MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 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 June 9, 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 27, 2003, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

 

Councilman Bill Cross moved to approve the Regular May 27, 2003, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.  Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer 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.         PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION to graduates of the Gladstone Public Safety Citizens Academy.

 

Mayor Les Smith remarked he believes the graduates from the Gladstone Public Safety Citizens Academy enjoyed the academy and he expressed his pride in the program, and in the efforts of Sergeant Richard King, and Public Safety Director Bill Adamo.    Mayor Smith stated he was also proud the citizens chose to participate in the program.

 

Mayor Les Smith, accompanied by City Council members, and with the assistance of City Manager Kirk Davis, Sergeant Richard King and Director Bill Adamo, presented certificates, class pictures, and City seal pins to graduates:  Jan Black, Vaughn Brown, Eli Dahdal, Ruth Edwards, Alta Falke, Elzene Gourley, Janie Greathouse, Sharyn Harding, Gloria Hollingsworth, Emilie Mendala, Russ Palmer, Mary Payton, Carol Robey, Barbara Rock, Ray Rock, Karen Sims, Arthur Van Becelaere, Michael Webb, and Pat Wheat.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer stated he was a member of the second Gladstone Public Safety Citizens Academy, and he believed that all the classes feel strongly about the benefit of the program.  Councilman Beer remarked he hopes there are always enough interested citizens to continue the program.  This is a good opportunity to learn about Public Safety and the City of Gladstone.  Councilman Beer mentioned he hopes some day there can be a graduate level class for those who have already graduated. 

 

Councilman Carol Rudi congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their time.  Councilman Rudi was in the second class also, and knows the time and dedication required, and feels we need citizens in our community willing to give such time and dedication.  Councilman Rudi continued by saying she believes, by her observation, that this is Sergeant King’s favorite class.  Councilman Rudi then mentioned that Sergeant King is involved in another program, the Neighborhood Watch Program, and Sergeant King was in Councilman Rudi’s neighborhood Sunday night and spent time with the neighbors to set up a Neighborhood Watch Program.  If anyone is interested in setting up this excellent program, please call Sergeant King.

 

Councilman Bill Cross stated it has been his pleasure to be present at all three of the Public Safety Citizens Academy graduations, and as a teacher of 47 years, it reminds him of his classes that he thought were all wonderful, yet each class seems to get better, until someone reminds you of the fun times from 20 years ago.  Councilman Cross remarked that it is nice to see the enthusiasm of the program participants, and it is apparent that the citizens of Gladstone are very interested in the City.  Councilman Cross commented that the more citizens understand the operation of the City, the more they appreciate City staff.

 

Councilman Joe Evans thanked all the recent graduates of the Public Safety Citizens Academy, and stated it is invigorating to see that all the graduates are interested in the community.  City Council members want to be involved in City government, and it is fantastic to see the Gladstone Public Safety Citizen Academy graduates excited to be a part of our city. 

 

Mayor Les Smith congratulated the graduates and thanked them for being involved and informed citizens.  The motto of Gladstone has been “Progress Through People”, and it is very true.  Gladstone is very much about “community”, which was apparent in the aftermath of the recent tornado in the way people came together.  Mayor Smith continued by saying Gladstone is all about people, and that is what makes Gladstone special, and encouraged the graduates to become involved in the city.

 

Item 4b. on the Agenda.         Mayor Les Smith read a PROCLAMATION designating the week of June 23, 2003 as “Smoke Detector Awareness Week” in Gladstone, Missouri.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Art Hammen accepted the proclamation, and thanked Mayor Smith and City Council members. 

 

Item 4c. on the Agenda.         GLADSTONE NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS REPORT by Executive Director Art Hammen.

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Art Hammen introduced himself and stated he lives at 7117 North Norton Avenue in Gladstone.  Mr. Hammen expressed his appreciation in having the opportunity to attend this Council meeting and give some background information on Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and to report on the activities of the group.  Mr. Hammen began by saying Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors (GNHN) originated in 1999 out of a desire to do more than just find homeowners whose property was in disrepair.  Members of the City and volunteers realized that there were many folks in Gladstone who needed help to comply with property maintenance codes.

