MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2006
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
City Clerk Cathy Swenson
Mayor Carol Rudi opened the Regular February 13, 2006, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.
Item 3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Carol Rudi led the Pledge of Allegiance, in
which all joined.
Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 23, 2006, REGULAR CITY
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to approve the
January 23, 2006, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilman Joe Evans seconded the
motion.
The vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Item 5. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA
Following the Clerk’s reading, Councilman Wayne Beer asked that Approval of a Limited One Day Liquor by the Drink License to Oakhill Day School be removed from the Consent Agenda for consideration as Item 5a. under the Regular Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to accept the Consent Agenda as amended. 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-06, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with William White & Sons Construction, for the Gladstone Fire Station #2 Driveway Improvements, and authorizing final payment in the amount of $6,007.62 for Project 055018. 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-07, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Harmon Construction, Incorporated, for the Gladstone Public Safety Renovation, and authorizing final payment in the amount of $6,000.00 for Project 025603. 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-08, authorizing the destruction of certain records in accordance with RSMO Chapter 109 and applicable State Retention Schedules. 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to adopt RESOLUTION
R-06-09, accepting Temporary Construction Easements and Permanent Easements
from property owners in conjunction with the
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-10, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gladstone, Missouri, determining its intent to reimburse itself for certain capital expenditures. 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross moved to approve a NEW SUNDAY PACKAGE LIQUOR LICENSE to Rawal Rock Corporation, dba Snappy Store #4901, 4901 Old Pike Road, Managing Officer: Parvez I. Yousaf. 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 5a. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF LIMITED
ONE DAY LIQUOR BY THE DRINK LICENSE to Oakhill Day School, 7019 North
Cherry, for the annual auction event on Saturday, March 11, 2006. Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 Midnight. Managing Officer: Ms. Jeanette Hoy.
Councilman Les Smith moved to approve the LIMITED
ONE DAY LIQUOR BY THE DRINK LICENSE to
Councilman Wayne Beer stated his reason for asking
that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda is due to the fact that his
wife is the Head of School at
The vote: “Aye” – Councilman Joe Evans, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross, Mayor Carol Rudi. “Abstain” – Councilman Wayne Beer. (4-0-1).
Item 6. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.
Frank Davis, 6900 North Baltimore, stated he represented at
least some of the residents of
Mr. Davis said he would like to address some of the
concerns and feelings of the residents of
Mr. Davis stated the biggest concern is for those
residents who might lose their homes, and there would have to be some cases of
this. In looking at the map, to put a
road through this area, four, five or maybe six homes would be taken, which is
just a fact. Mr. Davis said in talking
to some of the residents who would be most likely to lose their property, the
idea that was proposed at the January meeting, that the property would be
valued at 50 percent above the appraisal, was not the greatest concern for
these folks. Mr. Davis said most of the
residents that he has talked to would rather stay in their homes. They have a house that is paid for, and at
least one of the residents has been there for 50 years, and cannot live cheaper
anywhere else.
Mr. Davis said other concerns are increased traffic,
it is for the most part, nice and quiet, and the residents love it that way. There would be a somewhat loss of privacy with
increased traffic. Mr. Davis said the
proposal as they understand it, is still very much up in the air, and there is
still conversation as to how to make this work.
One possibility is if the parkway runs from North Oak Trafficway to
Broadway with no access in the neighborhoods, which has some appeal. There would be no additional traffic in the
neighborhoods, but some would lose access to the south or to the north, which
would make a longer drive.
Mr. Davis said if there is access to the parkway,
that means an increase in traffic and noise.
If the development in the east part of town moves ahead, and there are a
lot more multi family dwellings, there would be a lot of people who would drive
from there over to North Broadway and on to 169 Highway. This would probably be the case in the
mornings and evenings, but there will always be those people who cruise on the
parkway late at night and on up into the neighborhoods. The residents of Hamilton Heights would not
be in favor of this. People can do this
anyway, but this would just be another way to do this. Mr. Davis said a lot of people cruising
around at 11:00 PM or 12:00 Midnight or later are probably younger people who
don’t necessarily drive slowly or quietly.
Mr. Davis stated that some of the Hamilton Heights
residents are not totally comfortable with the idea that Gale Communities
proposed, which is the Brookside or 1930’s or 1940’s look for the new downtown
area. When one enters Gladstone via
Englewood Road, one sees the sign that says Gladstone has been a community
since 1952. This is a 1950’s community,
and all of Hamilton Heights is a 1950’s community, which is ranch style homes,
and this is not a bad look. Mr. Davis
said the idea of coming into our City to build a whole town, commercial, retail
and residential properties, that has a completely different look might work or
it might just be what is popular today.
