Regular Meeting

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

CITY OF PARKVILLE, MISSOURI

July 20, 2004

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Mayor Kathryn A. Dusenbery called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Area.

ROLL CALL

 

Ward 1 Alderman Jack Friedman -Present

Ward 1 Alderman Charlie Poole -Arrived at 7:18 p.m.

Ward 2 Alderman David McCoy -Present

Ward 2 Alderman David Rittman -Present

Ward 3 Alderman Marvin Ferguson -Present

Ward 3 Alderman Linda Arnold     -Arrived at 6:47 p.m.

Ward 4 Alderman Marc Sportsman -Absent with prior notice

Ward 4 Alderman Brian Atkinson                                   -Present 

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED TO ADJOURN INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS

PERSONNEL MATTERS UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF RSMO 610.021 (3); ALDERMAN FERGUSON SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Discussion ensued.

 

ALDERMAN MCCOY MOVED TO TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF LOUELLA SMITH; ALDERMAN ATKINSON SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 

 

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MOVED TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION IN THE BOARDROOM; ALDERMAN MCCOY SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

 

The meeting was returned to open session in the Board Room at 7:02 p.m. with attendance as noted above.

 

ALSO PRESENT:   City Administrator Joe Turner

                                                            Police Lt. John Moyer

                                                            Public Works Director Jeff Rupp

                                                            Community Development Director Sean Ackerson

                                                            Charlie Zitnik, Kirkpatrick Pettis

                                                            Jay Norco, SKW Engineers

                                                            Danae Caquelin, Waste Water Operator Consultant

                                                            Tony Hermelink, Art of Illumination

                                                            Diana Leon, Blue Agave

                                                            Residents:  Deborah Butcher, Tom Hutsler

                                                            Planning Commission Member, Frank McCoy

                                                            Assistant City Clerk Claudia Willhite

                                                           

MEDIA PRESENT:   Andy Young and Joe Gleason for Channel 2

                                                            Nancy Jack for Parkville Post

REVIEW OF MINUTES

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 6, 2004 BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING AND MINUTES OF THE JULY 13, 2004 WORK SESSION AS PUBLISHED; ALDERMAN RITTMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 6-0.

 

CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTATION TO DEBORAH BUTCHER

 

Mayor Dusenbery presented, to Deborah Butcher, with great honor and gratitude, this year’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Civic Leadership award from the Missouri Municipal League and the City of Parkville.  The mayor stated this award is on behalf of the City and the State and she thanked Mrs. Butcher for her many contributions to the City of Parkville.

 

CITIZEN INPUT

 

Request for more wooden benches in Nature Sanctuary

 

Mr. Sol Urdang, a resident of Platte County who has donated money in the past for wooden benches in the Nature Sanctuary, said he frequently takes his exercise by walking there.  Mr. Urdang said he appreciates having strategically placed benches along the path to stop and rest along the way but he does not like the metal benches because they are cold in the winter and hot in the summer.  He also added that with so many memorial dedications in the Sanctuary it’s beginning to feel like a cemetery.  Mr. Urdang would like to see more wooden benches installed and said he was willing to donate money to that cause if necessary but he does not want to see any more memorial inscriptions added. 

Discussion ensued regarding the cost effectiveness of the wooden benches, most of which were built for the cost of materials only, with the design and assembly time donated by Alderman Friedman.  The mayor explained that the memorial benches are a way to save the city money by providing secure seating that lasts longer and is paid for by the families donating the benches.  The Mayor and the Board agreed to take Mr. Urdang’s comments and request under advisement.  Mr. Urdang left two phone numbers to use to contact him:  816-471-2018 at work and 816-746-4943 at home.

 

Lewis and Clark Day Camp Report

 

Nature Sanctuary Director Jim Reed reported to the board that he owes much of the success of the Lewis and Clark Day Camps to three expert volunteers who helped him:  Diane Kixmiller, Sharon Johnson, and Pat Harris.  Mr. Reed extended his appreciation to these volunteers, who also serve on the Nature Sanctuary committee.  The final report of funds taken in was $1,080 plus the $600 grant from the South Platte County Rotary.  With approximately $700 spent, the net proceeds were $980.  Mr. Reed said a total of 90 children enjoyed the day camp and he has some wonderful pictures of happy children; they are posted at the main entrance to City Hall. 

 

Events Update

 

Tom Hutsler reported for the Main Street Parkville Association regarding the success of Parkville’s 4th of July activities.  As of July 9th, net proceeds including the Brewers’ Festival equaled $7,146.  Mr. Hutsler noted that as the carnival was leaving some ruts were made in the ballpark due to heavy rains and arrangements are being made to repair the damage. 

 

Mr. Hutsler also updated the board on the 36th Annual Parkville Days Riverfest events coming up August 27th, 28th and 29th.  There will be a little Miss/Mr. Parkville pageant and all inquiries regarding the pageant should go to Maxine McKeon at 741-1603.  The Parkville Days parade to be held 10 a.m. on August 28th is honored to have 40 Shriners’ groups participating and “America the Beautiful” is the theme.  Since there are only 60 entries accepted for the parade, any group interested in submitting a float should call as soon as possible at 505-2227.   He said there would also be a viewers’ stand at Pocket Park for seating to watch the parade and Bill Grigsby will be the announcer.  The liquor license and banner have already been approved.  Mr. Hutsler went on to describe the many achievements and community activities that are held by this year’s Grand Marshall for the parade, Alderman Marvin Ferguson.  The Riverfest also has an impressive music venue of seven Blues and Jazz bands lined up, Mr. Hutsler said.  Mr. Hutsler said a complete news release has been finalized for distribution.  The Mayor asked him to contact Mike Horine and Anna Jaffe regarding putting this information on Channel 2.  Alderman Friedman added that he wanted everyone to know Main Street has made a generous donation to the Sluggers baseball team that was greatly appreciated.

 

Liquor License Request

 

Diana Leon, a new business owner in Parkville, requested approval for Resort and Sunday Sales liquor licenses for the Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant about to open in the old Pancho’s location.

Ms. Leon said she’s been spending a lot of time here as she’s been working to get the restaurant set up and she feels Parkville is a wonderful place to be.  Ms. Leon shared pictures of the restaurant, which has undergone approximately $75,000 in improvements and she announced the goal for an opening date is August 15th.  The Mexican restaurant menu will offer many authentic old recipe dishes as well as standard popular choices for milder tastes.  Alderman Ferguson asked if the restaurant plans to offer breakfasts and Ms. Leon said that if business is good that is a possibility further down the road. Regarding the name chosen for the restaurant, Ms. Leon explained that the word “agave” is the name of a plant grown to make tequila and when the plant matures it acquires a bluish tint.  They hope to be open 11 am to 11 pm, seven days a week.

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR RESORT AND SUNDAY SALES LIQUOR LICENSES; ALDERMAN FERGUSON SEDONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION PASSED.

 

MAYOR’S REPORT

 

The Mayor reported that it was recently brought to her attention that our TIF Commission memberships had expired, so at this time she wanted to reappoint those members as follows:

 

       Brenda Davis (until 12/19/2007), Deborah Butcher (until 12/19/2007),

       Rhoda Powers (until 12/19/2006), and Michael Sobba (until 12/19/2006)

 

The Mayor directed the board to information regarding this Commission in their packets.  Alderman Friedman said they all did a good job before. 

 

ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN MOVED THAT THOSE FORMER MEMBERS BE REAPPOINTED FOR THE TERMS STATED; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION PASSED 7-0.

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

City Administrator Joe Turner reported that he is close to finalizing his task list.  In addition to his current task list, Mr. Turner provided the board with an update on the deer population issue, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.  Discussion ensued regarding statistics on deer-related accidents from 2002 – 2004 and alternatives for addressing the problem.  The Mayor requested that Mr. Turner have another discussion with Park University regarding details and agreeable timing of the proposed deer hunt.  Further update on this issue is expected at the August 3rd board meeting.  Mr. Turner then reported that the city has received 6 replies to our Request for Qualification’s for City Hall renovation, which will be reviewed soon.  Mr. Turner said currently October 19th is still the goal for finalization of the 2005 budget; one important change he wants to implement in the budget will involve setting up a municipal equipment reserve fund so there will be two separate funds for capital improvements in order to alleviate extreme fluctuations in equipment expenditures.  Mr. Turner also asked the board to be considering and to let him know of any projects requiring funding that they feel should be included in the 2005 budget process.

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

Community Development Director Sean Ackerson referred the board to two requests for sign approvals in their packets.  Discussion ensued regarding board preference that all sign requests be reviewed and approved by Parkville Commons prior to coming before the board, in addition to consistency on illumination requirements depending on the hours of the business.  The board asked Mr. Ackerson to make sure this is placed appropriately in writing to insure consistency prior to future sign requests coming to the board.  The Mayor asked that unless a shop is opened 24 hours, we set the standard illumination time to end for midnight daily.

 

Sign permit for Shear Palace Barber Shop (B-4)

 

Following brief discussion on the sign permit requested by Shear Palace Barber Shop, ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO APPROVE SAID REQUEST WITH THE STIPULATION THAT PARKVILLE COMMONS HAS APPROVED THE SIGN AND ILLUMINATION PERIOD WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF 5 AM TO MIDNIGHT SUCH AS PREVIOUSLY AGREED ON FOR P & G HARDWARE; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE, MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

Temporary sign permit for River North  (B-4)

 

The board asked Mr. Ackerson to fill them in on this request such as how long temporary signs last and what this sign will look like.  Discussion ensued regarding necessary information not provided within this request before the board.

 

ALDERMAN RITTMAN MOVED TO TABLE THIS REQUEST UNTIL THE NEXT BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 3rd; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

Minutes of Last Planning Commission Meeting

 

Minutes of the last Planning Commission meeting were provided in the packets.

 

Development Update Regarding

 

The mayor directed the board to information in the packets regarding update on the Plaza North development which is within 1.5 miles of Parkville city limits and therefore subject to review and comment by Parkville.  Discussion ensued regarding the preferred timing for submitting a second opinion letter on behalf of Parkville.  Mr. Ackerson assured the board that there would be another opportunity to review the County’s revised plan and to comment prior to the finalization process; the application is scheduled to heard at the Platte County Planning Commission meeting on August 10th, although he expects it will be tabled again.  Alderman Arnold said she would like to attend that meeting.  Further discussion took place regarding traffic pattern issues that will be a critical factor to consider for impact on Parkville.  Mr. Ackerson said more would be known once the traffic study is released.  Mayor Dusenbery said that since the City of Parkville has already sent a letter to Platte County with our comments and concerns on this project, we should wait before sending written comment again to the county.  Public Works Director Jeff Rupp said a meeting with MoDOT representatives is already set for this Friday and more will be known about immediate MoDOT plans following that meeting. 

 

Mr. Frank McCoy commented that (regarding the I-435 development) he believed Mr. Barth had an alternative motive to getting the project approved.

 

CHARLIE ZITNIK  - UPDATE ON SRF BONDS

 

Mr. Zitnik provided update to the board regarding the capital improvements operating levy certificate of participation.  Mr. Zitnik said there are four triple A-rated monoline bond companies in the country and feedback so far has been that two of them want to pass on this issue due to the low amount of funds being borrowed.  Two more responses are expected tomorrow.  Mr. Zitnik said that reception to Parkville’s financing is very good due because Parkville’s credit is good in the market.   He said the intention is that pricing of the certificate of participation will be presented to the board at the August 3rd board meeting with a close date of August 10th or 11th.  (This was later changed to the August 17th meeting.)  Mr. Zitnik said he does recommend that the city hold to the 2.75 million figure that was presented to voters; however he does not recommend purchasing bond insurance as that cost will come out of the project funds.

 

With respect to the bond issue, Mr. Zitnik reported the interest rate came in at 5.07% and the projected rate was 5%.  Mr. Zitnik then asked if there were any questions.  There were not.

 

BILLS AND ORDINANCES

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL 2158, AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF SEWER BONDS, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL 2158 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN ATKINSON SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL 2158 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE 2139, ALDERMAN MCCOY SECONDED; ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL VOTE; MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

Bill 2158 was posted on 7/16/04.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

 

SKW Project Engineer Jay Norco, designer for the Parkville’s wastewater improvement project, reported that four bids were opened July 7th and they were clustered well, demonstrating a strong understanding of the project.  The bids came in a little higher than expected, he said; however we may still be able to pull that back in line in the second half of the project.  Mr. Norco directed the board to a bid tabulation sheet to see the unit prices submitted by each bidding company.  Mr. Norco then recommended that Parkville award the contract to Irvinbilt for a total contract amount of $1,626,200, which includes the lump sum base bid and an alternate with separate pricing on certain pieces to insure fair pricing.  Brief discussion ensued.  There were no further questions or discussion.   Immediately following the motion and vote noted below, Mr. Norco provided update on some other maintenance and repair invoices that would be forthcoming for things that were functioning prior to the beginning of the project so they were not included in the original estimation.  The mayor asked that at the next meeting Mr. Rupp provide the board with a current update on these expenditures and related budget.

 

IRVINBILT CONTRACT AND AGREEMENT

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL CA11, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH IRVINBILT FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL CA113 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN RITTMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL CA113 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE CA113; ALDERMAN MCCOY SECONDED; ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL VOTE; MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

 

Bill CA113 was posted on 7/16/04.

 

Mr. Rupp requested the board to award a contract to G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. for the English Landing Park pedestrian bridge improvements.  Mr. Rupp explained that the goal is to get pedestrians out of the roadway; Barcus and Sons were the only bidders for this project.  Discussion ensued.  Alderman Friedman asked what this totally includes.  Mr. Rupp said it is part of a major sequencing, and water lines have been moved and engineer paid.  The board expressed concern about this not being a budgeted item and asked how much of the project had already been initiated without board notification.  Mr. Rupp pointed out that former City Administrator Pat Hawver had approved the engineers proceeding with the design that brought us to this point, and the bridge is in this position on the master plan.  Mayor Dusenbery requested that Deborah Butcher, as a member of the Parks Committee, come forward to help explain this project more fully.

 

Mrs. Butcher said that the engineer’s input was considered in the new park master plan.  There was much discussion regarding board members not being aware of the details of the new master plan now finalized by the Parks Committee.  Deborah Butcher suggested that one way to avoid this kind of problem in the future would be to have the Parks Committee be a city committee so minutes would be taken and distributed to the board, especially since parks and trails are such an important part of Parkville.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO TABLE THIS ISSUE UNTIL THE AUGUST 3RD MEETING; ALDERMAN ARNOLD SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION WAS TABLED.

 

Mr. Rupp distributed a copy of the special events expense breakdown requested from the board at the last meeting.  Mr. Rupp pointed out that the installation of electric pedestals would alleviate much of the expense regularly incurred with setting up and breaking down for festivals and special events.  Mr. Rupp pointed out that within one year half the cost of installing the pedestals is incurred by the city for John Conrad and his crew to do the work by hand.  Alderman Rittman suggested that this is an appropriate expense to consider for the 2005 budget process.  The mayor added that Parkville might want event sponsors to somehow help cover this expense too.  The mayor thanked Mr. Rupp for providing this report and suggested that this discussion should be continued at the next Events Committee meeting.

