BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING

CITY OF PARKVILLE, MISSOURI

February 17, 2004

City Hall Board Room

 

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Mayor Pro Tem Marvin Ferguson called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.

 

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                        - (arrived at 6:50 p.m.)

Ward 3 Alderman Marvin Ferguson                    - present

Ward 3 Alderman Linda Arnold                         - present

Ward 4 Alderman Marc Sportsman                    - present

Ward 4 Alderman Kathy Dusenbery                   - present

 

ALSO PRESENT:                                City Administrator Patrick Hawver

City Attorney Jack Campbell

Public Works Director Jeff Rupp

Assistant City Clerk Sandra Gover

Former Alderman Gerry Richardson

Planning Commission Member Bill Quitmeier

 

MEDIA PRESENT:                                                      Nancy Jack, Parkville Post

Mike Sherry, Kansas City Star

Joe Gleason for Parkville Cable Channel 2

 

DISCUSSION ON REPLACEMENT OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR

AND SELECTION OF A TEMPORARY MAYOR

 

The Board of Aldermen discussed the following options: (1) hiring an interim city administrator until the vacancy is filled and/or selecting a temporary mayor until the April election; (2) Mr. Ferguson continuing to serve as mayor pro tem until the April election with department heads reporting directly to him; or (3)appointing one of two department heads who had expressed an interest in the interim city administrator position and would perform the duties of two positions.  Mr. Hawver announced that Mr. Richardson was not interested in the full time position of interim city administrator due to other commitments.  Mr. McCoy advised that his wife had also offered to act as interim city administrator.  

 

Mr. Hawver distributed a Letter of Understanding (copy is attached to Minutes) stating that he agrees to provide periodic assistance to Parkville during the period beginning February 21 through March 31, 2004.  In return, the City will pay the cost of Mr. Hawver=s health insurance through March 31, 2004.  Mr. Hawver stated his insurance coverage with his new employer would not go into effect until April 1st, but he would still provide assistance to the City with or without a Letter of Understanding.

 


ALDERMAN SPORTSMAN MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE COST OF MR. HAWVER=S HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004 ON THE CONDITION THE AMOUNT NOT EXCEED $650.00; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0 AS FOLLOWS: 

SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-ABSENT; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

Alderman Rittman arrived at 6:50 p.m.

 

Further discussion centered around the interpretation of state statues regarding the requirement to select an interim mayor.  Members of the Board expressed concerns about the length of time it might take to fill the vacancy of city administrator and the city administrator=s current, heavy work load. 

 

It was agreed to select an interim mayor to serve from February 17 through April 20, 2004. Mr. Hawver will solicit  proposals from retired city administrators for review by the Board of Aldermen.  A work session will be scheduled for next Tuesday, February 24th at 6:00 p.m., and weekly thereafter until the application deadline of March 8th, at which time submitted applications and proposals will be reviewed.  A guide supplied by the Missouri Municipal League will be used by the Aldermen to screen and rate each applicant.

 

ALDERMAN McCOY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE WORK SESSION; ALDERMAN DUSENBERY SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8B0 AS FOLLOWS:

SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

The work session adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

 

SPECIAL MEETING

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF CANDIDATES FOR TEMPORARY MAYOR

                                                                             

Mr. Ferguson advised there were two candidates for the office of mayor, Bill Quitmeier and Gerry Richardson.  Mr. Quitmeier announced he had decided to withdraw his name and recommended Mr. Richardson be nominated.  Mr. Ferguson asked Mr. Richardson if he was still interested in the interim mayor position.  His answer was yes.

 

ALDERMAN DUSENBERY MADE A MOTION TO NOMINATE GERRY RICHARDSON TO FILL THE VACANCY OF MAYOR; ALDERMAN SPORTSMAN SECONDED.

 

Mr. Friedman asked if Mr. Richardson were selected to serve as interim mayor, would it affect his ability to  participate in an ad hoc committee to promote the passage of the bond issue.  Mr. Campbell advised it would not be a conflict of interest, but someone else should chair the committee.

 

ALDERMAN DUSENBERY AMENDED THE MOTION TO INCLUDE COMPENSATION AS SET FORTH BY ORDINANCE FOR THE POSITION OF MAYOR; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED. 

 

Mr. Ferguson asked if there were any other nominations.  There were none.

 

ON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

OATH OF OFFICE

 

Assistant City Clerk Sandra Gover administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Richardson.

 


Mayor Richardson asked Mr. Ferguson if he would conduct the remainder of that night=s meeting.  Mr. Ferguson agreed and Mayor Richardson took a seat at the dais.

