MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
GLADSTONE,
MISSOURI
REGULAR
MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY
27, 2003
PRESENT: Mayor Les Smith
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer
Councilman Bill Cross
Councilman Carol Rudi
Councilman Joe Evans
City Manager
Kirk Davis
Assistant City
Manager Scott Wingerson
City Counselor
David Ramsay
City Clerk Cathy
Swenson
Mayor Les Smith opened the Regular May 27, 2003 City
Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.
Item
3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Les Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.
Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MAY 12, 2003, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve the Regular May 12, 2003, City Council Meeting
Minutes as presented. Councilman
Bill Cross seconded the motion. The
vote: All “aye” Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi,
Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Item 4a. on
the Agenda. Mayor Les Smith invited City
Council members to join him in attending the retirement celebration for Oakhill
Day School Head of School, Jeannie Carlile, Thursday, May 29th, at
9:00 AM, at Oakhill Day School. Mayor
Smith will present at the celebration a proclamation from City Council and the
City recognizing Ms. Carlile’s retirement.
Item 4b. on the Agenda. Mayor Les Smith read a PROCLAMATION
in observance of the 20th anniversary of the Assistance League of
Kansas City. Mary Cross of the
Assistance League was on hand to accept the proclamation and thanked Mayor
Smith, City Council members, and the City for their support of the Assistance
League of Kansas City. The Assistance
League Center was opened for two days following the tornado of May 4th
to assist children from such areas as Northmoor and Chapel Hill.
Item 4c. on the Agenda. Councilman Carol Rudi
read a PROCLAMATION of appreciation
to the City of Gladstone employees and community volunteers who provided
exemplary service to the City of Gladstone following the tornado of May 4,
2003. City Manager Kirk Davis accepted
the proclamation.
Mayor Smith remarked that
the City employees went far beyond earning a paycheck and exemplified public
service. Mayor Smith stated, as a life
long resident of Gladstone, he feels this is why people live in our community,
and why people whose homes were destroyed are rebuilding in our community. Mayor Smith asked that congratulations on a
job well done be passed on to all City employees.
Councilman Carol Rudi asked
that this appreciation be shared with the families of the employees, as
employees dedicated a great deal of time away from home to assist the community
in the aftermath of the storm.
City Manager Kirk Davis
thanked Mayor Smith and City Council members and stated that there were
employees who did not receive time off from work until the Sunday following the
storm. The hard work that many
employees performed was critical in the aftermath of the storm, and the City of
Gladstone employees exemplified dedication to the community.
Mayor Les Smith stated he
wished to commend the City Council members, all of whom assisted people
following the storm. Mayor Smith
remarked that Councilman Bill Cross, who lives in the area that received much
damage from the storm, had people at his door asking questions and requesting
assistance. Mayor Smith continued by
saying that all City Council members were concerned, informed, and helped
people during this time of crisis.
Item 4d. on the Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne
Beer read a PROCLAMATION of
appreciation to the cities and public entities that provided invaluable
assistance to the City of Gladstone in the aftermath of the tornado of May 4,
2003. City Manager Kirk Davis accepted
the proclamation.
Mayor Smith remarked that
individual proclamations will be taken to the various communities that assisted
the City of Gladstone following the storm.
Councilman Bill Cross stated
he felt that was a good idea. Councilman Cross continued by saying the Carriage
Hill Homeowners Association is having their summer banquet, Sunday, June 1st,
and Councilman Cross would like to see a proclamation presented at the banquet.
Item 4e. on the Agenda. Mayor Les Smith read a PROCLAMATION designating the month of
May 2003 as “National Public Works
Month” in Gladstone, Missouri, as sponsored by The American Public Works
Association. Public Works Director Andy
Noll accepted the proclamation.
Mayor Smith congratulated
Public Works Director Andy Noll on the good job he has done since becoming the
director, and congratulated Mr. Noll on the good work that the Public Works
staff does on a regular basis and in particular in the aftermath of the storm.
Item 5. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA.
Following the Clerk’s
reading, Councilman Bill Cross moved to approve the Consent Agenda as read.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded.
Councilman Rudi expressed
her thanks to City staff for the Law Enforcement Traffic Services Grant
application with the Missouri Division of Highway Safety.
The vote: All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman
Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les
Smith. (5-0)
Councilman Bill Cross moved
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R-03-37, ratifying
and affirming the actions of the City Manager in executing an agreement with
Christopher Contracting & Construction, and one addendum for emergency
removal of 40,000 cubic yards of storm debris in the aftermath of the tornado
of May 4, 2003. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne
Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman
Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les
Smith. (5-0)
Councilman Bill Cross moved
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R-03-38, authorizing
the Mayor and the City Manager to execute a Law Enforcement Traffic Services
Grant application with the Missouri Division of Highway Safety. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded. The vote:
All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill
Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Councilman Bill Cross moved
to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R-03-39, ratifying
and affirming the actions of the City Manager in executing an agreement for
emergency security assistance by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the
aftermath of the tornado of May 4, 2003.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded.
The vote: All “aye” - Councilman
Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne
Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Councilman Bill Cross moved
to approve the FINANCIAL REPORTS for
the month of April 2003. Mayor Pro Tem
Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman
Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les
Smith. (5-0)
REGULAR AGENDA
Item 6. on
the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE AUDIENCE.
There was no communications from the audience.
Item 7. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.
Councilman Joe Evans had no comments at this time.
Councilman
Carol Rudi
stated she hoped everyone had a nice holiday.
Councilman
Bill Cross remarked
that he visited the new Burnett’s Lighthouse Frozen Custard shop and the owners
happened to be there. The owners had
very positive remarks about City Council members, City staff, and the
cooperation they received from the City in establishing and opening their
business.
Councilman Cross continued by saying that the
Carriage Hill Homeowners Association had a brief meeting and decided to put up
a sign thanking the City of Gladstone, the City of Kansas City, and all
volunteers for their assistance to the Carriage Hill area following the tornado
of May 4th. Mike Steffens,
in cooperation with the Carriage Hill Homeowners Association, contacted an
individual who donated the sign.
Councilman Cross stated he hoped everyone has seen the sign.
Mayor Les Smith thanked Councilman Cross and stated
the sign is very much appreciated.
Mayor Pro Tem
Wayne Beer had
no comments at this time.
Mayor Les
Smith stated
the City enjoyed a very exciting event – the Mid-American Intercollegiate
Athletics Association (MIAA) Women’s Softball Tournament, which was held May 3,
2003. Mayor Smith enjoyed the event and
the opening ceremonies. Mayor Smith
asked Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis to give a brief report about
the tournament.
Parks and
Recreation Director Sheila Lillis reported that the MIAA hosted eight teams who played
a double elimination tournament. Truman
State University advanced to the regional tournament. Director Lillis mentioned that she visited with a Gladstone
resident who moved into the City about four years ago. The resident happened to visit Happy Rock
Park during the MIAA Tournament and stated she had been at many MIAA
tournaments before, and she was so pleased with our tournament and stated she
was very proud to be a Gladstone resident.
Mayor Smith thanked Director Lillis and the Parks
and Recreation staff for a job well done.
Mayor Smith mentioned there was one Gladstone resident on the roster of
a team, and it was his cousin who attends Northwest Missouri State University.
Mayor Smith remarked that the Oak Grove Park
Amphitheatre is looking very good, and construction is coming along very
nicely.
Mayor Smith mentioned that he received a phone call
from State Representative Dan Bishop who had met with a gentleman from the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who would like to schedule some time to
meet with City Manager Kirk Davis and Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson
regarding DNR redevelopment grants.
Mayor Smith asked that contact be made with City Hall to set up a
meeting.
Mayor Smith asked City Counselor Dave Ramsay to
prepare a summary of the last legislative session to present to the City
Council. Of particular note, the state
sales tax holiday bill did pass both the House and the Senate, and the Governor
intends to sign the bill. Mayor Smith
is disappointed that although our city opposed the sales tax holiday bill,
State Representative Philip Willoughby championed the cause the last couple of
days of the session when the bill was passed.
Mayor Smith would be interested in visiting with State Representative
Willoughby to see what his thoughts are regarding the sales tax holiday.
7a. on the
Agenda. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC)
APPOINTMENT.
Mayor Les Smith asked City Council members to ratify the
appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer
as the City Council’s representative to the Community Development Corporation
(CDC).
Councilman Bill Cross moved
to ratify the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer as the City Council’s
representative to the Community Development Corporation (CDC). Councilman Carol Rudi seconded. The vote:
All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill
Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Kirk Davis reported that from 8:00 AM
to 12:00 Noon, discarded tires will be collected at Antioch Shopping
Center. This is possibly an effort to
deal with the West Nile Virus and to deal with tires that may have blown into
people’s yards from the recent tornado.
Mid America Regional Council (MARC) and Clay County are sponsoring the
effort.
Item 9. on
the Agenda. PUBLIC HEARING on a request to rezone
from R-1 Residential to CP-O, Non-Retail Planned District, at property at the NW
corner of NW 55th Terrace and North Broadway and legally described
as Lots 3 & 4, Old Pike Ridge Subdivision.
Applicant/Owner: City of Gladstone (File #1190)
Mayor Les Smith opened the Public Hearing and invited Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson to begin the discussion.
Assistant City
Manager Scott Wingerson began by saying that as the agenda notes, Staff is requesting two
actions; the first is a zoning change from R-1 to CP-O, for office development;
the second is approval of a site plan.
Mr. Wingerson stated this is property that the City has owned for quite
some time, and was originally acquired for the construction of a fire
station. It was determined through a
comprehensive analysis that this location was not the most appropriate site for
a fire station and the location on North Oak is the more appropriate site to
serve the entire community. The fire
station will soon be under construction at the North Oak location. Mr. Wingerson stated that Staff requests
that City Council declare this property as surplus and offer it for sale should
this process move forward.
Mr. Wingerson reported, that in terms of the zoning
change, in looking at the surrounding land use, there is an existing office
building to the north; a planned office building to the south and to the east;
a multi family area located in Kansas City, Missouri, to the west; and one
single-family home located to the south.
Mr. Wingerson stated it seems to make sense that the CP-O zoning for
office development would be a good way to protect the values and livability of
that part of the community. By
developing the property as Planned Office, hours of operation may be
controlled. The property value is too
great to expect a single family home to be built. Mr. Wingerson said from a zoning perspective, Staff feels this is
the best course to take.
Mr. Wingerson asked City Council members to direct
their attention to the packet that was provided for the City Council
meeting. The first pieces of
information are the two bills that are proposed; the second is the Staff
Report; the third is a rough elevation of a structure, which is from microfilm
of the office building directly to the north, and is only shown to provide a
residential style concept. Mr.
Wingerson pointed out in the packet a plat map, which gives an idea of the
structures and improvements in the area; an aerial photograph that highlights
the subject property; a topographical exhibit that provides the general
topography of the land; and finally the proposed site plan.
Mr. Wingerson explained the site plan is designed
with a couple of things in mind. First
and foremost is the design to protect the adjacent and across the street,
single family homes. To that extent
there is shown an extraordinary set-back buffer of 45 feet from the parking
area. The normal buffer, depending on
how the building was oriented, would be between 15 and 30 feet. There is illustrated a hedge row around the
parking lot to protect the single family homes to the south, and significant
tree planting to make a green corner. A
parking lot layout to meet City codes is shown, with 20 foot parking spaces, 24
foot aisle space, and the parking ratio is satisfactory for a single story
3,800 square foot building, which is what is proposed.
Mr. Wingerson said flexibility comes in under Option
B, which is summarized in the site plan exhibit. This option would allow for a two-story building to be
constructed. Looking north, it would
appear to be a single story structure, very similar as the building to the north,
but below it would be a second story. A
two story building, totaling 7,600 square feet, would require a shared parking
agreement with the property owner to the north, and a single point of egress on
Broadway, so both parking lots could share a point of access. Mr. Wingerson stated this option is designed
to create flexibility to allow a multitude of possible developers to purchase
the property and develop it into an office building.
Mr. Wingerson continued by saying the Staff Report
follows up with a commitment to protect the neighborhood by limiting the hours
of operation from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM; limit truck delivery to the hours of
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; trash pick up would be limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to
6:00 PM; prohibits the storage of tractor trailers; requires additional
architectural design of exterior lighting to reduce impact; requires a monument
style sign that complies with the Sign Code; from a public improvement
standpoint, sidewalks would be required on 55th Terrace; and finally
a proposed condition is the architectural design of the structure shall be
residential in nature with an emphasis on compatibility with surrounding
properties. The design would be
approved by the City Council as part of the building permit approval process.
Mr. Wingerson remarked that if this is approved by
City Council, and the property is offered for bid and sold, and if a developer
wishes to develop the property, as in any other new development, the building
permit would be presented to City Council for approval before the developer
could move forward. The Planning
Commission did a site visit and recommends unanimously that this be
approved. There was some objection at
the Planning Commission Public Hearing from Mr. Huston and Mr. Spottswood. Mr. Spottswood attended the site visit and
it is believed he understands the purpose of the request. Mr. McDonald, who is another property owner
in the vicinity of the property, is supportive of the process. Mr. Huston’s questions were answered with
school district information in regard to children being dropped off in the
area. It is felt the neighborhood is
supportive of this action.
Mayor Smith asked if there are sidewalks along North
Broadway.
Mr. Wingerson replied, yes, there are sidewalks
along North Broadway.
Mayor Smith asked if there was anyone who wished to
speak in favor of this application.
There was no one who wished to speak in favor of the
application.
Mayor Smith asked if there was anyone who wished to
oppose this application.
There was no one who opposed the application.
As there were no comments from City Council or City
staff, Mayor Smith closed the Public
Hearing.
Item 9a. on
the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 03-13, rezoning
property at the NW corner of NW 55th Terrace and North Broadway from
R-1 (Residential District) to CP-O (Commercial District-Planned). Applicant/Owner: City of Gladstone. (File
#1190)
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 03-13
on First Reading. Councilman Bill Cross
seconded.
Mayor Les Smith stated that as he has an ownership
interest in property across the street from this property, although he has no
opportunity to benefit directly from this action, he would like to abstain from
voting on both Bill 03-13 and Bill 03-14.
The vote:
“Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill
Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer.
“Abstain” – Mayor Les Smith.
(4-1) The Clerk read the Bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-13, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading; Councilman Bill Cross seconded. The vote: “Aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer. “Abstain” – Mayor Les Smith. (4-1) The Clerk read the Bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-13 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.867. Councilman Bill Cross seconded.
Discussion.
Councilman Carol Rudi stated she attended both Planning Commission meetings; the first where the neighbors were actively in opposition; and the second where the neighbors did not attend. Councilman Rudi said she felt the Planning Commission did a very good job in answering all the neighbors’ questions.
Roll Call Vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer. “Abstain” - Mayor Les Smith. (4-1)
Item 9b. on
the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL
03-14,
approving a Site Plan in Conjunction with a rezoning of property located at the
NW corner of NW 55th Terrace and North Broadway subject to certain
conditions. Applicant/Owner: City of Gladstone. (File #1190)
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to place Bill 03-14 on
First Reading. Councilman Bill Cross
seconded. The vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman
Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer. “Abstain” – Mayor Les Smith. (4-1)
The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-14, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading; Councilman Bill Cross seconded. The vote: “Aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer. “Abstain” – Mayor Les Smith. (4-1) The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Carol Rudi moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-14 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.868. Councilman Bill Cross seconded.
Roll Call Vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer. “Abstain” - Mayor Les Smith. (4-1)
Item 10. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 03-15, amending Schedule V of the Model Traffic
Code (Gladstone Municipal Code Section 18-12), to establish a “No Parking” zone
for west bound traffic from the intersection of Northeast 57th
Terrace and M-1 rights-of-way easterly approximately 350 feet and correcting
the previous number on a “No Parking” zone on North Indiana.
Councilman Bill Cross moved to place Bill 03-15 on
First Reading. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer
seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman
Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les
Smith. (5-0) The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Bill Cross moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-15, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading; Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded. The vote: All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0) The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Bill Cross moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-15 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.869. Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded.
Roll Call Vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Item 11. on the Agenda. PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed 2003-2004 Annual Operating Budget
for the City of Gladstone, Missouri.
Mayor
Les Smith invited City Manager Kirk Davis to discuss the proposed 2003-2004
Annual Operating Budget for the City of Gladstone, Missouri.
City
Manager Kirk Davis began by saying that as he looked around the room he
believed that 99 percent of the people present were involved with 95 percent of
the activities pertaining to the budget, so he will be more brief in his report
than he would have been if there were more people present who were not
involved.
City
Manager Davis stated that the proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2004
represents the strategic, administrative, and financial plan for the City of
Gladstone. The budget is a product of a
comprehensive team effort from every level of the municipal organization, and
is intended to serve as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations
guide, and a communications device.
City Manager Davis expressed his appreciation for the City Council’s
willingness to listen to City Staff’s thought processes during the recent
budget study sessions, and stated this budget was very difficult. City Manager Davis remarked that this budget
proposes not only to hold the line on operational expenditures, but to decrease
expenditures throughout the line items, and cut programs.
We
must be vigilant in monitoring costs for the next year. It has been our objective, City Manager
Davis reported, to avoid layoffs, continue to reward employees for their
service, to avoid reductions in service, and to be financially
responsible. City Manager Davis stated
that several positions have been consolidated during the past two to three
years, and effort will be made to continue to look for consolidation benefits
when positions become open. With the
exception of essential Public Safety positions, all vacancies will be frozen
until consolidation analyses have been concluded. Departments were asked to cut their line items not once, not
twice, but three times during this budget process.
City
Manager commented that as has been stated in the past, our city operations are
primarily funded by sales taxes, and as such we are very much impacted by the
economy. The City has been fortunate in
that while times were good, we established some funds that have allowed us to
continue to replace fleet, or fund operations.
We must be vigilant in protecting those funds, but not at the expense of
severe program or service reductions for our citizens. City Manager Davis continued by saying that
sales tax revenues have been very stagnant.
The City is 90 percent developed, and we must be vigilant in protecting
our land uses, especially along our commercial corridors, to make sure we are receiving
maximum sales tax value per acreages of developable property. Sales taxes have the advantage of shifting
some of the tax burden to non-residents, despite being somewhat recessive in
nature. We must be vigilant in
protecting our land uses and sales tax base.
City
Manager Davis reported that the City of Gladstone is in very intense
competition with green spaces to our north and east. Non-resident generated sales tax has been a benefit to our
community. As a city, we must be
vigilant and focus our efforts on maintaining that business advantage. City Manager Davis discussed that land use
decisions should not be made by fiscal analysis, however we must protect our
commercial corridors and look for commercial development opportunities.
City
Manager Davis said the City must continue to be aggressive in our economic
development efforts. Land consolidation
and development opportunities must be identified and reviewed even if today
they are invisible. Redevelopment will
require the City to step forward with incentives and develop partnerships. Land acquisition by whatever means will be
obstacles we must face. The fiscal
future of this city is at stake and we must be vigilant.
City
Manger Davis reported that next year we know that expenses will be at least
four percent higher, approximately $450,000, than this year, and that is
without increases in personnel costs, capital, or supplemental costs for Fiscal
Year 2005. That said, the City has had
new businesses open, or they are soon to open, which will benefit our local
economy and provide needed services to our citizens. City Manager Davis stated the City is aggressively looking at
development opportunities at major commercial intersections. Our partnership with Home Depot will pay off
next year. The citizens of Gladstone
did pass a Use Tax this year. There are
positive efforts ongoing to help us address some of the issues we need to look
at in the next year. City Manager Davis
commented, that said, we must be vigilant and watch our financial expenditures.
City
Manager Davis suggested that in this next year, local governments must continue
to lobby Washington for an internet sales tax.
The City’s budget this year has been challenging, but we continue to
meet objectives, and we will continue to be aggressive in the field of economic
development, and make financial adjustments to assure the economic stability of
our organization in the future; and we will not jeopardize the fiscal integrity
of the City in future years.
The
City’s General Fund budgeted revenues this year total $12,090,000, reported
City Manager Davis, and are reflective of a struggling economy. This represents a revenue decrease of
$533,461 or 4.2 percent from expected revenues for Fiscal Year 2003. Property tax revenues are projected to
increase $41,834. General Fund sales
tax revenue is fairly flat, and is projected to increase by $25,000, which is
roughly equal to Fiscal Year 1999 sales tax revenues, resulting in a cumulative
decrease of $600,000 since Fiscal Year 2001.
Despite increasing operational costs, personnel costs, and so forth, the
City has still been able to absorb that loss in revenue. City Manager Davis stated the Gross Receipts
Tax revenue is projected to increase $98,127, intergovernmental revenue is
estimated to decrease $274,820, due to receiving a Fire Grant of $233,000 in
Fiscal Year 2003, and reduced payments from the Special Road District in the
amount of $24,000.
City
Manager Davis continued by saying that Charges for Services are projected to
increase $79,019 for Fiscal Year 2004, and Miscellaneous Revenue is projected
to decrease $70,497, primarily attributed to a smaller transfer from the
Capital Equipment Replacement Fund.
Expenditures in the General Fund match revenues in the amount of
$12,090,000 representing a $533,461 or 4.2 percent decrease compared to the
Fiscal Year 2003 Expected Budget. Only
the object classification of Personnel Services is going to increase.
City
Manager Davis remarked that a lot of time was spent in City Council Study
Sessions discussing the budget process.
Staff began with $11,716,100 base revenues, base budgets from
departments were obtained in the amount of $11,893,690, leaving a deficit of
$177,590 at the beginning of the process.
Added to the deficit were pay raises, health insurance assessment,
police cars, motorcycles, claims payables, some computer replacement, and other
expenditures that had to be funded.
Revenue sources were identified as spelled out in a table on page 5 of
the Public Hearing Budget Memo provided to City Council. The departments were very responsible to
review their budgets again and again to help in balancing this budget.
While
reducing line items, functions, and programs, City Manager Davis stated, was
not an easy task, a balanced budget is presented despite a funding reduction of
$540,461, in addition to increased costs for health insurance and health
insurance assessments. City Manager
Davis said it is felt the City was able to achieve most of its objectives
through this budget process. The City
will not be laying off people, there will be a modest pay increase for
employees, and money will be generated for services and programs. That said, Staff has mirrored the 2001
Economic Adjustment Plan regarding things like refinancing debt, the use of
reserve funds, position consolidations, spreading capital costs, delaying
capital expenditures, selling property, delaying hires, and so forth. The budget was also accomplished by reducing
travel and training, with 99 percent of the out of state travel and training
cut out of the budget. Street sweeping
was eliminated from the budget, except for a one-time sweeping of the major
arterial streets, the Household Hazardous Waste program was not funded, and the
canine unit was cut from the budget.
New resources will be found to assist with the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education program (DARE) expenditures.
City Manager Davis stated that Staff has started the process of
prioritizing some of the basic programs, and that will continue this next fiscal
year.
In
regard to personnel changes, City Manager Davis reported that there is one
significant personnel change, which is moving a part time Parks and Recreation
Senior Services Programmer to a full time position. This will help in accomplishing some City Council goals dealing
with youth and senior services.
Personnel and insurance costs are increasing by $397,749. This increase consists of $137,000 in
compensation increases; $120,000 in insurance increases; $28,000 for
reclassifying one position from part time to full time (the Parks and
Recreation Senior Service Programmer); and $112,000 for the additional
firefighter budgeted at mid-year 2003, and annual funding for all positions
that were vacant at mid-year. This does
not, unfortunately, help with the fire staffing plan, but this remains the top
priority.
City
Manager Davis continued by saying the proposed budget contains the following
recommendations for compensation:
1. All employees(except Leadership Team
members) will receive a 1% pay increase.
2. A merit pool is established in the amount of
1.5% and will benefit all employees except
Leadership Team members.
3. Leadership Team members will receive a fixed
$750 increase, and will not be eligible for a
merit increase.
City
Manager Davis stated he wished to thank the Leadership Team for their
dedication and their willingness to work as hard as they do for the City and
recognize the need for this kind of policy decision. The proposed compensation package recognizes some compensation
growth for each employee, recognizes that employees will be absorbing increases
in health costs, rewards employees for performance, avoids staffing reductions,
and yet maintains fiscal responsibility and accountability toward the health of
the entire organization and the community.
In
regard to Supplemental Expenditures, City Manager Davis said the amount of
$93,000 in the General Fund is the lowest amount since he has been the City
Manager, and is made up primarily of two Public Safety patrol vehicles for
$40,000; two Public Safety Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have a net cost
of $200; a $15,000 computer replacement program; and street light leases in the
amount of $4,000.
City
Manager Davis began discussion on the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System
Fund budget by saying the operating revenues and expenses are based on the
estimated sale of 906 million gallons of water, which is a two percent increase
from the previous year and is based on recent production trends. The budget provides for all operating costs,
capital equipment purchases, bond requirements, and capital improvements. Total revenues and expenses are estimated at
$5,937.674, resulting in a balanced budget.
City Manager Davis referenced page 5 of the Public Hearing Budget Memo
for more information on the Water Fund’s revenues and expenses. City Manager Davis reported that last year
the City implemented a 20 cent water rate increase to replace deteriorated 2”
water mains. In Fiscal Year 2003, the
increase addressed two water main projects, 67th Street from North
Campbell to North Forest, and 57th Terrace from North Flora to North
Tracy. In Fiscal Year 2004, the
previously adopted 20 cent increase will fund water main replacements on 67th
Terrace from North Campbell to North Forest ($84,000), 58th Street
from North Flora to North Tracy ($55,600), and the cul-de-sac at 67th
and Bellefontaine Circle ($34,500). The
Fiscal Year 2004 Budget proposes a 10 cent water rate increase to fund three
critical areas in the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Fund. The areas include a Capital Maintenance
Program in the amount of $40,000, which will be primarily used for maintenance
for some of the large equipment at the Water Treatment Plant; a Meter
Replacement Program for a cost of $20,000, to replace approximately 900 meters
per year; and $25,000 for Claims Payable due to the City’s liability insurance
deductible increase from $1,000 to $25,000 this year.
City
Manager Davis stated there are no personnel changes projected in the Water
Fund. In terms of Capital and
Supplemental costs, it is suggested $50,000 for a Vulnerability Study as
required by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and
Response Act, a Lime Machine for a cost of $62,500, a Capital Maintenance
Program for a cost of $40,000, 2-way radios for a cost of $9,800, and a water
main replacement at 6506 North McGee for a cost of $5,000.
