MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

REGULAR MEETING

 

 

MONDAY MAY 9, 2005

 

 

 

PRESENT:          Mayor Carol Rudi

                             Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross

                             Councilman Les Smith

                             Councilman Wayne Beer

                             Councilman Joe Evans

                            

City Manager Kirk Davis

City Counselor David Ramsay

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

City Clerk Cathy Swenson

 

Mayor Carol Rudi opened the Regular May 9, 2005, City Council Meeting at

7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.  

 

Item 3. on the Agenda.             PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

 

Mayor Carol Rudi introduced Den 7 of Cub Scout Pack #357, sponsored by St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, who presented the Color Guard and led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.

 

Mayor Rudi asked Den leader Steve Ng to introduce the members of Den 7.  Mr. Ng introduced the Cub Scouts in attendance as follows:  Chris Beaubien, Jared Bland, Jackson Giebler, Kyle Williams, Matthew Ng, Franke Ferro, Jacob Lohmeyer, and Jacob Bullin.  Mr. Ng thanked the Mayor and City Council for allowing Den 7 to participate in this evening’s meeting.

 

Mayor Rudi thanked Mr. Ng and the members of Den 7.

Item 4. on the Agenda.             APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR APRIL 25, 2005 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AND THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 27, 2005 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR PURPOSES OF ADJOURNING TO A CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to approve the April 25, 2005 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the April 27, 2005, Special City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.  Councilman Joe Evans seconded the motion. 

 

Councilman Les Smith stated neither he nor Councilman Cross were in attendance at the April 27, 2005 Special City Council meeting, and as the motion is for both the April 25, 2005, and April 27, 2005 City Council Meeting Minutes, he would be abstaining from the vote.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Cross stated he would also abstain from the vote.

 

The vote:  “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Mayor Carol Rudi.  “Abstain” – Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross.  (3-0-2)

 

Item 4a. on the Agenda.           Mayor Carol Rudi read a PROCLAMATION designating the week of May 15th-21st, 2005, as “National Public Works Week” in Gladstone, Missouri.  Sponsored by The American Public Works Association.  Public Works Director Chuck Williams accepted and thanked Council members for the proclamation, and said he accepted the proclamation on behalf of all the staff members within the Public Works Department.  Mr. Williams said that although the Public Works staff does serve the community, they do not serve the community without a lot of support from the citizens, through their input, and from all the Departments within the City’s organization.

 

Item 4b. on the Agenda.           Mayor Carol Rudi read a PROCLAMATION recognizing Boy Scout Troop 180 and Cub Scout Pack 180, sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Church, on their 50th Anniversary and congratulating them on their service to youth in the Northland.  Mr. Mike O’Neil accepted the proclamation, and offered thanks to the City of Gladstone and all the residents, as well as City Council members and Mayor Carol Rudi, for the opportunities Troop 180 has had in the past 50 years to provide service to the community.  Service to the community is one of the founding ideals of Scouting.  Scout projects have been performed in Gladstone parks and other areas in Gladstone. 

 

Mr. O’Neil stated he wished to thank all citizens and the leaders of Gladstone for the great cooperation Troop 180 has had from the community.  Mr. O’Neil said receiving this proclamation is a highlight for the Troop, as they receive few recognitions outside of the Scouting community.  Mr. O’Neil stated Mayor Rudi would be presenting this proclamation to Troop 180 at a celebration dinner on Saturday at St. Charles Parish.

 

 

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

Item 5. on the Agenda.             RESOLUTION R-05-44, authorizing execution of a contract with Bridges Land Surveying Services, LLC., in the total amount not to exceed $33,800.00 for the Mill and Old Pike Creeks Sanitary Sewer Improvement Survey.  Project 054091.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to approve RESOLUTION R-05-44, authorizing execution of a contract with Bridges Land Surveying Services, LLC., in the total amount not to exceed $33,800.00 for the Mill and Old Pike Creeks Sanitary Sewer Improvement Survey.  Project 054091.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, and Mayor Carol Rudi.  (5-0).

 

Item 6. on the Agenda.             COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE

 

Anne Alexander, 6767 North Askew Circle, stated she came to the meeting to publicly thank the City Council, Public Safety Director Bill Adamo, and all City staff for the courtesy of the Public Safety units.  Two weeks ago there were three police cars in her cul-de-sac, and when she went outside to investigate, the officers were very courteous.  The officers had received a call from the neighbor of an 89-year-old woman.  The neighbor, who usually puts the woman’s trash out, had not recently seen her.  By going through the neighbor’s deck, the Public Safety Department staff could see the woman lying on the floor.  In addition to the three police cars, an ambulance and a fire truck arrived.  They were able to get the woman to a hospital.  The courtesy with which all the neighbors were treated was great and so appreciated.  The woman, who has no family and no one to care for her, has gone from North Kansas City Hospital to a care facility.  Ms. Alexander said she was also grateful to the neighbor who phoned for assistance.  Ms. Alexander continued by saying that having read about the recent school bus accident, she realizes how fortunate we are to have the combined Public Safety services, and we are in good hands in Gladstone.