 

ORDINANCE ELECTING MAYOR

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 2133, AN ORDINANCE ELECTING GERRY RICHARDSON TO SERVE AS MAYOR FROM FEBRUARY 17, 2004 TO APRIL 20, 2004, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED: ALL AYE ON VOICE VOTE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 2133 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED: ALL AYE ON VOICE VOTE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 2133 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE 2115; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED.  ON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING

 

ALDERMAN McCOY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING; ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Alderman Ferguson called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.

 

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 Marc Sportsman        - present

Ward 4 Alderman Kathy Dusenbery       - present

 

ALSO PRESENT:                                                        Mayor Gerry Richardson

City Administrator Patrick Hawver

City Attorney Jack Campbell

Public Works Director Jeff Rupp

Community Development Director Danielle Devlin

Chief of Police Bill Hudson

Assistant City Clerk Sandra Gover

Planning Commission Member Bill Quitmeier

Platte County Tourism Director Cheryl Thorp


Lewis & Clark Committee Chairman Deborah Butcher

Lewis & Clark Committee Member Neil Davidson

John Evans, pres., Evans Midland Empire Shows

Angelo Gangai, director, Main Street Parkville Association

 

MEDIA PRESENT:                                                      Nancy Jack, Parkville Post

Mike Sherry, Kansas City Star

Andy Young and Joe Gleason for Parkville Cable Channel 2

 

REVIEW OF MINUTES

 

ALDERMAN POOLE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 3, 2004 MEETING AND THE FEBRUARY 14TH WORK SESSION; ALDERMAN SPORTSMAN SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS: SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

CITIZEN INPUT

 

Platte County Tourism Director Cheryl Thorp gave an update on the Bicentennial for the Lewis & Clark Expedition.  Sponsor commitments include KC TV 5, the Kansas City Star, Infinity Radio Network (Mix 93, Star 102, KFKF and Q104) and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. $350,000 has been secured in sponsorship funds and a yet to be announced $100,000 sponsor.  The State of Missouri vacation guide features the Lewis & Clark Fife & Drum Corps, and the county has produced 100,000 stuffers that are being distributed to merchants, chambers, etc.

 

Lewis & Clark Committee Chairman Deborah Butcher reported on the total project  in Parkville, including the reception and landscape exhibit held last October.  A basic curriculum for the children=s Day Camp has been finalized which includes learning about the Lewis & Clark expedition and eating foods from that period such as deer stew, elk jerky and blackberries.  Some funds from the budget will be used to purchase deer skins to make journal covers.  A basic promotion and advertising campaign has been developed and will be finalized by March 15th.   The Discovery Expedition dates have been confirmed with the Scheduling Committee.  An invoice from the Discovery Expedition has been received, and the invoice for the Fife and Drum Corps has been paid.  The Committee was recently advised that instead of 125' of dock, 25' will be sufficient.  Park University has agreed to allow the Fife & Drum Corps children to stay in the auditorium and use their restroom and bath facilities.  The dinner has been scheduled at the Olde Mill.  The Committee is on budget.  The Rotary has agreed to donate $600 for the Day Camp.

 

Pat Hawver thanked Deborah Butcher for her time and efforts as chairman of the Lewis & Park Committee.  Before learning the length requirement of the dock had been reduced to 25', he said he had planned to ask the Board to purchase or build a dock.  He distributed a picture of a 100' dock located at the boat club which is next to the east end of English Landing Park for reference.  The boat club could not lend the City its dock because it would be in use at that time.

 

Lewis & Clark Committee member Neil Davidson reiterated that the docking requirements for the replica keel boats had been reduced from 125' to 25' or a mud bank could be used depending on the level of the river at that time. The boats are constructed of wood and cannot be docked on rocky terrain.  Mr.  Davidson indicated he felt confident they will be able to acquire a dock.  The possibility of building or leasing a dock was discussed.  Mr. McCoy offered the use of his 16' dock located at Houston Lake.

 


Mr. Hawver advised there were concerns that the carnival for the 4th of July celebration scheduled to arrive in Parkville on Sunday, June 27th and the Lewis & Clark Expedition arriving on Tuesday, June 29th will cause a shortage of parking space for the L&C event.  Several options for the Board to consider were discussed:  the carnival not coming into town until Thursday and shortening its stay; setting up the carnival on Ballfield #1 and parking their RV=s on the south access road behind English Landing Centre; or rescheduling the carnival to come for Parkville Days in August instead and the City helping Main Street Association with the cost of the fireworks, the funds for which are generated by the carnival.