Ten or twenty years down the road, the City might be looking at tearing
it down and starting over again.
Mr. Davis said in speaking for the residents of
Hamilton Heights, they would like to be part of the future of Gladstone, help
with plans, and offer their ideas and support, but they like their neighborhood
the way it is, and want to keep it that way.
Mr. Davis said, speaking for most of the people present, they would
oppose a change to the street system through Hamilton Heights. Mr. Davis thanked the Mayor and Council for
their time.
George Nodler, 6807 North Walnut, stated he and other
residents were present because they heard a rumor that the City did not think
there was much opposition to the road, and it was a popular idea – they were
present at this meeting to prove that was wrong. Mr. Nodler said he was present with friends
and neighbors to show their opposition to 68th Street through their
neighborhood. The only reason the City
owns this property is due to the hard work of their neighborhood in forcing the
property owner to donate that property to the City. Mr. Nodler said they feel betrayed by their
Council and officials in this matter.
Mr. Nodler continued by saying they love Hamilton Heights – their ranch
houses, big lots, and mature trees, which is why most of them bought their homes
and live there now. Mr. Nodler said
their streets are a maze that discourage through traffic, and this road would
be in opposition to that. Mr. Nodler
continued by saying they are not Brookside or Lee’s Summit, and they do not
want to be. This street will bring
crime, traffic and noise to the Hamilton Heights neighborhood, and that is not
what residents want.
Mr. Nodler said he would like to read a letter from
a citizen who could not be at this meeting due to a work schedule. Mr. Nodler read the letter as follows:
“Members of the City Council, City staff, and
neighbors, my name is Roger Norris, former Councilman and Mayor. I attended your meeting last month dealing
with the building of Town Center, and a street to connect 68th and
North Broadway to North Oak. Initially,
I was somewhat ambivalent to the idea, recognizing the need to do something to
capture more of the sales tax dollars for Gladstone. However, after surveying the impact on the
neighborhood, the loss of homes, and the overall size and cost of the project,
I must take a step back and think and wonder.
The survey has said we need a grocery store on North Oak, but we had one
that sits vacant. We need a restaurant,
but Ryan’s sits vacant, and so the saga of North Oak goes on. We should be selling our City, not sending good
money after bad. Fancy street
reconfigurations that make driving on North Oak more of an inconvenience is not
going to bring new business to Gladstone.
We need to find a business to occupy the places we already have
existing. We should be focused on
existing vacancies. I don’t fully
believe in the concept “if you build it, they will come.” I believe they will come if there is
something worth coming for. We should
work on bringing Gladstone Plaza an anchor – fill those empty shops. Possibly help them advertise they are in
Gladstone. Provide an environment that
says to the businesses “I need to be in Gladstone.” We do not need to leap into big things that
don’t survive, but take one step at a time.
Thank you for your time. Roger
Norris.”
Sandy Piontek, 6902 North Walnut, said she just recently made
the decision to do some remodeling of her house, and making the decision that
she was going to stay in the neighborhood, because she likes the privacy and
the trees. Ms. Piontek said it seems in
this age, we are taking any plot of land that has trees and trying to pave it,
and she is very much against that.
Mayor Rudi thanked the speakers for their comments
and said Council appreciates their time and interest in this issue, as well as
their valuable input to City staff and Council.
Mayor Rudi asked for a show of hands as to how many people in the
audience were opposed to the roadway.
Note: approximately 40-45 people
raised their hands.
Mayor Rudi asked if there was anyone in the audience
who was in support of the roadway.
Note: one
person raised their hand.
Mayor Rudi stated she wanted everyone to be aware
that discussion of this roadway is simply a part of a citizen-based master
planning process that was designed by Gale Communities. Mayor Rudi stated this process is designed
with a reliance on valid public input, and to influence this process, it is
important to participate in two ways:
Mayor Rudi explained that this is not a City
plan. The City is waiting for something.
Mayor Rudi stated that City Council members have seen no more than the
residents, and they are waiting to see what the developer will propose for the
City. Once that is known, the process
can begin of determining of what is really needed, what is affordable, and how
it will be paid. The residents that are
present are here at the beginning, and Council is glad of that. Mayor Rudi encouraged all to stay in touch,
keep paying attention, and come to the public meetings. The City needs to know what the residents
think and wants that input.
