Regular Meeting

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

CITY OF PARKVILLE, MISSOURI

July 18, 2000

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Pro Tem Marvin J. Ferguson called the meeting to order, noting that Mayor William M. Quitmeier was absent with prior notice.

ROLL CALL

Ward 1 Alderman Jack Friedman - present

Ward 1 Alderman Charlie Poole - present

Ward 2 Alderman David McCoy - present

Ward 2 Alderman Dave Rittman - present

Ward 3 Alderman Marvin Ferguson - present

Ward 3 Alderman Linda Arnold - present

Ward 4 Alderman Brian Atkinson - present

Ward 4 Alderman Frank McCoy - present

ALSO PRESENT:

City Administrator Patrick Hawver

Police Chief Bill Hudson

Public Works Director Jeff Rupp

Superintendent of Streets Alan Schank

Jim Allen, The National

Bill Grigsby, The National

David Bingham, Sluggers L.L.C.

Dan Griggs, head coach at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas

Steve McDaniel, varsity baseball coach, Park Hill South

David Baker

MEDIA PRESENT: Nancy Jack

Marte Zirschky, Platte Dispatch

Nora Coronado, Kansas City Star

BALL FIELD NO. 2

Mr. Allen outlined a plan whereby Sluggers, L.L.C., led by Dave Bingham, with assistance from The National and its associates, would improve Ball Field No. 2, which Mr. Allen hoped could be renamed Grigsby Field. Ball Field No. 2 is the one adjoining South Main Street where it meets the Missouri River. (Documents enclosed in packets pertaining to this issue are attached to these minutes.)

Mr. Allen said one of the members of Tom Watson Design has worked on a plan for the field, to bring it to a standard suited to older youth and adult play. He said the field needs to be larger. It doesn’t drain now. It needs to have a better surface; he said "baseball fine" would allow afternoon play even if it had rained in the morning; baseball fine dries more quickly than other grasses. The field needs a sprinkler system. They do not propose to move the backstop or fences along the field. Surveyors have done a study. There is less than one foot of drop on the field. Clarkson Construction, a major contractor on The National’s development, took a look at it. Clarkson would donate the earth moving to cut the existing outfield about a foot. A home builder at The National agreed to donate a sprinkler system. H & H Golf has offered assistance.

The City will not incur any of these expenses to improve the field, and Sluggers agreed to donate $30,000 a year in maintenance. Next year they would put in an outfield fence and better lighting.

Mr. Allen said Coach Bingham runs a training session that begins in late August. Sluggers would work their schedule around any of our major events. They would not be using the field in early spring; they would like to make it available to Park Hill High Schools and Park University. Coach Bingham has had some meetings with Park University. The Sluggers’ major usage would be in the summer after the high school and university teams are through. Then they would use it again in the fall for the instructional league.

Mr. Grigsby said he has been living out here 25 years. It is getting better all the time. He is on the board of Crimestoppers, and has been assigned to the Parkville Police Department. He has been in sports 52 years. He said Parkville has an opportunity to receive $200,000 in improvements from the people named by Mr. Allen. It is a stepping-stone into university caliber and eventually professional quality baseball, he said.

He feels The National will be the No. 1 golf course in Kansas City within two years, and the same is true with this baseball program.

Mr. Bingham spoke. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas. The Sluggers organization has been set up for boys 15-18 years old living in the Kansas City area. Over the long term they want to develop four teams. The challenge was to find a site where they would have fields they could call home. They have tournaments. This community is a natural fit for them, particularly with its location right downtown. A long-term project is to run a tournament every weekend from June to July.

When their teams are not playing in town they would be playing all across the country. There are two teams playing right now, all Kansas City kids except one from Stillwater, Oklahoma, who is planning to attend school in Missouri. There is also a younger team. It is a very high-caliber operation, and not a haphazard one. They have funding to help pay for some of the travel, although a lot of it is paid by parents. They hire coaches from the Kansas City area, all professionals.

He hopes at some point to create a further relationship with Park University.

He is seeking permission to negotiate a use agreement permitting the Sluggers to use the field. He brought coaches from Benedictine, Kansas, and Park Hill South to the meeting.

Mr. Friedman said for him the plan was like a dream come true. He spent many summers down there seeding and raking rocks. He played ball for many years. But he had questions: How much traffic would there be? Would there be enough parking? Would they want to put commercial advertising on the field?

Mr. Allen responded that the only people who come to these games are relatives of the players. He didn’t think there would be as much traffic generated as Mr. Friedman might think. He repeated that they would be able to adjust their schedule around major Parkville events.

He said Coach Bingham is very modest; he actually loses money on the season. A supporter funds the deficit. There is no admission to games, and they do not want to sell any concessions. They will not ask for any advertising. He said it would be nice if there could be a plaque there to thank the people who are donating the improvements. He said the use agreement could prohibit advertising down there. They have no interest in selling concessions, but if the City wanted to do it there would be no problem as far as they are concerned.