 

John Evans, president of Evans Midland Empire Shows, Inc. explained that arriving on Thursday would not allow him sufficient time to set up.  For safety reasons, he requires two full days to set up the rides and one day to inspect and clean them.  Mr. Poole asked Mr. Evans what he would do if it rained.  He responded that he would have to set up on the west end of the parking area in English Landing Centre.  Mrs. Dusenbery expressed concern about the stability of the rides on the ground.  Mr. Evans advised that he has set up on grass at other events.  Mr. Hawver reported that a carnival had been set up on the ball field at a past event; it did rain, but no problems occurred.  Mr. Poole and Mr. Friedman felt the Lewis & Clark event should take precedence over the carnival.

 

Angelo Gangai, director of the Main Street Parkville Association, informed the Board of Aldermen that after discussions with City Staff and the Lewis & Clark Committee approximately 6 - 8 months ago,  arrangements were made with Mr. Evans to set up on Ball Field #1 on Sunday and Monday, and to begin operating at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday so as not to interfere with the Lewis & Clark event.  Further discussion ensued regarding other alternatives for the carnival and contingencies in case of rain. Mrs. Arnold expressed her opposition to having the carnival in town during the Lewis & Clark encampment.

 

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF THE CARNIVAL AS SCHEDULED WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WILL BE SET UP ON BALL FIELD #1, RV=S WILL BE PARKED SOUTH OF ENGLISHING LANDING CENTRE ONLY AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE CARNIVAL BE SET UP ON ASPHALT; ALDERMAN McCOY SECONDED.  A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN WITH THE FOLLOWING RESULTS: SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-NAY; FRIEDMAN-NAY; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-NAY; DUSENBERY-NAY.  A TIE VOTE WAS BROKEN BY MAYOR RICHARDSON WHO VOTED AYE.  THE MOTION CARRIED 5-4.

 

BILLS AND ORDINANCES

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 2134, TO EMPLOY TERRY ANDERSON AS PARK LABORER, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED: ALL AYE.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL 2134 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 2134 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE 2116; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED.  ON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

                                                                             

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL A-736, TO PAY LISTED SALARIES AND ACCOUNTS, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED: ALL AYE.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT BILL A-736 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-736 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE A-736; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED. ON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

SALE OF SYNERGY PROPERTY

 

City Attorney Jack Campbell showed the Board a survey of the Synergy property located off of Bell Road and announced that the prospective buyers of the property, the Salvation Army,  require a Conditional Use Permit, an application for which has been filed with Ms. Devlin.  The Synergy Girls Home was formerly operated as a shelter for girls.  The Salvation Army proposes to operate the facility as a shelter for homeless families.  Mr. Campbell had been approached by a partner in his law firm who is on the Board of the buyer, to seek acquisition of additional property owned by the City which is being used as a turn-around by Synergy.  Ms. Devlin said the CUP issue will be before the Planning Commission in March. It was agreed that more information was needed on this item.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR=S REPORT

 

Projects in Progress.  Mr. Hawver distributed a document entitled AProjects in Progress@ listing the unfinished projects of the city administrator for the Board=s review and to be used as a tool for Public Works Director Rupp.

 

Time frame for Financing Sewer Facilities Plan.  Mr. Hawver advised that Parkville has been approved to participate in the Department of Natural Resource=s State Revolving Fund Loan Program.  One of the conditions to meet the November financing deadline requires voter approval by June 30, 2004.  If this deadline is not met, the City will remain eligible for funding another year, but will not receive the low-interest loan until after the next round of financing which occurs in November 2005.   Mr. Hawver discussed the time frame set forth in his report to achieve the City=s goal of making necessary sewer improvements as soon as possible in order to comply with the Clean Water Act.  Our bond attorney will be attending the next meeting with bond wording.  Mr. Hawver will contact the Finance Committee, Mr. McCoy, Mr. Ferguson and Mayor Richardson to schedule a lunch meeting next week to discuss this matter further.

