CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2004
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 September 27,
2004 with Mayor Stephen P.
Hawkins presiding. Mayor Hawkins called
the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation was given by Council Member Anna Marie
Martin, who then led the pledge of allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
Roll call was answered by Mayor Stephen P. Hawkins; Ed
Collins and Coni Hadden, Ward I; LeRoy Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II;
Juarenne Hester, Ward III; and Jim Robertson, Ward IV. Also in attendance were Patty Gentrup, City
Administrator; Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Administrator; Steve Hansen,
Public Works Director; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Steve
Anderson, Planning & Development Director; JacLyn Carlson, Planner; Linda
Tyree, Finance Director; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Myron Schmitt, Division Fire
Chief; Jim Simpson, Deputy Police Chief; Brian Hess, Civil Engineer; Mary
Towse, Human Resources Director; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator;
Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie
Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune; Joe Cook, Liberty Sun News, and 15 members of the
public.
IV. APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES
A.
SPECIAL SESSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
Council Member Martin moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried 4-0-2.
Council Member Hadden and Council Member Robertson abstained due to
absence.
B.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
Council Member Coe moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion, which carried 4-0-2.
Council Member Hadden and Council Member Robertson abstained due to
absence.
C.
REGULAR SESSION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
Council Member Hester moved to approve the minutes as
distributed. Council Member Coe seconded
the motion, which carried 4-0-2. Council
Member Hadden and Council Member Robertson abstained due to absence.
D.
STUDY SESSION
MEETING SUMMARY OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2004
Council Member Hadden moved to approve the meeting
summary as distributed. Council Member
Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
V. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Mayor
Hawkins recognized Will Gorman with his father, Jeff Gorman, Kyle Coday, Cameron
Kieffer and Assistant Troop Leader Steve Shrewsbury from Troop 214. The boy scouts attended the meeting while
working on their communications and citizenship in the community badges.
A.
PRESENTATION OF
LEWIS & CLARK QUILT TO THE CITY BY CRAIG PORTER
Craig Porter provided a history of the Lewis &
Clark quilt crafted by Wilma Searcy and auctioned off as a benefit for Chandler Baptist Church. He and Tim
Harris purchased the quilt and were now giving it to the City of Liberty in this formal presentation. He thanked Angie Borgedalen and the Fine Arts
Council for their efforts in advancing local arts. Mr. Porter also said he and Mr. Harris will
assist with any costs for storage and display of the quilt. Mayor Hawkins thanked Mr. Porter and Mr.
Harris for remembering the City with this contribution.
B.
PROCLAMATION FOR
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Mayor Hawkins read the proclamation for fire prevention
week, October 3-9, and presented it to Division Chief Myron Schmitt and Fire
Chief Gary Birch. He thanked them for
keeping fire safety education in the forefront each year.
VI. MEETING SCHEDULE
Mrs.
Gentrup stated that there would be a study session on Monday, October 4, and
there would be no meeting October 18.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
A. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 – ORDINANCE
Council Member Robertson asked that Check No. 84886 be
removed and voted on separately.
Document No. 6256 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion.
Council Member Martin asked about the three checks
making bond interest payments. Mrs.
Gentrup stated that the first was for the Community Center and the other two
were for the water revenue bonds for the treatment plant expansion. She noted that the water bonds had been
approved by the voters. Mayor Hawkins
clarified that the payments were not just interest but included payment on
principal as well.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Collins – yes; Council Member
Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council
Member Coe – yes; Council Member Robertson – yes. The motion carried unanimously; it was
approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8721.
Council Member Martin moved to approve Check No.
84886. Council Member Hester seconded
the motion.
Vote on the motion was as follows: Council Member Collins – yes; Council Member
Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council
Member Coe – yes; Council Member Robertson – abstain. The motion carried unanimously; it was approved
by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8721.
B. *WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY AT 401 SKYLINE DRIVE [P&Z CASE NO. 04-229SP; APPLICANT: SPRINT
SPECTRUM]
Mayor Hawkins stated the next application does not
require a public hearing for either the site plan or the cooperative agreement
but if members of the public wished to speak to either, he would allow a
limited time for comments.
1. SITE
PLAN FOR 80’ STEALTH COMMUNICATIONS TOWER – RESOLUTION
Planner JacLyn Carlson stated that the application was
for a stealth communications tower at the Skyline Apartment Complex, which is
zoned R-6, Low Rise Apartment District.
She stated the site will have access to Skyline Drive and sanitary sewer, water and storm water will not be
affected by this application.
Ms. Carlson described the difference between this
proposed unipole and a monopole being that the antennas on this unipole are
contained within the pole. She stated it
is designed to blend in with its surroundings and looks like a utility
pole. The applicant, Ms. Carlson stated,
had proposed a 60 foot tower, but at this particular height it could not support
co-locations. Staff has recommended an
80 foot tower, as it will allow one co-location. She stated there would be a six-foot high fence
around the pole with a gate at Skyline Drive, limiting access to the site. Ms. Carlson stated that the pavement at this
site would be permeable, which allows storm water to seep through rather than
repelling it. Landscaping would also be
added in the form of trees around the fence and access road. Property owners were notified by the
applicant of a neighborhood meeting which none attended. She stated that Planning & Zoning
Commission recommends approval of the 80 foot tower.
Council Member Martin asked if the fence would be a
privacy fence. Ms. Carlson said that was
correct.
Mayor Hawkins stated that, if anyone present wished to
speak to the application, he would allow it.
Seeing no one, he referred the application to Council for discussion.
Council Member Collins moved to approve the site plan. Council Member Martin seconded the motion
which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2179.
2. COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT WITH SPRINT SPECTRUM LP – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6257 was read. Council Member Hadden moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Robertson seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Hester moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Martin
seconded the motion. Mrs. Martin said she
appreciated staff providing the seasonal photo simulations for comparison. Mayor Hawkins asked David Cox, whose
residence is near the site, if he wished to speak to the cooperative
agreement. Mr. Cox said he did not.
The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the
Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8722.
C. COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT WITH MID-AMERICA REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR OPERATION GREEN LIGHT TRAFFIC
CONTROL SYSTEM – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)
Council Member Hadden said she had read through the
materials but would appreciate clarification of the new charges. Public Works Director Steve Hansen stated
that the agreement includes costs for the first phase covering implementation,
including hardware and software as well as communication items. He stated the additional cost estimates
provided address replacing the controller in a later phase of the project plus
operations and maintenance. He cautioned
that these are just projections, with estimates based on the level of
maintenance required and could vary depending on participation in the Green
Light project. He said the future costs
are still being analyzed and reviewed.
Council Member Martin asked when closer estimates
would be available. Mr. Hansen said it
would be after area cities agree to participate and there is a better
understanding of what signals will be in the system. Mrs. Martin asked if the $1,670 is a one time
charge. Mr. Hansen said it is a one time
charge but the amount is an estimated maximum cost for this phase. Mrs. Martin stated she had thought the $1,670
was the only cost and said they should know the overall maintenance costs. Mr. Hansen said the projections are the only
figures available at this time but the City can opt out of the program at any
time and would just have its one signal taken off the system. Mrs. Gentrup noted that the City will have
responsibility for only one signal, but there are three others along 152 Hwy.
that come under MoDOT’s participation – at Forrest, Conistor and Blue Jay.
Council Member Collins said he is in favor of the
overall concept and with the others in line, it makes sense to participate.
Council Member Hadden asked if these are the only
signals that could potentially be in the system in Liberty. Mr. Hansen
said there is a secondary corridor along M-291 at Liberty Drive and Withers Road. He added that
signals at the I-35/M-291 Hwy. interchange, after the improvements are
completed, could be included.
Mayor Hawkins asked if the South Liberty Parkway would be included.
Mr. Hansen said it had not been identified at this time. Mayor Hawkins asked if the projected
maintenance costs are affected by the number of signals in the system. Mr. Hansen said the projections are based on the
whole system and incorporate federal funding for the project through 2007. He said in 2008 and 2009 the costs could be
greater because the system would be weaned from federal funding. Mr. Hansen said these projected costs were
just made available at his request and would likely be made available to the
other participants as well.
Council Member Hadden asked if there would be
additional costs with every new signal.
Mr. Hansen said there would be, but not as much as this initial
implementation cost. Council Member
Martin asked if there was a way to reevaluate the costs next year at budget
time. Mr. Hansen said the costs are
budgeted with traffic signal maintenance but may be a separate line item in the
future for Operation Green Light specifically.
Mrs. Gentrup added that, once the system is operational, the City can
evaluate its participation in the project.
Mayor Hawkins said it seems appropriate motivation
toward better traffic management and that three of the four signals identified
in Liberty are through MoDOT.
Mr. Hansen said there are benefits to the residents of Liberty and the traveling public in general, including
reduced pollution. Council Member Hadden
added that this project may make participants eligible for air quality
mitigation funds through 2007.
Council Member Robertson asked what would happen if
the signals were not timed properly. Mr.
Hansen stated the City has the ability to require changes and will have a
monitoring station at City Hall. He said
City staff would work with the regional center staff in these instances. Mr. Robertson asked if Opticom would be
affected. Mr. Hansen said it would not.
Document No. 6254 was read. Council Member Martin moved to approve the
contract. Council Member Hester seconded
the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8723.
D. LIBERTY
DRIVE TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Council Member Martin asked what makes the signals so
expensive. Mr. Hansen said the equipment
in the cabinet is the major cost along with the poles. Mrs. Martin asked if the savings would go
back into the capital fund. Mrs. Gentrup
said they would.
1. FINAL
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH G & G SIGNALS AND LIGHTING INC. FOR CONISTOR SIGNAL
INSTALLATION DECREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $12,243.05 – ORDINANCE
Document No. 6258 was read. Council Member Hadden 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 Hadden
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8724.
