MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

REGULAR MEETING

 

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2003

 

 

 

CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Mayor Bill Cross opened the Public Meeting at 5:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.  City Council members present were: Mayor Bill Cross, Councilman Carol Rudi, and Councilman Wayne Beer.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi made a motion to adjourn to Closed Executive Session pursuant to the Missouri Open Meeting Act exemption 610.021 (1) for Litigation and Confidential or Privileged Communications with Legal Counsel, and 610.021 (2) for Real Estate Acquisition Discussion.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded the motion.

 

Roll Call Vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Bill Cross (3-0)

 

City Council members present at the Closed Executive Session were: Mayor Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Councilman Shirley Smith, Councilman Carol Rudi, and Councilman Wayne Beer.

 

Mayor Bill Cross opened the Regular March 24, 2003, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.

 

PRESENT:     Mayor Bill Cross

                        Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith

                        Councilman Shirley Smith

                        Councilman Carol Rudi

                        Councilman Wayne Beer

 

                        City Manager Kirk Davis

                        Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

                        City Counselor David Ramsay

                        City Clerk Cathy Swenson

 

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 MARCH 10, 2003, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the minutes of the Regular March 10, 2003, City Council Meeting as submitted.  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)

 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Mayor Cross stated that he and his fellow City Council members have a special presentation that they feel is very important to make.  This is an addition to the Agenda.

 

Mayor Cross invited Kelly Galloway and members of her family to please come forward and join him and Councilman Beer.   Kelly Galloway and her mother, Jeneane Penland, joined Mayor Cross and Councilman Beer in front of the Council dais. Mayor Cross presented to Ms. Galloway a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor, City Council, and all of Gladstone in honor of her son, Sgt. Erik Galloway, of the 82nd Airborne Division, and all Gladstone residents who have family members serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

 

Councilman Beer began by saying that he is wearing two hats, tonight.  One as a City Councilman and one as a member of Gladstone’s Bennett and Dennis Herrick Memorial American Legion Post 626.  Councilman Beer shared some of the history of the Blue Star Service Banner by saying that the Blue Star Service Banner was designed by World War I Army Captain Robert Queissner, who had two sons serving in the front lines.  It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a family with a child in the service.  In World War II, the Department of Defense (at that time called the Department of War) issued specifications on the manufacturing of the banner as well as guidelines indicating when and by whom the service banner could be flown. 

 

Councilman Beer continued by saying, today, Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families who have a family member serving in the armed forces, including activated members of the National Guard and the Reserves, whether the family member is a son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, husband, cousin, grandchild, and so forth.  The Blue Star Service Banner is a way for the families who are left behind to display their pride and to be recognized by their neighborhoods and community for the sacrifices of the men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces.  The Blue Star Service Banner was very popular in World War II and faded in popularity during the Korea and Vietnam Wars.  A few were displayed during the Persian Gulf War.  The American Legion is mounting a patriotic push to bring them back. 

 

Councilman Beer displayed a Blue Star Service Banner and stated tonight, we are here to honor one of Gladstone’s own.  The intent is not to single him out, but for our presentation to be representative of all the men and women in the Gladstone area who are serving in active duty in defense of our country.  Councilman Beer became aware of Sergeant Galloway through a news report that was on Channel 9 News, last Thursday evening.  Sergeant Galloway, of the 82nd Airborne Division, is currently serving in Kuwait, and had previously been in Kosovo for 36 months.  He has been in the military for ten years, seven years in the National Guard and three years in active duty.  Sergeant Galloway has extended his enlistment for an additional six years. 

 

Councilman Beer introduced members of American Legion Post 626:  Mark Hall, Post Commander, who is an Army Reserves Combat Chaplain, who served in Bosnia and the Persian Gulf, and has recently received a promotion to Major; Ray Ross, the Post Historian; Roger Kohrs, Post Adjutant; and Cliff Burris, Sergeant of Arms.

 

Councilman Beer presented a Blue Star Service Banner to Kelly Galloway and a Banner to Jeneane Penland as recognition of Erik Galloway’s service and the family’s sacrifice as he serves his country.  Councilman Beer continued by saying that he wants them to know how proud our City and the Post are of Erik and their family for what they are doing for our country.

 

Mrs. Penland and Mrs. Galloway expressed their thanks, and Mrs. Penland stated she has a lot of traffic by her house and she would be very proud to display the Banner.  She has three yellow ribbons around trees in her front yard.

 

As final remarks, Councilman Beer stated he wished to paraphrase a press release from Richard Zantos, the immediate past National Commander of the American Legion, as follows,  “No Americans are more deserving of honor than the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.  We pause tonight to reflect upon the sacrifice that preserves our freedom, and rids the world of terrorist threats.  From peacekeeping, to uprooting terrorists’ networks, the more than two million men and women of the active duty National Guard and Reserve forces have formed a bulwark of peace and freedom.  They are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and we should mark every day as their day of honor, with gestures of thanksgiving.  As an example, if you know a family that has a family member in active duty, please encourage them to display a Blue Star Banner in their front window.  Write letters and encourage our children to write letters to friends and family serving our great nation, away from home.  An e-card may be sent from the American Legion website to servicemen who are on-line.  Call, write, or e-mail members of congress, encouraging them to support our troops with adequate defense spending.  Include our servicemen in our prayers, and if you see a member of the armed forces, thank them for serving.”

 

Councilman Beer stated that on Armed Forces Day in 1962, President John F. Kennedy said, “Guard zealously your right to serve in the armed forces, for without them, there would be no other rights to guard.”  Councilman Beer encouraged all to make each day special for the men and women who serve.  The American Legion makes Blue Star Banners available for $6.95 plus shipping.  American Legion Post 626 makes the banners available at no cost to families in the Gladstone area.  Commitments have been received from some individuals and a Gladstone service organization to contribute money to further promote this effort. 

 

Councilman Beer thanked Mayor Cross, City Manager Davis, and his fellow councilmen for allowing the time to honor the Galloway family and all the men and women who serve.  Councilman Beer commented that he knows there are a number of Gladstone employees who have family members serving in active duty, and he hopes we can honor them in the near future.

 

The Galloway family was seated following a standing ovation.

 

Mayor Cross thanked the Galloway family and the members of the American Legion who were in attendance, and asked the American Legion members to keep City Council members informed if they learn of any more Gladstone residents with family members serving in the armed forces. 

 

Item 4a.  on the Agenda.     Mayor Bill Cross read a PROCLAMATION congratulating BRITTANY SANDERS on her selection as a State Finalist in the Pre-Teen America Scholarship and Recognition Program.  The Mayor expressed appreciation on behalf of all Gladstone, and encouraged Ms. Sanders to continue her good work.

 

Ms. Sanders accepted the proclamation from the Mayor and commented that she is involved with a service organization for young people and their current project is collecting money for smoke detectors for the hearing impaired.  Ms. Sanders hopes to present a check for $1,500 for smoke detectors at the next City Council meeting.  Ms. Sanders attends St. Charles School.

 

Item 4b.  on the Agenda.     Mayor Bill Cross read a PROCLAMATION designating April 6th - 12th, 2003, as BUILDING SAFETY WEEK in Gladstone, Missouri, and promoting the use of building and construction codes today, for a lifetime of building safety.  Gladstone Codes Supervisor Alan Napoli was present to accept the proclamation from the Mayor.

 

Item 4c.  on the Agenda.     Mayor Bill Cross read a PROCLAMATION designating April 4th, 2003 as ARBOR DAY in Gladstone, Missouri, and urging residents to support efforts that focus on environmental betterment and the planting of trees.  Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis was present to accept the proclamation from the Mayor, and encouraged all to attend Gladstone’s Arbor Day celebration, 10:30 AM, Friday, April 4, 2003, at Meadowbrook Park.  Director Lillis reported that a new playground structure has been installed at Meadowbrook Park, along with tennis court resurfacing, and storm drainage improvements.  A new drinking fountain will soon be installed.  Third and Fourth Grade students from Meadowbrook Elementary School will be in attendance at the Arbor Day celebration.

 

Item 4d.  on the Agenda.    Mayor Bill Cross read a PROCLAMATION in recognition of the GROUNDBREAKING OF THE NEW OAK GROVE PARK AMPHITHEATRE, which was held Saturday, March 22, 2003 in Oak Grove Park.  Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis accepted the proclamation from the Mayor.

 

Item 5. on the Agenda.       CONSENT AGENDA

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-22, authorizing the City Manager to purchase a Scott Model 50 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and related equipment for a total purchase amount of $97,214.25.  Councilman Shirley Smith seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-23, authorizing execution of a contract with Miller Paving & Construction for a contract amount of $132,148.40 for the 2003 Curb & Sidewalk Program.  Councilman Shirley Smith seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve a BUILDING PERMIT for an addition to and remodeling of the cafeteria kitchen for St. Andrew the Apostle Church, located at 6415 N. Antioch Road.  Councilman Shirley Smith seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved for approval of the FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 2003.  Councilman Shirley Smith 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.

 

There were no communications from the audience.

 

Item 7. on the Agenda.       COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi encouraged everyone to support our troops, not only the ones across the sea, but the ones who are also stationed in our country.  Councilman Rudi asked if anyone present knew of a family with a family member in the service, to please contact Councilman Beer, so they may receive a Blue Star Service Banner.  Councilman Rudi commended Brittany Sanders by saying she is a very fine young lady, who has been involved in many activities and serves as an excellent role model, not only for young people, but for adults, as well.  Councilman Rudi congratulated Brittany Sanders’ mother for raising such a fine young lady.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer stated he has a couple of questions regarding the Consent Agenda, and began by commenting that in regard to Resolution 03-22, authorizing the purchase of a Scott Model 50 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and related equipment, this seems to be a high dollar cost.  Councilman Beer asked City Manager Davis to talk about what this purchase entails, and let the audience know a little more about this purchase.

 

City Manager Davis replied that this purchase is part of a large grant that was received by the City, and invited Public Safety Director Bill Adamo to step forward to further explain the purchase.

 

Public Safety Director Bill Adamo explained that the purchase includes individualized face masks and self-contained breathing apparatus equipment for everyone in the Fire/EMS Bureau.  It is equipment that the Department would have had to purchase this year, anyway.  The City was fortunate to get this grant.  Funds in the amount of $110,000 were budgeted and the accepted bid came in at $97,214.25.  The remaining funds will go toward other equipment purchases that are allowed under the grant application.

 

Councilman Beer remarked that this is a life safety issue for our officers, when they have to enter a hazardous environment.

 

Director Adamo agreed and stated that this is the finest equipment that can be purchased.

 

Councilman Beer commented that in the City’s budget, the expenditures are beginning to exceed our receipts by fairly small amounts; is it possible the City may run out of money before we run out of expenditures?

 

City Manager Davis replied, “No”, which is the short answer.  Actually as shown by February’s Financial Report, at approximately 66.7 percent of the fiscal year, the total revenues for the General Fund are up one percent from this time last year.  We have received about 70 percent of our budgeted revenues, and have expended about 59 percent of our budgeted expenditures.  That said, the revenues are being monitored very closely.  The City is approximately $1.4 million in revenues over expenditures so far this year.  At the end of the year we will make up, unfortunately, part of that ground, so we have to watch our budget very closely.  A big item is sales tax, and we are approximately one percent above last year’s sales tax received at this same time.  That is a nice change from what we have seen in the last 18 months. 

 

At this point in time, City Manager Davis said, he feels good about how costs have been controlled.  At the end of the year, we should be in relatively good shape.  The budget process has begun for next year with a fairly conservative approach being taken, based on the past two years. 

 

Councilman Shirley Smith stated, that one item on the agenda, the new Employee Handbook revision, has been such a huge project, it was addressed in three sections and it has taken almost three years to accomplish this project, and a lot of employee input was involved.  We now have a handbook, as we approve it tonight, that is legally sound, fair to employees, and certainly lets a new employee know where the City stands on issues.  Other municipalities may want to use our Employee Handbook as a standard for their own; that is how good it is.  Councilman Smith said she is very proud of the new Handbook, and as it is approved tonight, it represents a lot of work and great things for the future of this City. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith began by congratulating City Manager Kirk Davis and Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson for the fact there were no signs on the corners of Gladstone this weekend advertising Original Hardwood Furniture.  Councilman Smith explained that the City has implemented code enforcement on the weekends to address such signage.  As a result there were no signs this past weekend.  City staff is to be commended.  The owner of that company has been sited and will appear in court.  The issue with this type of signage is that Gladstone City right-of-way was being used for a Kansas City business.  Councilman Smith thanked City staff for addressing this concern, and in regard to code enforcement, Councilman Smith noticed in a report from Code Enforcement Officer Dave Reyburn, that 50 percent of the infractions listed were granted continuances, and asked City Manager Davis, if this is just happenstance or are we not getting our point made to the judge.