 

Mr. Hammen reported that the group is governed by a five member Board of Directors that includes the Chairman of the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce; the Chairman of the Gladstone Economic Betterment Council; the Mayor; the Assistant City Manager, Scott Wingerson; and the Executive Director.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors help Gladstone residents who are physically or financially challenged with maintenance and upkeep of their property.  Mr. Hammen explained that requests for assistance are granted based on the applicant’s need.  Much of the work is done by volunteers, and everything is provided at no cost to the homeowner.  The organization has had the good fortune in partnering with many community organizations, such as the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Sertoma Club, Optimists Club, Young Friends of the Northland, the Elks, and many others. 

 

Mr. Hammen continued by saying that all funding for Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors comes from donations in both money and materials.  Those donations come from individuals, groups, and businesses.  Some examples of work performed for Gladstone residents include plumbing and electrical repairs, painting, roof repairs, yard clean-up, new siding, foundation repairs, weatherization and many other home improvements.  Whenever working with an applicant, a special effort is made to check for working smoke detectors.  Mr. Hammen reported that in 1999, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors received the Clay County Economic Development Commission’s “Community Keystone Recognition Award”.  The year 2000 saw sky rocketing gas bills.  That year the group leveraged a $5,000 grant from the City into about $15,000 worth of insulation and weatherization improvements, providing long term relief from high energy bills for 22 Gladstone homeowners. 

 

In the years 2001 and 2002, Mr. Hammen stated, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors provided forty Federal Home Loan Bank grants totaling nearly $140,000 worth of home improvements.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors paid $8,000 in administrative fees to secure these grants.  Put another way, for every dollar Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors spent, Gladstone residents received over $17.00 in home repairs and improvements. 

 

Mr. Hammen stated that in addition to individual help, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors has been involved with three general assistance projects.  During the ice storm of February 7, 2002, the City was flooded with calls for assistance.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors organized and coordinated volunteer clean-up efforts, and over the next week or so, more than 40 volunteers responded to nearly 70 calls for help with tree limb and brush removal.

 

Mr. Hammen continued by saying that last summer was hot and dry.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors raised money and distributed free fans to any Gladstone resident who needed relief from the heat.  This year the organization will again have fans available for those in need.  Most recently, Mr. Hammen reported, on May 4th, Gladstone was devastated by a tornado, where approximately 389 homes suffered damage in a collective amount of approximately $30 million.  During the following two weeks, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors coordinated the efforts of approximately 300 volunteers who spent approximately 2,900 hours helping Gladstone residents clean up and recover from this awful event, with help from Gladstone residents, individuals, groups and businesses throughout the metropolitan area, and even people who came from as far away as California.  Arrangements were made for people to feed both the volunteers and residents affected by the tornado each of the two Saturdays following the tornado. 

 

Mr. Hammen stated that getting back to individual projects, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors has a list that would normally take several months to complete, and requests are still coming in.  Today, the group met with members of the Central Texas Conference of Youth and Ministries, who recently arrived in our area with eight teams of youth and adult workers.  It is anticipated that by the end of this week, they will complete five to seven individual projects, for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, providing not only the labor, but also the materials needed.  This will significantly enhance response time to the community.

 

Mr. Hammen continued by saying that on this night, Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors is also kicking off a campaign to ensure that there are working smoke detectors in every Gladstone residence.  Mr. Hammen thanked Mayor Smith for proclaiming the week of June 23, 2003 as Smoke Detector Awareness Week in Gladstone, and remarked that already this year, several people have lost their lives in the metropolitan area as a result of fires in homes with no working smoke detectors.  Mr. Hammen commented that this is a preventable tragedy, and it is the goal of Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors to see that every home in Gladstone has working smoke detectors.  At a minimum there should be one smoke detector on each level of the home.  Current building codes require a smoke detector in each bedroom as well as in the hallways leading to those rooms.  Mr. Hammen encouraged everyone to check the batteries in their smoke detectors and to replace them annually.  This campaign is a cooperative effort with the Gladstone Public Safety Department and the members of the Northland Optimists Club.  The Public Safety Department is providing the smoke detectors for Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the members of the Northland Optimists Club will serve as the volunteers who will go into the community and install the smoke detectors for Gladstone residents.  This offer is open to any Gladstone resident who does not have adequate smoke detector protection.  Income limitations, in this instance, do not apply.