 

POLICE CHIEF=S REPORT

 

Chief Hudson referenced the Parkville Police Department 2003 Report enclosed in the Aldermens= packets and advised that crime had increased by 9%; violent crime increased by 28% (6 assaults and 2 rapes).  All of the assaults and both rapes were solved; individuals were either sentenced or arrested.  There were no robberies or homicides in 2003.  A total of all crimes was 200 in 2003 versus 183 in 2002.  Tickets decreased by 7% and accidents decreased by 7%.  14% of the total accidents involved deer.  Another 41% of the accidents were caused by following too close and failure to yield.  A dope house on West Street was shut down.  Burglars working the city=s west side were caught.  Auto theft increased 300% (from 4 to 12).  Most of the stolen cars had keys in them and were taken from the construction site at 9 and 45 Highways.  Crime in the month of January, 2004 was down 66%.  Discussion ensued regarding the fact that most accidents have occurred at 9 and 45 Highways and at 9 Highway and Park University.  Mr. Hawver discussed Park University/MoDOT signalization and other improvements of their entrance, and MoDOT/Martin-Marietta/ City of Parkville plans for signalization at Coffey Road and the addition of right and left turn lanes at Coffey Road.  MoDOT has determined that improvements in this area are warranted and they will provide temporary signals at their cost.

 

Mr. Sportsman asked if another deer count had been done by the Department of Conservation.  Mr. Rupp said the count was 39 deer per square mile, and the agent would attend a future meeting to give a presentation.

 

 

 

 


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR=S REPORT

 

Ms. Devlin stated that the next Board of Zoning Adjustments meeting is scheduled for February 24th at 5:30 p.m.  The response to our request for proposals for the Master Plan update was very positive.  Five proposals were received.  With the consent of the Board, she would like to put together a selection committee to review the proposals, and asked interested Board members to let her know.  Ms. Devlin also summarized the Community Development Annual Report.  Residential permits issued decreased slightly in 2003, but commercial permits issued increased.  Inspections performed in 2003 totaled 2,277.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Ad Hoc Ambulance Committee: Mrs. Dusenbery advised she will be speaking with representatives of MAST, and they will be attending the next meeting in March.

 

Chamber of Commerce/Main Street: Mrs. Arnold reported the Parkville Chamber of Commerce ABusiness After Hours@ will be held this Thursday at the Northland Exposure Artists Gallery from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Financial Report: Mr. Ferguson said the January report shows income in the amount of $824,000 and expenditures in the amount of $178,000.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY FINANCIAL REPORT AS PUBLISHED; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

Nature Sanctuary: Mr. McCoy informed the Board that he and Jim Reed are trying to set up a stream quality testing session on the White Aloe on March 21st at 1:00 p.m.

 

Parks: Mr. Poole stated a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th.

 

Planning: Mr. Ferguson advised there was no meeting held in February due to a lack of agenda items.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

Mr. Ferguson referenced the memo enclosed in the packets from City Clerk Barbara Lance regarding city stickers.

                                                                             

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

ALDERMAN POOLE MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF RSMo 610.021 (1), (2), (3) TO CONSIDER LITIGATION, REAL ESTATE AND PERSONNEL; ALDERMAN DUSENBERY SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

Discussion ensued.

 

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION; ALDERMAN DUSENBERY SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.


ALDERMAN DUSENBERY MADE A MOTION TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF RENT PAYMENTS FOR THE HOUSE LOCATED AT 6203 WALL STREET FROM $1,464 PER MONTH TO $1,000 PER MONTH; ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Upon return from Executive Session, Alderman Ferguson announced that the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to suspend Court Administrator Louella Smith=s employment indefinitely without pay due to mismanagement of court accounts.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

ALDERMAN ARNOLD MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN; ALDERMAN DUSENBERY SECONDED.  ON VOICE VOTE, THE MOTION CARRIED 8-0 AS FOLLOWS:  SPORTSMAN-AYE; FERGUSON-AYE; RITTMAN-AYE; POOLE-AYE; FRIEDMAN-AYE; McCOY-AYE; ARNOLD-AYE; DUSENBERY-AYE.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Submitted by:                                                                     

                       Assistant City Clerk Sandra Gover 2/20/04

 

 

 


WORK SESSION

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

CITY OF PARKVILLE, MISSOURI

February 24, 2004

 

Mayor Pro Tem Marvin J. Ferguson called the work session to order at 6:09 p.m.

 

                                                                    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 Marc Sportsman - present

Ward 4 Alderman Kathy Dusenbery- present

 

ALSO PRESENT:        Public Works Director Jeff Rupp (left before discussion of candidates)

Resident/press representative Nancy Jack (left during discussion of candidates)

City Clerk Barbara Lance

 

Mayor Gerry Richardson arrived later in the meeting.

 

              FENCING ALONG RAILROAD TRACKS BY POWER PLANT AND PANCHOS

 

Mr. Rupp said there has been a long-time plan to put a fence between the railroad track and the adjacent properties.  That issue came to a head today B he talked  with the railroad=s attorney, who agreed to allow the City to install fencing at a cost of up to $32,000 of the same kind of fencing we have downtown.   It would run from Main Street 35' west, or whatever length that figure would allow.  The railroad wants to get the fencing done before this year=s festivals begin.  Burlington Northern & Santa Fe would return the total amount later.  We would have to pay a couple of thousand dollars for a little curb work.  Mr. Rupp needs to get the contractor started and asked for approval to start negotiations with him, based on the fact that the Board of Aldermen expects to approve the project at its next regular meeting. 

 

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MOVED TO APPROVE GOING AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT TO FENCE THE AREA BETWEEN THE TRACKS AND THE RESTAURANT ON EITHER SIDE; ALDERMAN McCOY SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 8-0. 

 

Mr. Rupp left. 

 

                                         REPLACEMENT OF CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

ALDERMAN ARNOLD MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS CANDIDATES FOR THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION; ALDERMAN DUSENBERY SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

Ms. Jack left the room.  Discussion ensued.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION; ALDERMAN SPORTSMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 


Ms. Jack returned. 

 

A procedure to hire a city administrator was discussed. Mr. McCoy said his wife, a Human Resources specialist, said at some point one person should evaluate all the applications, because it is important that all be seen from one viewpoint rather than the various standards which would be applied if the applications (50 at that point) were seen through the eyes of more than one person.  

 

The aldermen agreed on a set of qualifications for the job:

 

1.*        Five years minimum experience within a city or town as top person or assistant in city management or senior person in city department.   Experience in a larger city would be a plus.

 

2.                  Experience with government budgets and financing tools such as TIF, bonds, etc. 

 

3.                  Experience in personnel management and public works. 

 

4.*        Minimum educational specification - undergraduate degree.  MPA would be a plus. 

 

5.*        Stability in work history.

 

6.                  Project management skills with emphasis on public works background.

 

7.*        Experienced in interaction with city and county officials. 

 

8.*        Experience in dealing with issues which arise from growth of community.

 

9.                  Experience with various legal issues pertinent to cities. 

 

10.              Written and verbal communication skills.

 

11.               Grand writing ability would be helpful.

 

12.*      Computer skills, especially ability to communicate by e-mail. 

 

13.               Missouri experience. 

 

14.              Zoning experience.

 

15.               Ability to multi-task. 

 

* Items marked with an asterisk are mandatory. 

 

These criteria would be applied to applications submitted by current staff as well as to others.  All current staff should be informed of this job opening. 

 

Aldermen asked Mayor Richardson if he would be the person to review and rate all applications.   He agreed.  He will cull out the list to approximately ten candidates.  At that time very brief personal interviews would be conducted with these people, perhaps by phone for those in other parts of the country.  At some point an application form would be sent to the top few candidates.  (Mr. Poole faxed a copy of the application used at Yellow Company to City Hall, and it was converted to Parkville=s needs.  Copy is attached.  Aldermen who wish to make changes should let Barbara Lance know.)

 


                                        DISCUSSION ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

 

The mayor and aldermen discussed how best to educate the public about the need for passage of this ballot issue.  There are many practical issues which are part of this program.  Mayor Richardson agreed to act as point person in this effort.  Mr. McCoy said he would help. 

 

There was some discussion on procedure to choose bond underwriters and bond counsel.  Mayor Richardson spoke about the difference in interest to be paid to bond underwriters.  It could make a great difference to the City in years to come, he said. 

 

The mayor will continue as a member of the ad hoc committee which will advocate passage of the ballot issue.  Chairs are Jim Allen, Jim Watson, and Deborah Butcher.  Resident Laura Ozenberger is a member. 

 

Information will be put on Channel 2 and the website.  It was suggested that Mike Horine, resident and photographer, be approached about helping with the campaign.  Treasurer Steve Berg has done a question-and-answer paper on the subject which those who had seen it applauded as being an excellent explanatory piece. 

 

Marc Sportsman agreed to head up the City=s educational effort on this issue. 

 

There will be a Town Hall meeting March 24 downstairs in the Board Room.

 

                                                           CITY HALL SECURITY

 

Mayor Richardson introduced the subject of City Hall security, and certain changes were suggested.  Collector Justin Kuder will be the only one with a key to the petty cash box. 

 

ALDERMAN POOLE MOVED TO ADJOURN; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

The session was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

 

 

 

Submitted by ____________________________

City Clerk Barbara J. Lance - February 26, 2004

 

Enc:      Proposed Employment Application Form

Proposed Process for Hiring from Elaine McCoy