 

City Manager Davis replied that there have been several meetings with the City Prosecutor, discussing goals and directives of the City Council.  City Manager Davis stated he would have to look at the individual cases to see why they were deferred, and asked Assistant City Manager Wingerson, who works with Mr. Reyburn with these cases, to elaborate.

 

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson stated that many of the cases in the report are a first in a series of court action.  This is really the first docket that included cases presented under the new policies of the City Council.  It is believed that this is a normal procedure to allow a continuance and appropriate legal representation.  In fact we want that to occur to reduce the level of appeal, and potentially increase the prosecution rate.  Mr. Wingerson stated that there were two memos in the packet that Councilman Les Smith referred to, and he believes there was a  total of about 18 court cases before the judge.  That is a record for any docket relative to code enforcement, in Mr. Wingerson’s tenure with the City.  Staff is encouraged by the progress and very pleased with the work of Counselor Ramsay, the two City prosecutors, as well as the entire court system. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith thanked Mr. Wingerson, and mentioned that he noticed in Code Enforcement Officer Jason Metten’s report that if people do not appear in court, they are issued warrants.  That indicates that the City is taking this seriously.  Councilman Smith was just concerned about the number of continuances on the one report. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith stated he believes he is correct that the City trees are the Bradford Pear and the Purple Leaf Plum, and at least the Bradford Pear was on the recommended “no plant” list.  The Purple Leaf Plum was nowhere to be found.  Should we be considering a new City tree?

 

City Manager Kirk Davis replied that the Bradford Pear tree is probably one of the softest trees around.  Unfortunately, they suffered a lot of damage last year in the ice storm, and typically in wind storms, they are pretty soft.  As a result Staff is moving away from planting them.  If City Council is interested, Staff will pursue an additional City tree.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith recalled when the Bradford Pear was adopted as the original City tree, and shortly after that, there was a nation-wide epidemic that was destroying many Bradford Pear trees.  As a result, the Purple Leaf Plum tree was adopted as a substitute, but Councilman Smith’s understanding is that may not be an appropriate tree, either.  If we are going to have a City tree, we should have a good tree.  This may be a project for next year.

 

City Manager Davis commented that the City is now in the Tree City USA Program, and he is confident that we will be successful in this and this issue can be looked at in this program.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith remarked that the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce had a graduating Youth Leadership class.  To keep in tune with some of the issues that we have brought up with youth in government, it might be a good idea to see if some of those young people might be residents of Gladstone.  Perhaps we could get a list of the graduating members of that class.

 

Mayor Bill Cross thanked Mayor Pro Tem Smith and commented that he had the honor of speaking to the Youth Leadership class, and there were several who were Gladstone residents.    Mayor Cross thanked those who attended the Oak Grove Amphitheatre re-dedication, and encouraged all to attend the Arbor Day celebration, April 4th, at 10:30 AM, in Meadowbrook Park.  Mayor Cross stated that tomorrow is an election day in Kansas City, where residents may vote for their Mayor and City Council members.  It is estimated that 20 percent will vote.  Mayor Cross hopes that two week from tomorrow, at Gladstone’s election that we will have a higher percentage of voters, so there will be a good representation for the issues that will be on the ballot.  Mayor Cross continued by encouraging everyone to support their City by spending their money in Gladstone, which will help the sales tax revenue.  Mayor Cross agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Smith that City staff did a good job over the week-end; he noticed that Staff had picked up many signs.

 

Item 8. on the Agenda.       COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.

 

City Manager Kirk Davis had no comments at this time.

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.       FIRST READING BILL 03-04, amending Schedule VIII of the Model Traffic Ordinance (City Code Section 18-12) to establish “STOP’ sign locations at Northeast 63rd Terrace and Northeast 64th Street and Northwest 59th Place and North Wyandotte.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 03-04 on First Reading.  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.  The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-4, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” - Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-4 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.858.  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.

 

Roll Call 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.     FIRST READING BILL 03-05, an ordinance amending Section 13 of Ordinance number 1.133, codified in Chapter 22 of the City Code, by repealing such section and enacting in lieu thereof new provisions for the adoption and amendment of personnel policies and the administration of personnel matters.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to place Bill 03-05 on First Reading.  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).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-5, Waive the Rule

and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. 

 

Discussion

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith asked Counselor Ramsay to briefly explain this Bill.  It is Mayor Pro Tem Smith’s understanding that this Bill basically changes the manner in which we would adopt the Employee Handbook.

 

Counselor Ramsay replied that the original section of this Ordinance that is being changed was adopted in 1962, and it simply provided for the adoption of a Personnel Manual for the City as an incorporated part of the City Code.  It did not provide for any manner of periodic amendment, revision, or implementation of those policies.  What is suggested in this Ordinance is that the City adopt a more expansive description of how those personnel policies are to be adopted and how they are to be administered once adopted.  This is consistent with Section 78-600 of State Statutes which governs the administration of 3rd Class cities with a Manager and Council form of government, as Gladstone has, which gives the Council the authority and responsibility to adopt personnel policies, and directs the City Manager to carry out those policies. 

 

Counselor Ramsay continued by saying that this entire section of the Code, which was initially adopted in 1962, contained a lot of detail about how personnel would be managed, such as sick leave, vacation leave, and so forth.  Those items were removed by amendment in 1978 and supplanted with the Personnel Manual.  We are retaining one section of that original ordinance, which sets forth a good policy for the fair administration of hiring, firing, and other personnel matters, other than that, the details of the personnel policies have been taken out and placed in what will now be known as the Employee Handbook.

 

The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-5 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.859.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.

 

Roll Call Vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Item 11. on the Agenda.     RESOLUTION 03-24, adopting a new Employee Handbook, formerly known as the Personnel Manual, for the City of Gladstone, Missouri.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-24 adopting a new Employee Handbook, formerly known as the Personnel Manual, for the City of Gladstone, Missouri.  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded. 

 

Discussion

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith offered kudos to City Manager Kirk Davis, the Management Team and Human Resources Administrator Charlene Leslie.  This is one of the issues that came out of the Organizational Health Survey.  As Councilman Shirley Smith alluded to, earlier, this is a work of art that has been in process for a long time.  We have spent a lot of time on this document and it is very comprehensive, straight forward, and most importantly, it is fair.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith commended Mayor Cross, City Council, Staff, and Ms. Leslie in particular for all the work that has gone into this handbook.

 

Councilman Shirley Smith stated she is pleased that this is being done on her last active night as a councilmember.  This is one objective she wished to see accomplished before her term as City Councilman was over.  It is very gratifying to see this accomplished.

 

Mayor Cross remarked that this is an issue that has been worked on for three years and we appreciate the input and help of all current Council members and past Council members.  There were many issues that were discussed at length, and we have accomplished something very worthwhile.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer wished to tag on to the comments of Mayor Cross, and stated that it has been a long process.  The staff has done an outstanding job of putting together an employees manual that is excellent in design and execution, and most importantly fair.  Staff is to be commended.

 

The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Item 12. on the Agenda.     RESOLUTION 03-25, authorizing the City’s participation in the Gladstone Community Development Corporation, Inc., and providing a contribution of $40,000 by the City to fund the Community Development Corporation, Inc.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve RESOLUTION R-03-25, authorizing the City’s participation in the Gladstone Community Development Corporation, Inc., and providing a contribution of $40,000 by the City to fund the Community Development Corporation, Inc.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. 

 

 

 

 

Discussion

 

Councilman Wayne Beer stated he realized that this is an issue whereby $40,000 will be expended in a tight budget year.  One of the things that we have been concerned about for a significant amount of time is how we can help our businesses, especially our small businesses, to improve in such a way that they may increase their sales and services, which would ultimately provide more taxes to the City of Gladstone.  This would provide seed money for a revolving low interest loan for businesses.  Councilman Beer stated he believes that these loans will pay off dividends whereby, the City, the citizens, and those who shop in the City will be greatly benefited.

 

The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross.  (5-0)

 

Item 13. on the Agenda.     OTHER BUSINESS.

There was no other business.

 

Item 14. on the Agenda.     QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.

There were no questions from the News Media.

 

Item 15. on the Agenda.     ADJOURNMENT.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Shirley Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, Mayor Bill Cross (5-0)

 

Mayor Bill Cross adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

___________________________________

Cathy L. Swenson, City Clerk

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Approved as submitted:  _________

                                                                        Approved as corrected/amended _________

 

                                                _______________________________________________

                                                                                    Bill Cross, Mayor