2. FINAL
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH G & G SIGNALS AND LIGHTING INC. FOR SOUTH WALES SIGNAL INSTALLATION DECREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $5,411.32 –
ORDINANCE
Document No. 6259 was read. Council Member Coe moved to waive the rules
and consider the ordinance on first reading.
Council Member Robertson seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Council Member Hester moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hadden
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8725.
3. ACCEPTANCE
OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION
Council Member Coe moved to accept the project. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2180.
E. CONTRACT
WITH CLAY COUNTY SANITARY & DITCHING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$94,530 FOR WEST
COLLEGE STREET
WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS – ORDINANCE
Council Member Robertson said the bids came in very
low, at one half the estimates. He
expressed concern that there would be change orders increasing the costs. Mr. Hansen said the bids had been analyzed and
are reflective of the costs for the project.
He said he could not explain the engineers’ estimates, which are not
done by staff but by outside sources, that use their own experiences with other
projects to determine estimated costs.
He said this vendor is a local contractor and has provided good services
in several previous City projects.
Mr. Robertson asked about the timing of the
project. Mr. Hansen said he would get
that information and make it available to Council.
Document No. 6260 was read. Council Member Robertson moved to waive the
rules and consider the ordinance on first reading. Council Member Martin seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
Council Member Hadden moved to approve the
ordinance. Council Member Hester
seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8726.
XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Mrs.
Gentrup asked Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson to review the
results of the recent design charrette for Phase II of South Liberty Parkway. Mr. Anderson reviewed the process, which
included participants from City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Park
Board, Chamber of Commerce, Clay County, Missouri Department of Transportation,
affected property owners, members of the development community and citizens
from earlier planning projects along with the design team. He particularly thanked Council Members
Hester and Parker, planning commission and park board members for their
participation.
He
stated that, after two days of discussions, nine different looks had been developed
for the alignment and design of South Liberty Parkway from Withers Road to M-291 Hwy.
These different looks could be generalized into two alignments: Ruth Ewing Road southerly to Withers Road and an alternative connection north of Old 210 Hwy.
with the parkway sweeping towards Birmingham Road then to the tie-in at Withers Road.
He
stated the consultants would now be working to refine the engineering and costs
for both alignments, which would then be reviewed in a joint session of City
Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission. He stated that both preliminary designs
address principles from the Blueprint for Liberty, which calls for traditional neighborhoods and a town
center. He noted that in both views, a
half-mile area has been identified as a town center, at which point the parkway
takes on a different look, incorporating a “multi-way boulevard”. This will include landscaped medians and
large pedestrian ways on each side.
There will be frontage streets on both sides of the parkway. Mr. Anderson said this design has been used
successfully in other areas of the country.
Mayor
Hawkins said this design appears not to lose the ability to move traffic while
still addressing the Future Land Use Plan.
He asked what response had come from Property Reserve. Mr. Anderson said it had been positive. Mr. Anderson said the designs would be
refined over the next two months and City Council and Planning & Zoning
Commission direction would then be sought.
Council
Member Coe asked if there are more bridges identified in one design than the
other. Mr. Anderson said that would be
determined with the preliminary engineering work, however, there was discussion
about what becomes of the intersection at M-291, whether it will go over or
tie-in, but that had not be firmed up in either design.
Council
Member Hadden commented that the secondary roads would allow for increased
traffic movement and that Ruth Ewing Road could be used for that purpose if the southern route
is chosen.
Mrs.
Gentrup stated there is a metro-wide movement to address no smoking in public
areas and staff has attended several meetings at which the topic was
discussed. She asked if Council wished
to have the subject placed on a study session agenda. The general consensus was to consider
it. Mrs. Gentrup said it would not be
scheduled within the next few months, but would likely come forward at a study
session after the first of the year.
Mrs.
Gentrup also reviewed a press release that would be issued this week, regarding
the impact of the two national tournaments at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex on
the local economy. She noted more than
$1 million is estimated to have been spent locally during these tournaments and
$10,000 had been netted by the sports complex.
She
also stated that the effect of sports complex construction costs on Liberty 2010
would be provided soon to the Council, CIP Task Force and Park Board.
XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Mayor
Hawkins talked about the efforts with respect to business retention, noting that
he and staff had talked with members of the Clay County Economic Development
Council and were working on the particulars of the group that would visit local
businesses. He indicated it would likely
be the mayor, city administrator and a member of the business community that
would make the calls on businesses in Liberty.
Council
Member Coe asked for an update on his earlier question about the signal at
M-152 and I-35 interchange. Mr. Hansen
stated they had contacted MoDOT but did not yet have a reply.
Council
Member Hadden referred to the recent issue of Missouri Municipal Review, which
has a cover story about Liberty. She complimented Public Relations Coordinator
Sara Cooke for the good article.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned to study session at 8:00 p.m.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Clerk