 

Mr. Hammen reported that to arrange for smoke detectors to be installed, all a resident needs to do is call Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors 24-hour phone line at 437-2423 by June 20th, and leave their name, address, and phone number.  A volunteer will call back to schedule a time to install the smoke detectors during the week of June 23rd.  Mr. Hammen remarked that Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides an opportunity for Gladstone citizens to show how much they care about our community.  It exists solely because of volunteers and donations of money and materials.  Mr. Hammen expressed his appreciation for the support that Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors receives from the City of Gladstone and the City Council.  Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ slogan is “Together We Can Make a Difference”, and with the help of the City and City Council, this organization certainly does.

 

Mr. Hammen provided Neighbors Helping Neighbors brochures, and asked if there were any questions. 

 

Councilman Rudi suggested Mr. Hammen inform the audience who to make checks out to and where to send them, when they wish to make a donation. 

 

Mr. Hammen thanked Councilman Rudi, and replied that checks may be made out to Neighbors Helping Neighbors and sent to Gladstone City Hall, 7010 North Holmes, Gladstone, Missouri  64118. 

 

Councilman Rudi asked if someone wishes to volunteer their services, they phone the 437-2423 number.

 

Mr. Hammen replied, that is correct, that is a 24-hour line with a voice mail message and the opportunity for anyone to leave a message to volunteer or to express a need.

 

Councilman Bill Cross emphasized that the Smoke Detector Program is for every resident in Gladstone who needs a smoke detector, irregardless of their financial or economic situation.  Councilman Cross asked the media present to please report this, so residents who are not present will hear about this program.

 

Councilman Rudi mentioned that she appreciated the information as to how many smoke detectors are required in a home.  This is information many people may not know. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer remarked that he personally appreciates the efforts of Mr. Hammen and Gladstone Neighbors Helping Neighbors who help residents in Gladstone who need assistance. 

 

Mayor Les Smith thanked Mr. Hammen for his report.

 

Item 5. on the Agenda.               CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Following the Clerk’s reading, Councilman Carol Rudi made a motion to remove Resolution R-03-42 from the Consent Agenda and reassign it as Item 5a. for further discussion.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.  Councilman Joe Evans seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith.  (5-0)

 

CONSENT AGENDA DETAIL

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R-03-40, authorizing execution of a contract with Mid America Sign Contractors, Inc. including Change Order No. One for the City Signage Master Plan.  Project 0110/0210.  Councilman Joe Evans seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith.  (5-0)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. R-03-41, authorizing execution of a contract and Deduct Alternative #4 with Kraus-Anderson Construction Company in the amount of $1,306,850.00 for the Public Safety Fire Station.  Project 025602.  Councilman Joe Evans seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” - Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Carol Rudi, Councilman Bill Cross, Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer, Mayor Les Smith.  (5-0)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to approve the ANNUAL LIQUOR LICENSE RNEWALS for Hen House, 6475 North Prospect, Osco Drug, 6129 North Antioch Road, and Northland Elks, 7010 North Cherry.  Councilman Joe Evans 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 5a. on the Agenda.         RESOLUTION NO. 03-42, authorizing execution of a contract with Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide public transportation serving Gladstone residents for the period of July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 for a total Gladstone local share not to exceed $21,800 from the Transportation Sales Tax Fund.

 

Councilman Rudi stated that Resolution R-03-42 is to approve a contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).  There was a long conversation about this contract last year, with a number of questions from the City Council answered.  However, this contract still concerns Councilman Rudi as to the amount of money that is spent for the number of riders.  It appears that the revenue per rider in 2002 was $27.00; for 2003 it is $23.00, which means our revenue is decreasing.  Councilman Rudi said she had some questions, such as who is eligible to pay reduced fares.  Councilman Rudi referenced page two of the contract, where there is an estimated total deficit of $34,256 that is made up of $14,551, contributed by the Federal and State share, and our local share would be $21,800.  There is a difference of $2,095, which Councilman Rudi questioned. 

