee. He also
asked what the process is to notify the City of a Code violation for grass and
weeds. Staff requested the Code
Enforcement Officer be contacted and, when possible, the caller leave a contact
name and phone number for staff to follow up.
The process can take up to two weeks.
Staff agreed to check on intersections where there are overhanging
branches.
Council
Member Parry thanked staff for its efforts in addressing truck traffic.
Mayor
Steinkamp asked staff to schedule a study session to discuss boards and
commissions. He also noted he would be
attending a meeting called by Kansas City Mayor Funkhouser with regard to
transit and had materials he would share with any interested council members.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk