MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GLADSTONE, MISSOURI
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2003
PRESENT: Mayor Bill Cross
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith
Councilman Shirley Smith
Councilman Carol Rudi
Councilman Wayne Beer
City Manager Kirk Davis
City Counselor David Ramsay
City Clerk Cathy Swenson
Mayor Bill Cross opened the Regular January 27, 2003, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.
Item 3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bill Cross led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, in which all joined.
Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF REGULAR JANUARY 13, 2003 CITY
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilman Beer moved to approve the minutes of the Regular January 13, 2003, City Council Meeting as submitted. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith seconded the motion. The vote: All “aye”. Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Item 4a. on the Agenda. PRESENTATION OF 2002 MAYOR’S COMMUNITY
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING FUND DRIVE CHECKS TO GLADSTONE NEIGHBORS HELPING
NEIGHBORS, MR. ART HAMMEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; AND TO THE NORTHLAND CHRISTMAS
STORE, MS. IKEY HARRIS, CHAIRMAN.
Van Ibsen of Ibsen Dance Studio began by saying that he and his wife, Susie, have conducted fund raisers for Theatre in the Park for fifteen years. Because of the fire that destroyed the Oak Grove Amphitheatre, Mr. and Mrs. .Ibsen decided to donate a production of the “Nutcracker”. All proceeds realized from the ticket sales are included in this contribution. On behalf of the 75 students who gave up their Saturdays from October through December to rehearse, and the volunteers who gave their time to put up the sets, Mr. Ibsen presented a check to Mayor Cross for the Amphitheatre Fund in the amount of $4,500.00.
Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Ibsen for his generous contribution, and remarked that at the Open Study Session held prior to this Regular Meeting, it was discussed that the bids for the rebuilding of the Amphitheatre came in much higher than expected. This generous contribution and other contributions from groups and organizations, including the City of North Kansas City, will help to offset the approximately $100,000 overage in anticipated building costs. On behalf of the City, Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Ibsen for his many contributions to the City.
Item 4b. on the Agenda. CITY
CLERK OATH OF OFFICE.
City Clerk Marilyn Ahnefeld conducted the City Clerk Oath of Office with Cathy Swenson. Following which, Mayor Cross asked Ms. Swenson’s family to please remain standing as he introduced them. Mayor Cross then announced there would be a ten minute break in business to afford the opportunity to those present to congratulate Ms. Swenson in her new role of City Clerk. Mayor Cross invited those present to a reception for Ms. Swenson at 9:30 AM, the next morning, January 14, 2003, at City Hall.
Following the break:
City Manager Davis remarked that Marilyn Ahnefeld has been the City Clerk for Gladstone for 26 years, which represents a quarter of a century of history and outstanding service to the City. Over the next few weeks there will be information regarding special receptions in honor of Ms. Ahnefeld. City Manager Davis then invited Sean Ahnefeld to share a presentation in honor of his mother, Marilyn Ahnefeld.
Mr. Ahnefeld, began by saying, that in honor of his mother’s last City Council meeting, he had a small presentation of a frozen chicken dinner, along with a card. When he was young this is the dinner their family often enjoyed on City Council evenings. For the first City Council dinner she does not attend, he wished to purchase her dinner.
Mayor Cross introduced Ms. Ahnefeld’s family who were in attendance.
Item 5. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA
Following the Clerk’s reading, Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-1, authorizing the City Manager to accept a Bill of Sale from Belleview Properties, LLC and Havens Construction Company conveying to the City a sanitary sewer line, water line, and storm sewer line built in conjunction with construction of the Belleview Office Building at 4770 N. Belleview. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-2, authorizing acceptance of a permanent construction easement in conjunction with the installation of storm water improvements on that part of Rock Creek in Tract “A”, Prospect-1. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-3, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Metro Asphalt for the 2001 full depth replacement program; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $18,102.11 from the Transportation Sales Tax Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-4, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Layne Western for the raw water supply, well #6; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $32,900.35 from the Combined Water and Sewerage System 2000 Revenue Bonds Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-5, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with McGarrah Construction for the Mill Creek Sanitary Sewer Improvements; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $17,108.03 from the Combined Water and Sewerage System 2000 Revenue Bonds Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-6, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Ace Pipe Cleaning for the 2002 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $56,679.03 from the Combined Water and Sewerage System Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-7, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Brandy Electric for the 70th Street Beautification, and authorizing final payment in the amount of $3,405.29 from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-8, authorizing acceptance of work under design contract with Camp, Dresser, and McKee for the 59th Terrace Drainage Improvements and authorizing final payment in the amount of $6,040.00 from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve a BUILDING PERMIT for remodel of interior hallways and classrooms, as well as installation of new HVAC, and finish of exterior façade of property at 2100 NE 65th Street for Antioch Middle School. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to APPROVE THE PACKAGE LIQUOR LICENSE CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP FOR K.C. PETROLEUM, LLC. DBA PHILLIPS FUEL MART #2, 7020 NORTH OAK. Managing Officer, Arfan A. Paroya. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to APPROVE A CLASS “A” AND “B” LIQUOR BY THE DRINK LICENSE CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP FOR WASAHI, LLC. DBA WASHAI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE, 328 NORTHEAST 72ND STREET. Managing Officer Truong Quoc Tran. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to APPROVE THE FINANCIAL REPORTS for the month of December, 2002. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
REGULAR AGENDA
Item 6. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ms. Anita Newsom, 7401 North Wabash, began by saying that over course of the years when she sat in the City Council seat, there were people who voiced their disagreement with Council decisions. Ms. Newsom stated she wished to endorse the employment of Cathy Swenson as City Clerk. As City Council liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Ms. Newsom worked with Ms. Swenson for a number of years, and Ms. Swenson is a neighbor. Ms. Newsom continued by saying that, although she realizes City Council is aware, but for the record, Ms. Swenson has outstanding skills, displays tact, and finesse. Another opportunity Ms. Newsom had over recent months was to work with Ms. Swenson on the City’s 50th Anniversary Gala Committee. Ms. Ahnefeld is known as the Diva of Decorum; Ms. Swenson is now the Diva of Details, as she does not miss a detail. In working
with the hotel and the Gala Committee it became obvious she carries a velvet hammer. Ms. Newsom remarked that, as we move into the new millennium, she feels the Council’s selection of Ms. Swenson as City Clerk is a wonderful selection. We will miss Ms. Ahnefeld, terribly, but Ms. Newsom is very pleased with Council’s decision and wishes to congratulate the City Council on another very wise decision.
Item 7. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Carol Rudi began by saying that Ms. Ahnefeld will be missed very much, and City Council is excited to work with Ms. Swenson. Ms. Rudi is glad that it is thought City Council made a good decision, and she agrees it was a good decision.
Councilman Beer stated that although Ms Ahnefeld is retiring, she realizes that it is not an immediate retirement. Her corporate memory will be drawn upon for quite some time. Ms. Ahnefeld has been an invaluable member of City staff and will continue to be, if not on a full-time basis, on a part-time basis, for awhile, which is a good thing. Likewise, Ms. Swenson has been with the City for awhile, and has been through a number of experiences, with the result that she has the City background that Councilman Beer is certain will make a great City Clerk.
Councilman Shirley Smith expressed her wish that everyone had a good holiday season. Although Ms. Ahnefeld, in her retirement will have a different yet wonderful life, City Council, City staff, and the community will be seeing a lot of her. It is interesting that tonight is a momentous occasion. Ms. Swenson will do a good job. It is the changing of the guard.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith began by saying that he has known Ms. Swenson for a long time. She has worked hard for this and deserves the position. It will be a pleasure to work with her as it has been for the last few years. There will be opportunities to say good-bye to Ms. Ahnefeld, but only from her position as City Clerk. As information for the Boy Scouts in attendance, Ms. Ahnefeld came to work for the City when Mayor Pro Tem Smith was four years old. Mr. Smith’s parents and he, as well as many others, have many fond memories of Ms. Ahnefeld. Mr. Smith stated to Ms. Ahnefeld that she is loved by many in the community, is the conscience of the community, and represents all that is good about the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith addressed a question to Staff regarding the re-zoning of Victoria’s Learning Center. As part of that re-zoning, the turn radius at Pleasant Valley Road and old Antioch Road was discussed. What is the status of that?
City Manager Davis replied that he met with Assistant Manager Scott Wingerson, last week regarding a different idea for the turn radius, because frankly we haven’t come up with a solution that is acceptable, that is 100 percent acceptable to the parties. Mr. Wingerson will be meeting with Public Works Director Andy Noll to prepare some preliminary engineering, which in effect would create a slight curve on the west side of the Victoria’s Learning Center, but taking out the drive, which would allow for a little bit of stacking. The question to be answered is how this will affect east bound traffic. City Manager Davis has not had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Wingerson to discuss this further. Mr. Davis noticed that Victoria’s Learning Center is in operation, and he intends to find out what is the term of the operation.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith thanked Mr. Davis, and mentioned that many may have noticed the construction taking place on 72nd Street between North Oak and Broadway. The significance being that this is the former property of GEBC (Gladstone Economic Betterment Council) that was sold to a private developer who plans to build an office building with some retail space. The proceeds of the sale of this property to GEBC, along with some private contributions, will allow GEBC to start a CDC (Community Development Corporation), which will provide low interest loans to businesses to make improvements to their businesses, whether it be Antioch Road, North Oak Street, or other areas. These improvements could include face-lifts, landscaping or similar improvements. Hopefully there will be an emphasis on North Oak Street, and will help to address our commercial corridors. This is a project many have been trying to get started for ten to twelve years, which is exciting.
Mayor Cross thanked Ms. Newport of the Press Dispatch for the nice article about the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The last report of donated funds to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree is $11,584.00. Next year the same tree will be put up, and hopefully even more money will be raised. It is certainly felt this was a success with a long list of people donating; many with contributions of $5 or $10. That is the way our City works, with so many people contributing.
Item 7a. on the Agenda BOARD
& COMMISSION APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.
Mayor Cross remarked that the five City Council members spent several hours, Saturday, interviewing people, many of whom are here tonight, for positions on the Boards and Commissions. These people are willing to donate their time and efforts to help Gladstone become a better city. The City has over 200 people who volunteer their time on committees. There were five or six openings. Three times that many people volunteered to visit with City Council to see if they could serve on a committee. City Council members made selections on Saturday, and phone calls were made, today, to notify the successful candidates. Some of the new appointees are filling positions of former Board members whose terms have not expired, but who have asked to not continue to serve at this time. Mayor Cross informed the new Boards and Commission members present that they will have an opportunity to meet their new colleagues at the first meeting of their respective groups.
Mayor Cross announced the City Council recommended appointments of newly appointed and reappointed members of the various Boards and Commissions as follows:
Planning Commission
Reappointment – Joe Evans. Term expires December, 2006
New Appointments – Anita Newsom and Mark Revenaugh. Terms expire December, 2006.
Capital Improvements Program
Reappointments – Pete Hall and Beverly Johnson. Terms expire December, 2005.
New Appointment – Bill Turnage. Term expires December, 2005.
Pete Hall - Chair.
Board of Zoning Adjustment
Reappointments – Richard Wagner and Staci Hagen (3rd Alternate). Terms expire June, 2007.
Code Board of Appeals
Reappointment – Rick Washer. Term expires December, 2005.
Charles Logan – Chair.
Gladstone Industrial Development Authority
Reappointment – Richard Conn. Term expires December, 2008.
New Appointment – Lance Turner. Term expires December, 2007.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Reappointment – Teresa Farley and Donald Harper. Terms expire December, 2005.
New Appointment – Scott Peper. Term expires December, 2005.
New Appointment, Freshman Student Member – Kelsey Hake, Winnetonka High School.
Term expires October, 2005.
Cable TV Advisory Board
Reappointment – Paul Degenhardt. Term expires December, 2005.
Gladstone Recycling and Solid Waste
Committee
Reappointment – Dianne Smith. Term expires December, 2005
New Appointments – Donna Eisenbarth. Term expires December, 2005.
Carol Fair. Term expires December, 2005.
Mary Jo Payton. Term expires December, 2003.
Lori LeMunyon – Chair
Reappointments - Pete Hall and Brian Hill. Terms expire January, 2007.
Sister Cities Commission
New Appointments – Teresa Metz. Term expires December, 2003, and Robert Cornick. Term expires December, 2004.
Mayor Cross also announced that a new “visionary committee” is in the process of being established with ten to fifteen members to begin with, but many more will be gradually added later. More about this group will be announced at a later date.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved that the Board and Commissions Appointment Recommendations be accepted. Councilman Carol Rudi seconded the motion. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Kirk Davis announced that Shirley Bell, former Municipal Clerk, was here, tonight, to pay her respects to Ms. Ahnefeld and Ms. Swenson. Ms. Bell served as Municipal Court Clerk prior to Beverly Biegel, and worked with both Ms. Ahnefeld and Ms. Swenson during her tenure.
City Manager Davis continued by saying that City Hall will be closed next Monday for the Martin Luther King holiday.
Item 9. on the Agenda. RESOLUTION R-03-9, ADOPTING THE 2003
STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve Resolution R-03-9, adopting the 2003 State Legislative Program. Councilman Shirley Smith seconded the motion. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0)
Item 10. on the Agenda. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Item 11. on the Agenda. QUESTONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA
There were no questions from the News Media members. Mayor Bill Cross thanked members of the media for attending tonight’s meeting.
Item 12. on the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Wayne Beer made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting and go to Closed Executive Session pursuant to the Missouri Open Meeting Act Exemption 610.021 (2) for Real Estate Acquisition Discussion and Exemption 610.021 (3) for Personnel Discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross (5-0)
Respectfully submitted:
___________________________________
Cathy L. Swenson, City Clerk
Approved as submitted: _________
Approved as corrected/amended: _________
_______________________________________________
Bill Cross, Mayor