 

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

 

Councilman Joe Evans stated he had the opportunity to represent the City at the Opening Day of the A.J. Wilson little league baseball park on April 30th.  Councilman Evans said he read a proclamation from the City.  The event was well attended and everyone was very appreciative of our City’s interest in North Kansas City Area (NKCA) Baseball.  Councilman Evans said he was given a baseball to present to City Manager Davis.  Councilman Evans continued by saying Ed Kamler, Lindy Evans, and Kansas City Councilman Ed Ford asked why NKCA Baseball was not playing on our City park fields.  Councilman Evans asked Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis to respond to this question.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Lillis stated the City has eight fields within the City limits.  Currently five fields are used for the adult softball program.  Two fields located at Central Park, and one field at Flora Park are being used through the Clay County Rotational Softball program, which is a long standing program.  Baseball teams are allowed to rent fields on an individual basis, and there are two teams currently using fields on Sundays, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. 

 

Councilman Les Smith noted that former Mayor Larry Whitton, who is an adjoining property owner at 72nd and Broadway, was in the audience.  Councilman Smith said he was pleased they now have their island.  The island at 72nd and Broadway looks just fabulous, thanks to the combined efforts of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works Department, through Director Chuck Williams and Director Sheila Lillis.  The island has been cleaned and an irrigation system installed.  Beth Houlihan and Margaret Sammon placed some plantings in the island, and it now makes a much nicer gateway into our community. 

 

Councilman Smith stated he knows that City Manager Davis has been trying to make customer service a priority in the City, and in the short time that Public Works Director Chuck Williams has been with the City, he has taken care of two items.  One issue was concerning a citizen, Oletha Penn, who felt she was not being treated fairly by her insurance adjustor.  Another issue was concerning a citizen, Buddy Wilk, who had a place in his yard that was torn up during a water main project.  Mr. Williams addressed both of these issues, and both citizens have phoned Councilman Smith, expressing their appreciation.  Councilman Smith thanked Mr. Williams and City Manager Davis, and expressed his hope for the continued success in getting the excellent customer service culture developed throughout the City organization.  It is already prevalent in the organization, but Mr. Williams responded quickly and took care of these issues and the citizens, and that is appreciated. 

 

Councilman Smith stated when the City recently replaced copiers, the old copiers were sold at the City auction for $100 to $125 a piece.  Councilman Smith inquired into the required process the City must follow to sell used equipment or if there are other methods by which the City may dispose of used equipment.  Councilman Smith said one copier was resold for nearly $5,000. 

 

City Manager Davis replied he would like to have some time to check the records to more accurately provide an answer to this question.  The City declares equipment and items as surplus and then sells them at a City auction.  The other way the City disposes of used equipment and vehicles is through trade-ins. City Manager Davis said it was his impression, based on conversations with former Finance Director Sweiven, that the copier companies did not want the old copiers in terms of any trade-ins on leases or purchases of the new equipment.  It is assumed that was based on the equipment condition.  City Manager Davis said he was very surprised at the numbers Councilman Smith mentioned.  

 

Councilman Smith stated one copier that sold for $125 had nearly five reams of paper still in the paper bin.  Councilman Smith said he hesitated to bring this up at a public meeting, but he has meant to ask about this for two months.  Councilman Smith continued by saying a man has been offered nearly $2,000 for another copier.  Councilman Smith said he wondered if we are allowed by law to sell items outright or go some other direction.  However, if an auction is the only way the City may dispose of equipment that is not traded in, then our hands are tied.

 

City Manager Davis reported that the City was having difficulty getting parts for the old copiers, and some of them were not serviceable anymore.  City Manager said he would like some time to investigate this a little further.

 

Councilman Smith said this was the information given to him by another party, but he has no reason to believe it is not accurate.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer had no comments at this time.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross stated he lives in Carriage Hill, and the work Public Works Director Chuck Williams has done in this area has made the area more attractive.  Councilman Cross reported Carriage Hill neighbors had a large garage sale over the weekend, and numerous law enforcement officers came through the area on their patrols, which was appreciated.  On behalf of the Board members of Carriage Hill, Councilman Cross thanked Public Safety Director Adamo and his staff.

 

Mayor Carol Rudi noted there were Boy Scouts in the audience, and asked them to introduce themselves.

 

Shawn Irwin stated he attends Antioch Middle School, and is in Boy Scout Troop 180, which is sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Church.

