CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005

 

 

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 9, 2005 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 Council Member Juarenne Hester who then led the pledge of allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

Roll call was answered by Mayor Robert T. Steinkamp; Harold Phillips and Coni Hadden, Ward I; LeRoy Coe and Anna Marie Martin, Ward II; Juarenne Hester and John Parry, Ward III; and Nick King and Bill Parker, Ward IV.  Also in attendance were Patty Gentrup, City Administrator; Steve Hansen, Public Works Director; Steve Anderson, Planning & Development Director; Craig Knouse, Police Chief; Gary Birch, Fire Chief; Chris Deal, Parks & Recreation Director; Linda Tyree, Finance Director; Sara Cooke, Public Relations Coordinator; Lyndsay Heal, Management Assistant; Jane Sharon, Deputy City Clerk; Angie Borgedalen, Liberty Tribune, and 4 members of the public.

 

IV.       APPROVE MINUTES AND SUMMARIES [SEE CONSENT AGENDA BELOW]

 

V.        CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION

 

Mayor Steinkamp recognized Andrew Grace, with Scout Troop No. 376, who is working on his communications badge.  The mayor also noted the scout’s father, Jeff Grace, was present.

 

Fay Bedinger, 232 W. Franklin, asked the Council to look into the lighting problem on Gallatin and on downtown streets.  She expressed concern that it is too dark in the downtown area.

 

A.                 PROCLAMATION FOR BUILDING SAFETY WEEK

 

Mayor Steinkamp proclaimed the week of May 8 through May 14 as Building Safety Week in the City of Liberty and presented the proclamation to Building Inspector Kirk Senzee.

 

B.                 PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

 

Mayor Steinkamp proclaimed the week of May 15 through May 21 as National Police Week and presented the proclamation to Police Officer Russ Muir.

 

C.                 PROCLAMATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

 

Mayor Steinkamp proclaimed the week of May 15 through May 21 as Public Works Week and presented the proclamation to Line Supervisor Bob Beaty.

 

Mrs. Gentrup thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing so many disciplines, many of whom had worked together today dealing with the bus accident.  She asked the police and fire chiefs to provide an update.

 

Police Chief Craig Knouse said the investigation is just beginning into the accident today in which there were two fatalities and a large number of children injured.  He expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Liberty Public Schools as well as the seven other agencies that provided mutual aid and assisted with much-needed crowd control.  He added that National Transportation Safety Board investigators had arrived and would be using space in City Hall from which to conduct their investigation.  The closeness of the community was very evident in all the help that was offered throughout the day.  The response from the business community and those present at the scene who gave comfort to the children present were very much appreciated.

 

Fire Chief Gary Birch said this was definitely an example of the community pulling together.  Those not from Liberty even commented on the immediate outpouring of support from the businesses and the citizens.  He mentioned that one Liberty firefighter was put to work on his first day with the City.  Chief Birch said 13 agencies had transported 23 individuals to area hospitals and 48 patients were seen throughout the area.  Eighteen children and five adults were treated and released.  More were seen than were transported.  The EMS system was activated with this accident, and within 47 minutes all had been assessed and transported as necessary.  He noted that the State Emergency Management Agency personnel had been in training and were also put to work.  The emergency personnel followed protocol with a debriefing at the end of the day.

 

Mrs. Gentrup added that it was a day to be very proud of City employees and the community.

 

Council Member Martin said that she had been at the hospital when individuals began coming in.  The operations at the scene had been very helpful in diffusing the situation at the hospital.  Mayor Steinkamp said the children and their families as well as the families of the two victims were in all our prayers.  He thanked the individuals from the nearby businesses who had assisted at the scene and afterwards without being asked.  Mayor Steinkamp thanked Mrs. Gentrup and Public Relations Coordinator Sara Cooke for staffing the command center and dealing directly with concerned relatives and directing callers where they could be assisted appropriately.  He thanked the police and fire department personnel and all the other departments that had performed under difficult circumstances in such a professional manner and led the Council in a standing ovation.

 

VI.       MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said there would be a joint study session with the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 16 to review the South Liberty Parkway corridor study and associated land uses.  She also noted a revised agenda had been distributed to Council.

 

VII.      CONSENT AGENDA

 

Council Member Martin asked that the minutes from the April 25, 2005 Council meeting be removed from the consent agenda and voted on separately.

 

A.        ELECTION OF LEROY COE AS MAYOR PRO TEM, TO A TERM EXPIRING APRIL 10, 2006 – MOTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the election as proposed.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

B.         ELECTION OF CONI HADDEN AS MAYOR PRO TEM TO A TERM FROM APRIL 11, 2006 TO APRIL 9, 2007 – MOTION

 

Council Member King moved to approve the election as proposed.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

C.         APPOINTMENTS

 

            Preservation and Development Commission

            Appoint Don Altis to a term expiring 09-01-06

 

Historic Preservation Review Commission

            Appoint Susan Goertz to a term expiring 07-01-05

 

            License Tax Review Committee

            Appoint Paul Ferrell to a term expiring 11-01-07

 

Liberty Community Christmas Tree Commission

            Reappoint Larry Stanley to a term expiring 05-01-08

            Reappoint Barbara Yoakum to a term expiring 05-01-08

 

Council Member King moved to approve the appointments as recommended.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

D.        MINUTES AND MEETING SUMMARIES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

1.         STUDY SESSION MEETING SUMMARY OF MAY 2, 2005

 

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

 

2.         EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2005

 

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

 

3.         REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OF APRIL 25, 2005

 

Council Member Hadden asked that changes be made to the April 25, 2005 minutes.  The date in the first paragraph should reflect the date of the meeting.  Mrs. Hadden also asked that the reference in the second full paragraph on page four be corrected to reflect an opportunity for commercial development to the north.

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the minutes as amended.  Council Member Parker seconded the motion, which carried 7-0-1.  Council Member Martin abstained due to absence.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.

 

IX.       ORDINANCES, CONTRACTS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A.                 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VENDOR PAYMENTS FROM APRIL 22, 2005 THROUGH MAY 6, 2005 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6360 was read.  Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion. 

 

Council Member Martin asked about check number 88705 – a water refund for an overpayment.  Finance Director Linda Tyree said she would provide information in the next packet.  Mrs. Martin asked about check number 88773 to Yahoo.  Chief Knouse said some evidence can be discovered on the Internet and Yahoo is one of the services that requires material be subpoenaed.  Mrs. Martin asked about check number 88855 to Mid-America Regional Council.  Management Assistant Lyndsay Heal said the check reflected annual payments for both MARC Government Training Institute (GTI) memberships.

 

Vote on the motion was as follows:  Council Member Phillips – yes; Council Member Martin – yes; Council Member Hester – yes; Council Member Parker – yes; Council Member Hadden – yes; Council Member Coe – yes; Council Member Parry – yes; Council Member King – yes.  The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the Chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8819.

 

B.         REZONING OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MISSOURI AND PINE STREETS FROM CBS, CENTRAL BUSINESS SERVICE DISTRICT TO RNC, NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT [P&Z Case No. 05-011R; APPLICANT: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NORTHLAND] – ORDINANCE (SECOND READING)

 

Mrs. Gentrup noted that this ordinance is on second reading and a full staff presentation was made at the April 25, 2005 meeting.  Mayor Steinkamp noted that a public hearing had been opened and closed at the previous Council meeting, but if anyone wished to speak to the application, he would offer that opportunity.  Seeing none, he returned the ordinance to Council for discussion.

 

Document No. 6347 was read.  Council Member Coe moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin said she had not been present at the first meeting during which this application was discussed.  She asked what the alternate source of power would be that was mentioned in the minutes as being required if the property lost power.  Public Works Director Steve Hansen said that would be a battery backup system of some type.

 

Council Member Phillips said his initial concern in this application has been that this would be an appropriate use of land.  He noted that septic tanks can be a problem and, with this house being constructed to honor John and Mary Pritchard, and if replacement would be required down the road, he wanted to ensure that this is the appropriate means of providing sanitary sewer.  Council Member Hadden asked if there had been any citizen inquiries since the last meeting.  Planning & Development Director Steve Anderson said none had been received to his knowledge.  Council Member Coe asked about the estimated cost of a lift station.  Gary Moore, Habitat for Humanity Northland Director, said he was not yet certain what requirements the City would impose and, therefore, didn’t want to estimate the cost of a specific system.  He said that the costs could be similar to replacing an air conditioner.  Mr. Hansen said a house built in Liberty several years ago was serviced by a grinder pump and no problem history had been reported for that rental property.

 

The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8820.

 

C.         AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE SECTION 2-24 (b) (3), SENDING ORDINANCES TO SECOND READING WHEN NOT CONSIDERED ON FIRST READING – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated this amendment codifies a Council practice going back many years.  Without this amendment, another motion would be required each time an ordinance goes to second reading.

 

Document No. 6361 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 Coe 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. 8821.

 

D.        UPGRADE OF CITY-MAINTAINED TRAFFIC SIGNALS WITH LEDs

 

Mrs. Gentrup said these next two items are for a final contract amendment and acceptance of a project to complete replacement of city-maintained traffic signals with LEDs.

 

1.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH SYSTEM CONTROLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,074.50 – ORDINANCE

 

Document No. 6362 was read.  Council Member Martin moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Hester moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member Phillips seconded the motion.

 

Council Member King asked how the savings were calculated.  Mr. Hansen said savings are anticipated from switching to LEDs from incandescent bulbs, but the amount had to be estimated for the project.  Staff from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has background in this area and provided assistance as the City applied for the loan for the project.  Mr. King asked if the savings were measurable.  Mr. Hansen said the savings can be tracked, once the LEDs are in, based on the cost of operation.

 

Council Member Parry asked about the life span of the LEDs.  Mr. Hansen said they are estimated to last ten years and incandescent bulbs must be replaced every year or two.  He noted that, with LEDs the burnout is gradual, because of the number of bulbs.  Mr. Parry said that appeared to make the loan payoff extend beyond the life of the signal lights.  Mr. Hansen said ten years is the life expectancy of the bulbs and some last longer.

 

Council Member King asked if all wear out at the same time.  Mr. Hansen said they do not and a filter used with LEDs now keeps the light operational much longer than incandescent lights.  Mr. King asked how much is spent replacing incandescent lights over ten years.  Mr. Hansen said both bulbs and labor would be included in that figure.  Mr. King asked if they start all over when the LED finally burns out.  Mr. Hansen said the process is the same but expenditures would be included in the general budget at that point, unless another technology offers a different solution.  Mr. King asked if the decision was made for safety or savings.  Mr. Hansen said it is a little of both, though safety is improved, because the light isn’t completely out with the signals.  These LEDs signals are much more energy efficient.  The cost savings are secondary.

 

Council Member Hadden asked if LEDs are available for street lights.  Mr. Hansen said he hasn’t yet seen them for street lights, but they are in cars too, so the technology is developing.  Council Member Parry asked what the manufacturer’s warranty is for the LEDs.  Mr. Hansen said he could get that information for Council.

 

The motion carried unanimously.  It was approved by the Chair and is inscribed in Ordinance No. 8822.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to accept the project.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2211.

 

E.         WEST COLLEGE STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT

 

1.         AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH CLAY COUNTY SANITARY & DITCHING CO. IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,021.13 – ORDINANCE

 

Mrs. Gentrup said the contract amendment was necessary due to conditions encountered in the field and staff recommends approval.

 

Document No. 6363 was read.  Council Member Hester moved to waive the rules and consider the ordinance on first reading.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the ordinance.  Council Member King seconded the motion.  Council Member Martin asked if this project has addressed the issue of water at the entrance into Seaport off College.  Mr. Hansen said it has partially addressed that problem, but some is due to sprinkler systems in the area.  He added that the just-completed overlay program will relieve the pocketing and degradation of the surface that has occurred in the past.

 

The motion carried unanimously; it was approved by the chair and inscribed in Ordinance No. 8823.

 

2.         ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT – RESOLUTION

 

Council Member Coe moved to accept the project.  Council Member Hadden seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2212.

 

F.         AUTHORIZATION FOR SUBMISSION OF TRIM GRANT – RESOLUTION

 

Mrs. Gentrup said that a Tree Board had been established in 2004 and the City had received Tree City USA designation.  The grant is for a street tree inventory and includes a cash match from the City of $940 along with in-kind contributions of volunteer time and staff resources.

 

Council Member Hester asked for clarification of the boundaries for the inventory.  Ms. Heal said the boundaries were hard to describe, but that it would include street trees on public streets.  Mrs. Hester asked if trees at the college were included.  Ms. Heal said they would only be included if they were along public streets.  Council Member King clarified that street trees are those in the rights-of-way.  Ms. Heal said that is correct.

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the grant application.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously and is inscribed in Resolution No. 2213.

 

X.         OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        PURCHASE OF MEDICAL DIRECTOR PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE – MOTION

 

Mrs. Gentrup stated that the City’s agreement with Dr. Brian Robb to provide medical director services includes the City paying for his professional liability insurance.  The budget included $20,000 for the premium and the amount is $20,609.

 

Council Member Coe moved to approve the premium payment.  Council Member Martin seconded the motion.  Council Member Parry asked if the City pays for Dr. Robb’s entire malpractice coverage.  Chief Birch said the City is required to have a medical director in order to operate its EMS program and this coverage paid by the City is only related to his services in that capacity.  Council Member Hester asked if so many are required to have it, why are there so few insurers offering this coverage.  Council Member Parry noted that the pool is getting smaller but mutuals have made the options better.  He asked why there has to be a separate policy and why this isn’t just a rider on Dr. Robb’s other coverage.  Mrs. Gentrup said the coverage available had been reviewed at length when the policy was initially purchased and, while staff recommends approval so that there will be no lapse in coverage, additional review is possible.  Council Member Parker asked that the policy be renewed now but asked for information about adding this coverage to the doctor’s malpractice coverage in the future.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

B.                 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

Mrs. Gentrup said that a new plan year begins July 1.  The City has worked with its benefits’ broker CBIZ to determine the best options for healthcare, dental coverage and short-term disability insurance.  The healthcare coverage did not increase in premium for the second straight year and there were minimal increases in dental coverage and short-term disability costs.  The benefits committee and the management team recommend staying with the current providers.

 

1.         RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE – MOTION

 

Council Member Phillips moved to approve the insurance plan.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

2.         RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE DENTAL INSURANCE WITH AETNA INSURANCE – MOTION

 

Council Member Hadden moved to approve the insurance plan.  Council Member Coe seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

3.         RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE WITH MET LIFE – MOTION

 

Council Member Martin moved to approve the insurance plan.  Council Member Hester seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

 

XI.               MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR – None.

 

XII.            MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS FROM MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

Council Member Phillips thanked the staff for suggesting that Kansas City, Missouri be included in the Flintlock informational meeting.

 

Council Member Martin asked for a review of the contact with Senator Ridgeway.  Mrs. Gentrup stated that staff had met with both State Senator Ridgeway and Representative Flook to review issues.  The meeting with Senator Ridgeway had been quite timely because of the telecom issue being considered by the legislature.  Ms. Ridgeway had solicited input from the City regarding this issue.  Both the senator and Representative Flook called today, following the accident, to offer what State assistance could be provided.

 

Council Member Hadden noted the staff had sent a legislative packet to Senator Ridgeway and that she was familiar with the information and ready to ask questions in their meeting.  Representative Flook had also prepared in advance of the City’s meeting with him.  Mrs. Hadden said the telecom providers’ bill is still not settled at this point.

 

Council Member Parker talked about the opportunity he had to meet with the legislators in Jefferson City and commended staff for getting that scheduled.  Mayor Steinkamp said he was unable to attend that meeting and another meeting with the senator and representative had been scheduled for July 21.

 

Council Member Hadden said she would attend one of the D.A.R.E. graduations and recommended it to any council member whose schedule would permit.

 

Council Member King thanked the mayor for the opportunity to applaud the fire and police for their efforts today.  He also thanked the staff for providing good background information on issues before the City.  Mrs. Gentrup noted that among the orientation items for new council members had been the topic of emergency operations.  This would be addressed more fully in the future.

 

Council Member Hester thanked Preservation Planner Kate Egan for coordinating the preservation walk on the previous Saturday.  There were about 50 people in attendance.  Council Member King agreed it was a wonderful way to spend two hours.  Council Member Hadden added that May 12 was the scheduled date for the preservation awards in the meeting room upstairs at the Hardware Café and it had been very interesting to see the nominations.

 

XIII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                    __________________________________

Mayor

Attest:

 

 

_____________________________________

Deputy City Clerk