 

POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT

 

Lt. John Moyer reported that Parkville has seen a substantial increase in shoplifting crime since the new Price Chopper opened.  The police department is now reporting an average of two shoplifting reports per week.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL A-746, TO PAY LISTED SALARIES AND ACCOUNTS, BE APPROVED FOR FIRST READING; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL A-746 BE APPROVED ON FIRST READING AND PASSED TO SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY; ALDERMAN RITTMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED THAT BILL A-746 BE APPROVED ON SECOND READING TO BECOME ORDINANCE A-746; ALDERMAN POOLE SECONDED; ALL AYE BY ROLL CALL VOTE; MOTION CARRIED 7-0.

                                                      

Bill A-746 was posted on 7/02/04.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Ad Hoc Ambulance Committee:  The mayor will have an update on this at the next board meeting following a meeting with other mayors from the South Platte district.

 

Chamber of Commerce/Events:  Mrs. Arnold said the Special Events committee held a start-up meeting last week.  Neil Davidson and Jim Brooks were there and are gathering sample policies from other cities.  Mrs. Arnold commended the attention to detail that Mr. Brooks and Mr. Davidson are applying to this task.  She said the timeline they are working under has a goal for completion by Thanksgiving.

 

Channel 2 and Website:  Mr. Atkinson reported that Michael Horine and Anna Jaffe recently toured the City of Olathe’s media room and media department procedures.  Mr. Atkinson said he would review ideas and recommendations they garnered from that experience and report back at the next board meeting.

 

Community Center:  No report.

 

Farmers Market:  Mr. Friedman reported that the parking lot striping looks good and it’s a great time to visit the Farmers Market while at the height of the season.

 

Financial Report  - Mr. Ferguson referred everyone to the June financial report in the packets.  He noted that for the 6-month period our revenues are at 58% with expenses at exactly 51% and Collector Justin Kuder’s written comments and explanations added regularly to the financial activity reports have helped to keep the board well informed. 

 

ALDERMAN FERGUSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE FINANCIAL REPORT AS PUBLISHED; ALDERMAN FRIEDMAN SECONDED; ALL AYE; MOTION PASSED 7-0.

 

Main Street Parkville Association: Mr. Rittman reported that many key items for this report have already been discussed by Mr. Hutsler.  The Main Street Association meeting last Wednesday morning was well attended.  Mr. Rittman noted that Parkville’s $10,000 fireworks display has come to be regarded as one of the most spectacular July 4th shows in the area and he noted the city’s appreciation for the volunteers who make that possible.  There also was a top honor bestowed to Parkville in a recent Dispatch news article.  Mr. Rittman added that an interesting concept-stage presentation was made to Parkville merchants recently regarding installation of a wireless Internet access signal using an existing tower.

 

Nature Sanctuary:  Mr. McCoy extended a thank-you to all city staff that recently helped with clearing out a 16-inch diameter tree that was a problem.  Many weeds were also cleaned up on that workday at the Nature Sanctuary.    A summer hike was held on July 17th with about 12 in attendance, which was a good turnout.

 

Parks:  The Cycle Cross event previously held in the park will not be approved for this year due to some problems with last year’s event.  Mr. Poole also reported that the structural integrity of the shelter houses is being improved by braces added.  The final master plan has been approved by the Parks Committee.  Mr. Poole asked Mr. Rupp about the schedule for removal of the many dead trees in the park, noting high winds are creating potential safety risks.

 

Planning:  No report.

OTHER BUSINESS

                                                                 

The mayor reminded the board to review the information in their packets regarding the MML Conference coming up in September so reservations can be made.

 

Mayor Dusenbery also noted that the National League of Cities meeting this year conflicts with Christmas on the River but maybe next year some of the Aldermen can attend.

 

There being no further business, the mayor entertained a motion to adjourn.

 

ALDERMAN ARNOLD MOVED THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN; ALDERMAN ATKINSON SECONDED, ALL AYE; MOTION CARRIED.

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:02 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by: _______________________________________________

                                 Assistant City Clerk Claudia Willhite  - 07/30/04