 

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson responded that he spoke to KCATA last week, and he will speak to them again about the $2,095 deficit.  In terms of the eligibility, he will also ask KCATA that question.  The intention tonight was to place this before City Council.  The KCATA is interested in what questions City Council members might have, and Assistant City Manager Wingerson will forward those question to KCATA, and be prepared to bring back the answers at the next City Council meeting.

 

Councilman Rudi mentioned there is a statement in Mr. Wingerson’s memorandum concerning increasing the promotion of ridership.  Councilman Rudi believes that may have been discussed last year, and would like to know what happened with that.

 

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson replied he did not see that in reviewing last year’s application by KCATA, but based on the statistics trending downwards it terms of Gladstone ridership, effort will be made to promote the service, not only for economic development but for a variety of other reasons for the community.  Staff would like to try promoting ridership this year, and report to City Council next year the outcome, knowing that every effort has been made to promote ridership.

 

Councilman Rudi stated she continues to have a problem with spending $21,800 for 63 average riders per day.  This is quite an expense.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved that Resolution R-03-42 be tabled until the City Council meeting, June 23, 2003.  Councilman Bill Cross 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 stated he wished to reiterate his thanks to the Gladstone Public Safety Citizens Academy graduates for their interest in the City of Gladstone.  This is what makes Gladstone such a great place to live.  Councilman Evans thanked Sergeant Richard King and Public Safety Director Bill Adamo for their good work.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi had no comments at this time.

 

Councilman Bill Cross encouraged all Gladstone residents to attend the Gladstone Blues Fest, June 21 and June 22, at Oak Grove Park, and to encourage others to attend.  Councilman Cross mentioned he hoped that everyone has had the opportunity to drive by the Oak Grove Park Amphitheatre that is being rebuilt, and have seen how beautiful it is. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer informed those present that the Gladstone Chamber Business After Hours will be held June 18th, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Oak Grove Park, with a tour of the new Oak Grove Park Amphitheatre, and encouraged everyone to attend.  Mayor Pro Tem Beer stated he feels the City has done a good job in rebuilding the amphitheatre, and he hopes that everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy the many upcoming events scheduled to take place at the amphitheatre.

 

Mayor Les Smith reported that upcoming events planned for the Oak Grove Park Amphitheatre include the Business After Hours Open House in conjunction with the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, that Councilman Beer mentioned, and a formal dedication on Friday, July 11th, at 7:30 PM.  Mayor Smith encouraged everyone to drive by the amphitheatre, especially after dark, when the lights are on.  It is a fabulous structure.  As it is a little bit bigger and better than the previous structure, there is a slight funding deficit.  The Amphitheatre Committee has made great progress towards raising funds for the amphitheatre.  Mayor Smith thanked the press for the publicity they gave to the carnival, that was sponsored recently by the Amphitheatre Committee, which raised over $10,000 towards the reconstruction of the amphitheatre.

 

Mayor Smith remarked that included in the Consent Agenda was the acceptance of a proposal for a contract for the construction of the new fire station on North Oak Trafficway for a cost of $1,306,850.00.  The original budget was projected to be around $1,400,000.00, so at this point the project appears to be under budget.  This project is the result of the Fire Protection Sales Tax that the citizens voted on a couple of years ago.  This new fire station will aid in public safety assistance to the community.  The fire station should be built by the middle of January, 2004, which is exciting news. 

 

Mayor Smith mentioned that he noticed on the TV News that the Jackson County Sheriff’s office is being criticized about a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) check point that they had established on 50 Highway on Memorial Day.  The news media reported that seven drivers were arrested that were driving under the influence of alcohol.  Mayor Smith suggested that perhaps City Council members would be willing to give consensus for the City to send a letter of support to the Jackson County Sheriff’s office acknowledging that the City of Gladstone supports their efforts in keeping drunk drivers off the road. 

 

The consensus of the City Council members was to send such a letter of support to the Jackson County Sheriff’s office, and Mayor Smith asked City Manager Davis to prepare the letter.

 

Councilman Rudi suggested if anyone wished to contribute towards the reconstruction of the Oak Grove Park Amphitheatre, they may do so by sending a contribution to the City.  Councilman Rudi explained the reason she encourages contributions of this sort, is because the City’s sales tax revenues are down, and they are not projected to be better in the near future.  The only way the City can continue to provide the same kind of programs is through community support. 

 

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

 

City Manager Kirk Davis reported that in regard to the May 4th tornado response, the brush pick up has been completed, and debris pick up at the curb should be complete in the next couple of days, subject to what happens to certain homes that may be demolished.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi inquired into the cost to the City for the Tornado clean up.

 

Finance Director Cash Sweiven replied that total current costs are estimated at $965,000, with the City’s portion being approximately $100,000.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer asked what the total count is for the homes that must be demolished.

 

City Manager Davis replied that 32 homeowners have permits or will be getting permits for demolition.  There is still a question on seven or eight houses.

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.        PUBLIC HEARING on a request for a Site Plan Revision on property located at 4901 Old Pike Road.  Applicant:  Suter-Sambol LLC.  Owner: Credit Suisse Leasing, c/o the Home Depot. (File #1191)

 

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 addressing the two site plans that were included in the City Council packets.  The first site plan was submitted by the applicant and suggests the development of a convenience store with six fuel islands on the parcel remaining of the Home Depot plat.  This project is directly south of Steak ‘N Shake, and is located primarily in Gladstone, however, the eastern section is located in Kansas City, Missouri.  Mr. Wingerson stated the second site plan seeks to superimpose the Steak ‘N Shake development with this development to give the City Council an idea of how the two projects will work together.  In the second site plan, there is seen the same convenience store and gas pumps, and the elimination of the northern driveway to the convenience store replaced by shared access through the Steak ‘N Shake lot onto Home Depot property, with access to a single intersection.  Steak ‘N Shake and the applicant is supportive of this concept, and the Planning Commission recommends unanimously the applicant’s request be approved.  Mr. Wingerson reported that Mr. Suter, the applicant, will make a brief presentation to City Council, and a part of that presentation will be to show the type of development he and his company envision for the intersection.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi mentioned on the second plan it appears there is a drive between Steak ‘N Shake and the new development that has been marked out.  Councilman Rudi, for clarification, asked if that drive is really open and the north driveway is closed.

 

Mr. Wingerson replied that is correct, the driveway to the north is closed, with a heavy dark line indicating a curb and landscape area, and the area just to the north and east is the area that would be shared between the Steak ‘N Shake and this project.

 

Mayor Smith invited the applicant to step forward.

 

The applicant, Mr. Ken Suter, introduced himself, and stated he is the owner of Saco Petroleum, Incorporated, and explained he distributes gasoline and diesel fuel to convenience stores.  Mr. Suter stated this property is owned and is seeking to be developed under Suter-Sambol, LLC.  Saco Petroleum will be the supplier of the fuel product to the location, and has had an office at 1910 Armour Road in North Kansas City for 34 years.  Mr. Suter shared two pictures of a convenience store located at 112th Street, close to the airport.  Although the proposed building would be changed somewhat from the pictures, the general image is similar.  Mr. Suter stated that based on a market study, it is projected that approximately $800,000 in products would be sold per year that would be subject to sales tax at this proposed business.  It is estimated to sell approximately 1,800,000 gallons of motor fuel per year.  This proposed project will also be contributing to the property tax and real estate tax revenues. 

 

Mr. Suter remarked he agrees with most everything in the recommended conditions listed in the Staff Report except that one condition states that truck delivery traffic shall be limited to the hours of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Mr. Suter stated he would like the capability of gasoline delivery 24 hours a day.  The reason is the delivery company likes to deliver gasoline late at night due to safety factors, as there is reduced traffic late at night.  Mr. Suter mentioned there is an error in that the address of the project is listed in the recommended conditions as 58th and North Oak frontages, and it should be 4901 Old Pike Road.

 

Mayor Les Smith confirmed that Mr. Suter stated that inside sales are projected to be $800,000 per year.

 

Mr. Suter agreed that is correct.  That does not include lottery sales.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi asked where the cash registers will be.

 

Mr. Suter replied that a very small portion of the building will be in Kansas City, Missouri, but the cash register and front doors are in Gladstone.  Mr. Suter said he is encouraged by everything that has been said here, and he wished the business could be opened tomorrow.  He would love to be operating a business in Gladstone. 

 

Mayor Smith stated he has little concern with the 24 hour fuel delivery, as there are no nearby residents. 

 

Mr. Wingerson remarked that the Planning Commission had a similar discussion about the fuel trucks delivering during the night, and their recommendation was removal of that condition, and the draft bill does not include that condition.  Mr. Wingerson continued by saying that Mr. Suter is correct, the address should read 4901 Old Pike Road.

 

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 03-16, approving a Site Plan at 4901 Old Pike Road.  (File #1191).

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 03-16 on First Reading.  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)  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-16, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading; Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.

 

Discussion

 

Councilman Rudi stated she was familiar with property owned by the applicant at 112th Street, and feels it is a very nice clean property, and hopes the one in Gladstone will be very much the same.

 

Mr. Suter replied it would be the same.

 

The vote:  “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.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-16 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.870.  Councilman Bill Cross seconded.  

 

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

 

Mayor Smith wished the best of luck to Mr. Suter on his project.

 

Item 10. on the Agenda.         FIRST READING BILL 03-17, an annual ordinance establishing a procedure for certain Gladstone Municipal Officials to disclose potential conflicts of interest and comply with the personal financial disclosure requirements pursuant to the State of Missouri “Ethics Law”.

 

Councilman Bill Cross moved to place Bill 03-17 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 03-17, 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 03-17 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.871.  Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer 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)

 

Item 11. on the Agenda.         FIRST READING BILL 03-18, amending Ordinance No. 2.919, being section 3-25 (A) of the City Code by increasing the number of authorized liquor licenses for Class A & B License categories to not more than 25 such licenses.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 03-18 on First Reading.  Councilman Bill Cross seconded. 

 

Discussion

 

Mayor Smith asked for information on this proposed bill.

 

City Manager Davis replied that a few years ago the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce did a survey that asked the citizens of Gladstone what type of businesses they would like to see in the City, and restaurants were at the front of that list.  The City has worked hard to obtain restaurants, and the City is at its limit right now, which is 19, of Class “A” and “B” liquor licenses available.  There is an application on the agenda, tonight, which would be number 20.  There may be another request coming, both of which will be positive additions to our community.  Staff wants to offer the City Council more latitude. 

 

Mayor Smith commented that at some point our forefathers wrote into our ordinances a maximum number of liquor licenses that could be issued in the city.  As the community continues to grow, we find a need for more licenses.

 

Councilman Cross asked if the anticipated activity is both restaurants.

 

City Manager Davis replied that is correct, both licenses would be connected to restaurants.

 

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.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-18, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading; Councilman Bill Cross 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.

                       

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-18 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.872.  Councilman Bill Cross 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 12. on the Agenda.         APPROVAL OF NEW LIQUOR LICENSE, CLASS “A” AND “B” LIQUOR BY THE DRINK, The Peanut of Gladstone, Inc., 6024b North Antioch Road.  Managing Officer:  Richard Kenny.

 

Councilman Bill Cross moved to approve a new liquor license, Class “A” and “B” for The Peanut of Gladstone, Inc. 6024b North Antioch Road.  Managing Officer, Richard Kenny.  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 13. on the Agenda.         RESOLUTION NO. 03-43, adopting the 2004 Annual Operating Budget for the City of Gladstone, Missouri, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, authorizing the expenditure of funds, and approving the Position Classification and Compensation Plan.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 03-43, adopting the 2004 Annual Operating Budget for the City of Gladstone, Missouri, for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, authorizing the expenditure of funds, and approving the Position Classification and Compensation Plan.  Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer seconded.

 

Discussion

 

Councilman Bill Cross recognized all the time and effort that has gone into the budget process and asked Finance Director Cash Sweiven how the budget looks, now, two week after a great deal of discussion.

 

Finance Director Cash Sweiven replied that additional money has not yet been received from the state.  It should be received by the end of the week.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer suggested that the budget is a never ending process, and although this budget is being adopted, it will soon be time to start all over again.

 

City Manager Davis agreed and said as this budget is tight, and there have been program adjustments, Staff will be watching expenditures very closely.  This is a pretty bare bones budget.  Every month expenses will be analyzed, and in 90 days the mid year budget process will begin.  It is hopeful our economic initiatives will work in improving the outlook for the City.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Beer stated he believes we are seeing some economic successes and he believes we will see more significant positive results in the future.

 

City Manager Davis thanked City Council members for their time in analyzing the documents, listening to the presentations, and for their assistance in making it understood the economic situation the City is in. 

 

Mayor Smith remarked that the City’s economic attempts are attracting quality businesses to our community, and restaurants are one of the types of businesses that various surveys have shown are desired by the residents.  Mayor Smith commented that there have been policy changes such as concerning taking City vehicles home once employees are off duty, and increased individual costs in health insurance with the health plan of the City.  City employees are being asked to accept a one percent pay increase, with a 1.5 percent going into a merit pool.  Our management personnel are being given a flat $750 pay increase, when in some instances their health insurance premiums are going up $660.  Mayor Smith continued by saying the unsung heroes are the employees of the City of Gladstone.  The City is blessed to have true public servants as employees.  Mayor Smith asked the message be conveyed to all the employees regarding the appreciation of the City Council for the employees’ willingness to recognize the times the City is in, and the sacrifices the employees are making so programs do not have to be cut for the residents.

 

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

 

Item 14. on the Agenda.         FIRST READING BILL 03-19, enacting new provisions of the City’s Traffic Regulations regulating the following of, and yielding the right of way to, an emergency vehicle that is responding to an emergency call.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to place Bill 03-19 on First Reading.  Councilman Bill Cross 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 Carol Rudi moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 03-19, Waive the Rule and Place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Bill Cross 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 Carol Rudi moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 03-19 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.873.  Councilman Bill Cross seconded.  

 

Discussion

 

Councilman Carol Rudi asked for information about this bill.  Councilman Rudi was amazed the City did not have an ordinance in place whereby drivers would be forced to move over for emergency vehicles.

 

City Counselor Dave Ramsay replied that Corporal Jeff Bolin requested this issue be investigated.  These two sections were adopted by the State legislature in the last session and became state law effective in August.  Mr. Ramsay shares Councilman Rudi’s surprise because both instances of following too closely and yielding the right of way have long been common rules of the road that most people have learned and obeyed.  Until this time they have not been violations of state law.  Understandably Corporal Bolin, since he and patrolman Ken Buck both operate the City’s motorcycle patrol during permissible weather, are very concerned about their safety and the safety of those they stop along the side of the road.  Officer Bolin suggested about a week ago that had the individual who struck the rear of the State Trooper on I-70 recently, been obeying this particular state law, this would not have occurred.  This is certainly a bill to secure additional safety factors for our patrol officers and hopefully through publicity and enforcement, the driving public in Gladstone will become more aware of this law and will voluntarily comply.

 

Councilman Rudi remarked she finds it very sad that the City has to enact a bill such as this.  It makes perfect sense to move to the right when an emergency vehicle is either coming from behind a driver or toward a driver, whenever it is safe to do so, and slow down and move over when they are along the side of the road.  This is just common sense.

 

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

 

Item 15. on the Agenda.         OTHER BUSINESS.   

 

There was no further business.

 

Item 16. on the Agenda.         QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.

 

Amy Newport of The Press Dispatch inquired into the menu items of the new restaurant, The Peanut.

 

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson replied it is a general fare restaurant, similar to a bar and grill.

 

Item 17. on the Agenda.         ADJOURNMENT.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Beer moved to adjourn the Regular meeting.  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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

__________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk            

                                                                        

 

                                                                                                          Approved as submitted:  ___

                                                                                                              Approved as corrected/amended: ___

 

                                           

                                                                         ______________________________

                                                                                     Mayor Les Smith