City
Manager Davis reported that there are not many changes projected in the
Municipal Swimming Pool Fund. A Master
Plan proforma is currently being completed and will be discussed during
mid-year budget meetings. The Capital
Improvement Program revenues are projected to be $3.2 million in Fiscal Year
2004. This Program supports capital
project construction city-wide as well as debt service for previously issued
bonds, and it helps to support the incentive and development agreements with
Home Depot and Prospect Plaza. City
Manager Davis continued by saying that funding is proposed for $290,000 in
stormwater projects, road improvements at Happy Rock West Park, pond
improvements at Oak Grove Park, and assist with the City Hall Storage Building
Addition project and the rebuilding of the Baltimore retaining wall.
City
Manager Davis reported that the Transportation Sales Tax Fund will be funding
the $570,000 Overlay Program; the Intermediate
Maintenance Program – the Slurry Seal Program is projected to be funded
in the amount of $60,000; the Arterial Sidewalk project will receive $50,000;
the Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Program will receive $130,000; $400,000 is
earmarked for turn lanes at 76th and North Oak, $50,000 is budgeted
for design costs at the intersection of 72nd and M-1, funds in the
amount of $25,000 are proposed for Phase 1 of Operation Green Light, and
$20,000 is proposed for slurry seal at Happy Rock Park.
City
Manager Davis stated that $4,000 is budgeted for mulch in the Special Parks and
Playground Fund. In conclusion, City
Manager Davis recognized the Budget Team members, City Counselor Dave Ramsay,
Finance Director Cash Sweiven, Financial Analyst Beth Saluzzi, Assistant City
Manager Scott Wingerson, and Finance Department Administrative Assistant Greta
Hedrick for all their hard work on the budget.
City Manager Davis thanked the Department heads and their staffs who
spent hours preparing their budgets.
City Manager Davis thanked City Council members for all the time spent
in Study Sessions and all the discussions that have been held on the budget for
the last six months. City Manager Davis
asked if there were any questions or comments.
Mayor
Pro Tem Wayne Beer commented that given the time that City Council has been
involved with this budget development, it is miniscule compared to what City
Manager Davis and his staff have done.
Councilman Beer extended commendations to City staff for the effort that
has gone into preparing this budget. It
has been a difficult issue and is more difficult every year.
Councilman
Cross asked if utility costs go up, will those increases have a worthwhile
effect on the fees the City will receive.
Finance
Director Cash Sweiven replied that he and Financial Analyst Beth Saluzzi
researched this issue and conservatively built those increases into the
budget. A favorable impact should be
seen in the City’s budget.
Mayor
Pro Tem Wayne Beer remarked that the flip side of that is that the City has to
pay those same utilities.
Item 12. on the Agenda. OTHER
BUSINESS.
Mayor Les Smith mentioned he attended the Youth and Government Conference in Indianapolis and received some good information. Perhaps the City can begin crafting our goals for a Youth and Government program. Mayor Smith would like to visit with City Manager Davis about this issue.
Item 13. on the Agenda. QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.
Amy Newport, of the Press Dispatch, asked what happened to the dog from the Public Safety Canine Unit.
Public Safety Director Bill Adamo replied that the dog was given to the officer with whom he worked.
City Manager Davis explained that the dog had been in service for five years, and was six years old, and suffered some medical problems. It was felt the humane thing to do was to give the dog to the officer as essentially the dog was the officer’s pet.
Item 14. on the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to adjourn the
Regular Meeting to go to Closed Executive Session pursuant to Missouri Open
Meeting Act Exemption 610.021 (1) for Litigation and Confidential or Privileged
Communications with Legal Counsel.
Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.
Roll Call Vote: All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith. (5-0)
Respectfully submitted:
__________________________
Cathy Swenson, City Clerk
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Mayor Les Smith