 

Branden Winebrenner stated he attends Maple Park Middle School, and is in Boy Scout Troop 180, which meets at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

 

Don Edmunds, stated he attends Barry Middle School, and is in Boy Scout Troop 288, which meets at Englewood Presbyterian Church.

 

Mayor Rudi thanked the Scouts and said Council members are always glad to see Scouts in attendance at City Council meetings.

 

Mayor Rudi informed the audience that the Public Safety open house and ribbon cutting has been postponed and will not be held on May 14, 2005.  Notices will go out when the date is rescheduled. 

 

 

 

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

 

City Manager Kirk Davis stated a Finance Director has been hired, whose name is Deborah Daily.  Ms. Daily comes from the City of Manhattan, Kansas, and comes to our City with a great deal of experience.  Ms. Daily went through the assessment process, which involved members of our community, City Council, and employees, and did a fine job.  Mr. Davis stated Staff is looking forward to her arrival, which should be the middle of June.

 

City Manager Davis reported 1,330 vehicles were counted on Beautification Weekend, April 30th through May 1st, with many people taking part in this program.  Brush disposal was last weekend, with over 1,700 vehicles counted that used the Public Works drop-off site.  Mr. Davis said he was very pleased with the citizen participation in these programs.

 

Councilman Evans asked if there would be a follow-up brush disposal event, as was done last year.

 

Public Works Director Chuck Williams stated he was agreeable with having a Fall Brush Disposal event.  In fact the brush that is on site now will not be disposed until after the fall drop-off event.  Mr. Williams said it was his understanding that last year’s Fall Brush Disposal involved a minimal charge to the citizens. 

 

Councilman Evans agreed that was correct.

 

Director Williams stated the cost to the citizens for the additional Fall Brush Disposal may be determined by City Council members at a later date.

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.             FIRST READING BILL 05-17, amending Ordinance No. 3.807 restricting certain vision reducing materials for motor vehicle windows pursuant to Section 307.173 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

 

Councilman Joe Evans moved to place Bill 05-17 on First Reading.  Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, Mayor Carol Rudi.  (5-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Joe Evans moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 05-17, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, Mayor Carol Rudi.  (5-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Joe Evans moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 05-17 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.955.  Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross seconded.

 

 

Councilman Smith asked if there are ramifications for those people who took advantage of the typographical error in the State Statute, and exceeded the 35 percent of luminous reflectance.

 

City Counselor David Ramsay stated that since the State law for one year was that one could have luminous reflectance that was “more than” instead of “less than” 35 percent, he believes if someone could prove that during that particular time period their tinting was applied, they would probably be exempt.  Mr. Ramsay stated the Public Safety Department requested the Ordinance be amended so citations could be issued for violations.

 

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

 

Item 10. on the Agenda.           FIRST READING BILL 05-18, amending Ordinance No. 2.542 prohibiting the crime of stealing within the City of Gladstone.

 

Councilman Wayne moved to place Bill 05-18 on First Reading.  Councilman Les Smith seconded. 

 

Mayor Rudi asked Counselor Ramsay to explain why Council is now approving a Bill which makes stealing illegal.

 

Counselor Ramsay stated the current Ordinance makes the crime prosecutable in our Municipal Court if the value of property taken is less than $150.  State Statutes have revised that level of stealing, and it is now applied to any property in value of less than $500.  This Bill increases the value of the property stolen for the purposes of prosecution in our Municipal Court, rather than having to go to State Court. 

 

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

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 05-18, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Les Smith seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, Mayor Carol Rudi.  (5-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 05-18 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 3.956.  Councilman Les Smith seconded.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 11. on the Agenda.               OTHER BUSINESS.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross stated it has come to the Council’s attention that there are Board vacancies that need to be filled, and after reviewing the list of interested citizens, Council believes there are candidates that will do a good job in filling the vacancies.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to appoint the following people to Boards and Commission vacancies as listed:

 

Industrial Development Authority

Allen Dillingham

 

Board of Zoning Adjustment

Robert Settich, with a term to expire in June 2005.

Charles Carmack, Alternate

Leroy Gunselman, Alternate

Staci Hagen, moved from an Alternate to a regular term expiring June 2005.

 

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

 

Item 12. on the Agenda.           QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.

 

There were no questions from the News Media.

 

Item 13. on the Agenda.           ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the May 9, 2005, Gladstone City Council Meeting, Mayor Carol Rudi adjourned the Regular Meeting.

 

Councilman Les Smith 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, 610.021(2) for Real Estate Acquisition Discussion, and 610.021(3) for Personnel Discussion.  Councilman Joe Evans seconded the motion.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

___________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk

 

 

                                                                                       Approved as submitted:  ___

 

                                                                                Approved as corrected/amended: ___

 

 

 

                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                              Mayor Carol Rudi