CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 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 December 8, 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

 

            The invocation was given by Lyndell Brenton, 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; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Steve Anderson, Development Director; Tony Sage, Information Services Director; Dennis Dovel, Acting Parks & Recreation Director; Anna Slocum, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director; Amy Brusven, Human Resources Director; Brian Hess, Assistant Public Works Director; Janet Pittman, Deputy City Clerk; Gene Hansen, The Kansas City Star; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; and 25 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES (SEE CONSENT AGENDA)

 

A.        STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 13, 2008

 

Council Member King moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried 6-0-2.  Council Members Jenness and  Phillips abstained due to absence.

 

B.         STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2008

 

Council Member King moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1.  Council Member Jenness abstained due to absence.

 

C.         STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 19, 2008

 

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

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

Mayor Steinkamp recognized boy scouts Logan Kesler, Draven Burch, Jarek Kaaiakamanu, Josh Gale and Josh Mapel from Troop #134, who are working on merit badges.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

Council Member Paul Jenness asked that the summary from November 17 be removed and voted on separately. 

 

A.                 STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 17, 2008

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the meeting summary as distributed.  Council Member Philllips seconded the motion, which carried which carried 7-0-1.  Council Member Jenness abstained due to absence.

 

B.                 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008

 

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

 

C.                 STUDY SESSION SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 24, 2008

 

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

 

D.                 TEMPORARY EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIBERTY, INC. - RESOLUTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the application.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2392.

 

E.         APPOINTMENTS

 

Liberty Arts Commission

Appoint Carol Veltman Kariotis to a term expiring 5-15-2010

 

Board of Appeals

Reappoint Dobbe Dobberstine to a term expiring 12-30-2013

 

Planning and Zoning Commission

Reappoint Walt Holt to a term expiring 1-1-2012

Reappoint Laurie Sutton to a term expiring 1-1-2012

 

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

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

A.        ADMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE - ORDINANCE

(Originally postponed from 11/24 meeting)

 

Mayor Steinkamp stated that the Development department staff requested that this item be remanded back to the Planning Commission for further review.

 

Council Member Brenton made a motion to remand this case back to the Planning Commission for further review and consideration.  Council Member Jenness seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6942 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. 9385.

 

B.                 CONTRACT FOR 2008 AUDIT SERVICES WITH RUBINBROWN, LLP - ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council’s questions, staff stated that this is a standard engagement letter that outlines the scope of the audit to be performed.  The reference to management’s responsibility in the engagement letter refers mainly to Finance and Administration department staff members.  Staff stated that engaging a new audit firm every five years is recommended to ensure that neither party becomes complacent.  Although RubinBrown was not the lowest bidder, their proposal offers more audit hours at a lower cost per hour.  In addition, the trend analysis and summary reports that RubinBrown provides will be a useful tool to staff and Council.

 

Document No. 6943 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 Brenton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 9386.

 

C.                 ADOPTION OF 2009 BUDGET – ORDINANCE

 

City Administrator Curt Wenson stated that this has been a very good process and thanked the Mayor and Council for their efforts.  He also thanked Assistant City Administrator Dan Estes and Assistant Finance Director Diana Adams for their hard work in preparing the budget and commended staff for their teamwork throughout the process.

 

Staff noted that this is a balanced budget and that the $150,000 deficit would be covered by open positions currently in the budget remaining vacant in 2009.

 

In response to Council’s questions, staff stated that the five percent increase for solid waste and recycling collection will be covered through the Sanitation Fund balance and would not be passed on to residents.  Parks staff stated that the department could operate with the annual lease payment and a potential bonding payment, with no changes in service or program delivery.  Council discussed the possibility of using monies from cash sources, including Liberty 2010, to fund the necessary Community Center repairs rather than issuing bonds at this time.

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

Document No. 6944 was read. Council Member Phillips moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which failed due to the lack of a unanimous vote. Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

D.                 PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY LEASES

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment. 

 

1.         RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY CENTER – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6945 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

2.         RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR SPORTS COMPLEX – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6946 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

E.                  AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 29 PERTAINING TO WATER AND SEWER RATES

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

1.                   AMENDMENT TO WATER RATES – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6947 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

2.                   AMENDMENT TO SEWER RATES – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6948 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

F.                  AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH ALLIED WASTE FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council’s questions, staff stated that the current contract expires December 31, 2008 and this would be a one year extension in order to allow staff adequate time to evaluate alternative methods for providing curbside collection, including containerized and automated collection.

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

Document No. 6949 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

G.                 FEE FOR SERVICES CONTRACT WITH HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LIBERTY, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000 – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council’s concerns regarding the elimination of the Santa parade and Heritage Festival, staff will request that HDLI provide a list of festivals that will be preserved.  Council stated it would be appreciated if when HDLI, and the Partnership, provide their annual reports to Council that they include information on future plans so that Council has an opportunity to provide input prior to authorizing funding.

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

Document No. 6950 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

H.                 FEE FOR SERVICES CONTRACT WITH THE PARTNERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 – ORDINANCE

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

                        Document No. 6951 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

I.                    CONTRACT WITH KANSAS CITY AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (KCATA) FOR LIBERTY EXPRESS SERVICES – ORDINANCE

 

In response to Council’s questions, staff stated adjustments could be made to the contract mid-year should ridership numbers decrease in the event a bus is added at Shoal Creek, or as a result of low fuel prices.  Mayor Steinkamp stated that he will be sending letters to area municipalities requesting their assistance in funding this service.

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

                        Document No. 6952 was read.  Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

J.                   2008 OVERLAY PROJECT

 

1.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SUPERIOR BOWEN ASPHALT COMPANY, LLC – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6953 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. 9387.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the resolution.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2393.

 

K.                 AGREEMENT WITH MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FOR REGIONAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

Mayor Steinkamp offered an opportunity for public comment.  No one wished to speak.

 

                        Mayor Steinkamp stated this would be considered on second reading at the December 15 special session.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

City Administrator Curt Wenson stated that there will be a Special Session on December 15, and there will be no Council meeting on December 22 or 29.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Jenness stated to the audience that the procedure of first reading of the budget takes some getting used to and encouraged them to return on December 15.  He noted that earlier this week a letter went out from the Parks Charitable Fund seeking donations for a new Scholarship program to assist with sports entry fees.  He stated this is something to be proud to be a part of and encouraged individuals who received the letter to pass it along to other interested parties.

 

Council Member Parry thanked staff for all of the detailed budget information that was provided to Council this year.

 

Council Member King requested clarification on the order of approving agenda items pertaining to the budget.  Mr. Wenson stated it is appropriate to approve the budget prior to approving items expending funds from the proposed budget.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    Mayor

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk