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.

Missouri experience.

Zoning experience.

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