Mr. Poole asked about the flooding problems. Mr. Allen said maybe they would have some insurance to cover that. They think the major problem is not that the river comes out of its banks but that the soil doesn’t drain.

Mr. Poole said he thought it sounded like a great idea. He would welcome it. Mrs. Arnold agreed. She said some kids from Park Hill South are on this team.

ALDERMAN ATKINSON MOVED TO DIRECT THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE USE OF BALL FIELD NO. 2 BY SLUGGERS, INC.

Mr. Griggs , a resident of Weatherby Lake as well as a coach in Kansas, said he grew up in Parkville. He shares Mr. Friedman’s passion for having baseball games on the river.

Mr. Friedman asked if fences are coming off Field No. 3 to expand field No. 2, will there be any work done on Field No. 3? Mr. Allen said they would put baseball fine on that field and it would be suitable for use by small kids. The fence for Field No. 2 would have to be moved back so far that Field No. 3 would become a smaller field, not suitable for any kind of league games. It will also be used for warmups during games on Field No. 2. He said there is a little bit of a swale in left field.

Mr. Dave McCoy asked if other kids will have a place to play?

Mr. Allen said he was under the impression that no one scheduled games to play down there; he never sees full teams down there – more like pickup games. Mr. Baker said people who use that field to practice are so enthused about this field that they’ll find someplace else to practice. Mr. Hawver said it is generally just used for practice.

Mr. Allen said one of the things Mr. Bingham brings to the table is weekend instructional camps where players could get stage by stage instructions. The field will be too big for most youth baseball players.

Mr. Friedman said we do have the potential to put another baseball field out on Highway FF near the football practice field. He asked if there would be "anything for over-50 kids?"

Mr. Allen said he wants Mr. Bingham to bring his baseball academy to Parkville. He would like that entity to have a large presence here.

Mr. Dave McCoy asked if any thought had been given to girls’ softball?

Mr. Bingham said no, there are several organizations out there doing much like they’re doing with baseball.

Mr. Ferguson asked if they would be able to improve Field No. 3 somewhat in the process? Mr. Allen said it was their intent to get that playing surface in better shape with baseball fine. When there’s a tournament in the afternoon on Field No. 2 they would like to use that field to warm up.

ALDERMAN RITTMAN SECONDED ALDERMAN ATKINSON’S MOTION; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

Mr. Allen said The National would have a grand opening September 15^th, and we’re all invited.

PARKVILLE DAYS

Mr. Hutsler said this event would be held August 25^th to 27^th. The Events Committee is meeting July 26^th at noon. Everything about Parkville Days will be exactly the same as last year. He has decided not to put the large tent in the parking lot – this will enable more parking and will preclude the danger of damage from holes in the new surface. All vendors will bring their own 10x10 tents.

Mrs. Arnold asked that the west boundary of the "beer garden" be extended only as far on the west as the sidewalk along South Main Street. She said last year people were wandering through English Landing Center with beer. Advice was sought from Chief Hudson. He said some of the merchants in that area dispense alcohol. It was agreed that sale and consumption of beer should be confined to an area bounded on the north by the railroad tracks, on the south by the Missouri River, on the east by White Alloe Creek, and on the west by the sidewalk running between South Main Street and English Landing Center.

Mr. Hawver said the Events Committee expanded its membership, and has a wider base. They are focusing on future events, not those occurring this year.

Mr. Hutsler spoke about July 4^th, and said it went off very nicely. The Police Department did a great job. The City provided a community service worker to clean up trash, and he did a wonderful job.

The parade was discussed. Mr. Hawver said there was criticism that there were a lot of election candidates riding in cars, and that was the extent of it. Mr. Grigsby said that because of a good police department, and good volunteers, and the general demeanor of people in this area, we don’t have the problems at events that happen elsewhere. He talked to people at the Jazzfest and found a lot of them came from Johnson County and all over Kansas City.

He said Mr. Hutsler deserves a lot of credit for all the work he puts in. Chief Hudson and his crew and the volunteers did an excellent job.

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MOVED TO APPROVE PARKVILLE DAYS AS REQUESTED, INCLUDING A LICENSE FOR SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF BEER IN THE AREA DESCRIBED; ALDERMAN ATKINSON SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

ALDERMAN ATKINSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 6^TH AS PUBLISHED; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

MAYOR’S REPORT

None.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

RECYCLING CENTER RELOCATION: Mr. Hawver said Park University has asked us to relocate the recycling center off-campus. A letter to that effect from Park President Dr. Donald Breckon was enclosed in packets. He is willing to give us a couple of months if needed to make the transition.

He and Mr. Friedman were going to have a meeting with Recycling Director Gloria Hickman, but she is in the hospital. Most users are non-Parkville residents, so Mr. Hawver is going to go to other cities to see if we can co-sponsor a recycling facility and relocate. Or maybe we could go to curbside recycling.

Mr. Friedman said there was an article in the Kansas City Star that day about recycling in that city. It said curbside recycling has met with a great deal of resistance.

Mr. Hawver said it was a shame all that grant money we put into improving the facilities on E. 6^th Street will now have gone to waste. Mr. Friedman said part of the reason we agreed to improve E. 6^th Street was because of its use for recycling traffic. Park University has been listed all these years as a sponsor.

Mr. Poole said there is no doubt why this is taking place. It is retaliation for the city’s not allowing the university to put signs on the ballfields. Even though most of the recycling users are not residents, it is very convenient for Parkville residents to have it here.

Mr. Ferguson asked about using the easement along the river which we received from Missouri American Water some years ago. Mr. Hawver said the area is large enough. It would need to be improved and graded. Grants are generally given for start-up programs, and relocating the center would perhaps qualify as a start-up facility. Mr. Ferguson suggested that we might use that same area for parking for "Grigsby Field."

Mr. Atkinson asked if anyone else had concerns that the majority of the recycling center users are from outside of Parkville. Mr. Friedman said no, the majority of people who use the pool and English Landing Park are also not from Parkville, but these amenities foster good will. Some of our residents have told him they are proud the recycling program is here in our city. Our program set a precedent. Mr. Ferguson said maybe the Sluggers would help with improving this strip.

ANNEXATION ELECTION: Mr. Hawver said there was a letter in their packets drafted by the Master Plan committee to go to all our residents with information about the upcoming annexation election. He said unless there was objection from the board, the letter would go out the end of the month.

Mr. McCoy said it would be nice if we could outline some of the things we’ve done to accommodate people in that area. It might help them understand we’re trying to be responsible. Mr. Hawver said this letter is going only to our own current residents. Mr. Friedman said a farmer near the area proposed for annexation wants to come into Parkville because, he said, they don’t have three choices as some think – whether to stay in unincorporated Platte County, annex to Parkville, or annex into Kansas City. He said the choices are two only, between annexation into Parkville or Kansas City, and he’d rather be in Parkville.

NEW TRUCK FOR BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT: Mr. Hawver said we have had two building inspectors since January, but only one truck. It has been hard to get a truck under the State program because dealers don’t make anything on them. Mr. Conrad has had to use his personal vehicle during that period. There is an ordinance ready to lease-purchase a new Ford truck through Thoroughbred Ford, which gave us a lot of assistance and also the low bid. The new truck will be on a 3-year plan, costing us $7,335 per year, just barely over budget. We will save over $1,000 in interest by going to a 3-year plan rather than a 4-year one. He mentioned that building permits have come in over anticipated income. The consensus was to go with the 3-year plan.

BRANCH OUT MISSOURI: Mr. Hawver reported that an application has been submitted to Branch Out Missouri for 31 new trees. The State would pay $6,200 and the City $1,200. This is a cooperative effort between the Tree Board and the Park Committee. The goal was to plant colorful trees. The Department of Conservation named some that would grow well in this flood area.

NEW RECEPTIONIST: Mr. Hawver said the new receptionist to be hired that night had already been on duty for about a week, and everyone is very pleased with her.

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE: Mr. Hawver said a report from Mr. Rupp was enclosed in packets. A copy is included with these minutes.

POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT

Chief Hudson said crime statistics are looking a little better. A fellow on Bell Road lost his CD player and about sixty CD’s. Officer Jon Jordan heard some reference to CD’s being offered to people, and he remembered the report and as a consequence the player and most of the CD’s were recovered.

CITIZEN INPUT

Mr. Ferguson noted that Dr. Wurster, a Bluffs resident, was present again, and asked him if he had any comments. He did not.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CHANNEL 2: None.

FARMERS MARKET: Mr. Friedman said the market is going well, and a number of farmers are using spots outside the sheltered area, near the wall. The farmers would like to have some means of keeping traffic from driving between the wall and the shelter on weekends. With vendors on both sides there, it is hazardous to have traffic going through.

Mr. Ferguson said Mayor Quitmeier left him a memo saying he is not in favor of letting people park under the Farmers Market. Mrs. Arnold said she told him that merchants think the "No Parking" signs there are unfriendly to visitors. We could take down the signs, Mayor Quitmeier said, and put up chains around the market; the farmers could unhook them on Saturdays and Wednesdays. It was suggested the chain might be extended across the area between the shelter and the wall on Saturdays. The consensus was to go to chains; Mr. Hawver said he would take care of having this done.

NATURE SANCTUARY: Mr. Dave McCoy said they had a water quality testing session. Advanced biology teachers were involved. Boy Scout projects are ongoing; one involves building steps down to the root cellar. The following Saturday Jim Reed would lead a hike with the Sierra Club.

PARK COMMITTEE: Mr. Poole said the next meeting is next Monday at 6 p.m. at the Farmers Market.

PLANNING COMMISSION: Mr. Ferguson said they had a Board of Zoning Adjustments meeting the previous night, and did grant a variance in setbacks (to 5') on four lots at The National. The golf course surrounds these properties.

RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE: Mr. Friedman said there was no additional report beyond what had already been discussed.

TREE BOARD: Mr. Ferguson said Mayor Quitmeier provided minutes. They met on July 14^th, walked Main Street, and came up with a list of tree requirements. It was a productive meeting. The next one is August 8^th at 7:30.

BILLS AND ORDINANCES

The bill for changes to the Farmers Market Code was discussed. Mr. Friedman wanted to add pork to the items which could be sold, but it was not in the bill as presented to the aldermen. They agreed the city clerk should add that and bring the revised bill to the next meeting. Mr. Friedman said the rules for pork should be the same as they are for beef.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 1904, EMPLOYING JULIANNE KILSON AS PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST AND INCREASING THE HOURLY WAGE OF PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST MEG HARDING, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN FRANK McCOY SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 1904 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN DAVE McCOY SECONDED;

ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 1904 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE 1890; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

Bill 1904 was posted 7/13/00.

The city clerk explained that a new system was being set up to separate regular ordinance files from contract and agreement files, and that henceforth bills and ordinances authorizing contracts and agreements would be numbered "C/A 1" and up. Mr. Rupp will oversee the contracts and agreements, but they will be filed in the fireproof ordinance file in the clerk’s office.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A 1, ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MARCIT FOR SELF-INSURANCE, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A 1 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A-1 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE C/A 1; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED.

Mr. Dave McCoy had questions about the cost of this insurance. Mr. Hawver said this pool lowered our costs about 30% from the cost of insuring elsewhere. It is a combination of liability and workers compensation insurance.

ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

Bill C/A 1 was posted 6/30/00.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A 2, ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR LEASE PURCHASE OF A FORD TRUCK THROUGH THOROUGHBRED FORD, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A 2 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL C/A 2 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE C/A 2; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALDERMEN ARNOLD, ATKINSON, FERGUSON, FRIEDMAN, DAVE McCOY, FRANK McCOY, AND POOLE - AYE; ALDERMAN RITTMAN ABSTAINED BECAUSE HE IS ASSOCIATED WITH THOROUGHBRED FORD; MOTION CARRIED 7-0 WITH ONE ABSTENTION.

Bill C/A 2 was posted 7/14/00.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL A-650, TO PAY LISTED SALARIES AND ACCOUNTS, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL A-650 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL A-650 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE A-650.

Mr. Dave McCoy asked about a payment to MARCIT of $10,000. He asked if that equaled about three payments; Mr. Hawver said he would check on it.

ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

Bill A-650 was posted 7/14/00.

OTHER BUSINESS

ALDERMAN ATKINSON MOVED TO ADJOURN; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED.

PARKVILLE NIGHT FOR WIZARDS: Mr. Hawver distributed discount tickets for Parkville Night, August 18^th, and said more were available at the front counter.

COUNTY PARKS ISSUE ON AUGUST 8^th BALLOT: Mr. Hawver had a call from the chairman of the campaign to pass this issue – Nelsie Sweeney. She asked if the City would mail out an informational postcard on the issue. Mr. Hawver said the cost in postage would be about $280; he assumed the cards would come to us ready for labels and mailing. Mr. Ferguson wanted to make sure we could use taxpayers’ money in that way. He wanted to be sure the piece was strictly informational.

Mr. Atkinson asked if we did a mailing on our sales tax issue. Mr. Friedman said no, we did not have unanimous support from the Board of Aldermen.

Mr. Hawver said he was sure the City was allowed to use money in this manner as long as we do not say vote yes or no. Mr. Friedman said he would like to see this information get to all citizens.

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MOVED THAT THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SPEND NOT MORE THAN $300 IN POSTAGE TO SEND OUT INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL ONLY ON THE COUNTY SALES TAX FOR PARKS; ALDERMAN ATKINSON SECONDED.

Mr. Hawver will make sure all aldermen see the postcard before it goes out.

CODE ENFORCEMENT: Mr. Poole said in their packets they had information from Mr. Rupp on code enforcement. He wanted to thank him personally for working so hard. He noticed that there are still repeat offenders and wondered if we should think about making the fines higher.

The vote on the motion to adjourn was called.

ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Submitted by _____________________________________

City Clerk Barbara J. Lance - July 21, 2000