Mayor Rudi informed those present that there will be
Public Hearings before the Planning Commission once there is some kind of a
Master Plan. Mayor Rudi thanked all who
attended this meeting, and encouraged them again to complete a survey and
attend the public meeting on February 23rd.
Richard Schmick, 6707 North Walnut, inquired how to indicate if
one does not like any of the proposed plans.
Mayor Rudi replied to simply write that on the
survey.
Madelaine Johnsen, 6717 North Wyandotte, asked what would happen if
City Council members do not like any of the proposed plans.
Mayor Rudi replied if City Council or City staff
does not like any of the proposed plans, there would be a lot of negotiating
that would take place. The plan has to
be something that works for the entire City.
Ms. Johnsen asked that since this development seems
to be impacting her Hamilton Heights community the most, would they have more
input.
Mayor Rudi explained the development would impact
the entire City. One item that the City
Council is reviewing on tonight’s agenda is the City’s budget. The City’s sales tax revenue is down to 1999
or 1998 levels, and the City is in big trouble.
The City cannot afford the services that citizens currently have if the
City does not do something. The reason
for the public meetings is to hear from people, and to get ideas as to how to
deal with this issue. Mayor Rudi
explained this is bigger than just Hamilton Heights; it is the entire City.
Ms. Johnsen stated that she believed most Hamilton
Heights residents believe that the City needs some revitalization; it is just
how to go about it.
Councilman Les Smith stated he has been in
opposition to this roadway being built since it was first proposed. Councilman Smith said what he thinks he is
hearing tonight is that all of the Hamilton Heights residents recognize, agree,
and appreciate that the City needs to make an effort to revitalize the core of
our community. Councilman Smith said
what he is hearing is that perhaps they feel that the parkway should be a
result of a redeveloped downtown and not vice versa. In other words, they want to see what is
going to be done downtown, just as we would if it were coming to our
neighborhood, before a roadway is cut through the neighborhood. Councilman Smith stated, however, years down
the road if the City should have a quality development with a lot of
residential components, then this might be another question.
Councilman Smith said he firmly believes that these
folks need to see what is coming first, and as the Mayor said so eloquently,
this is not a City plan at this point.
This developer is truly interested in the public input, so residents
need to give him that input. Councilman
Smith said there is the age-old question of what is good for the whole community,
which is great, but what if it goes through your backyard. Somehow, the City has to balance that. Councilman Smith encouraged residents to stay
involved in the process, not to give up, and next time maybe there should be
twice as many in attendance.
Councilman Wayne Beer stated he wished to echo that
this is not a City plan. This is a plan
that is being put forth to the City as a proposal by a developer. He has put forth a number of proposals up to
this point, and they have all been preliminarily considered, because there has
been no firm proposal as of this time.
The City cannot make any decisions until a formal proposal is
presented. Once that occurs, there will
be a significant amount of time available for public and Council input and discussion. This is not something that happens overnight;
it does take time, along with input from the community, so that Council can
take that input into consideration in making decisions. Councilman Beer told the audience their input
is important, and asked them to please stay informed and up to date on this
issue. It is important to all of us
City-wide. Councilman Beer thanked
everyone for being in attendance at this meeting.
Councilman Joe Evans stated he has had the pleasure
of discussing the Gladstone parkway with about 25 to 30 Hamilton Heights
residents, and he appreciates their phone calls. Councilman Evans said he could not support
such a severe impact to a very quiet neighborhood. Councilman Evans encouraged residents to stay
involved, and stay in touch with City staff, City Council, or Mr. Gale and Gale
Communities, and let them know how you feel.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross stated he hopes the
residents realize all City Council members encourage citizen involvement. Mayor Pro Tem Cross said it was interesting
to talk to some 15 to 20 people who were so informed, and he appreciated those
calls, and encouraged residents to call him or his fellow Council members with
questions or concerns.
Mr. Frank Davis stated government is not easy on any level,
which why there is so many sitting in the audience and only five people at the
Council dais. Mr. Davis said City
Council’s work is appreciated, and probably a concern for some of the residents
is that for any developer to build in the City, a plan has to be agreed upon
between the City and the developer. The
developer ends up purchasing the property; he has to own the property before he
can develop it. Mr. Davis said it causes
some concern that this company will end up owning a lot of property in Gladstone,
and whether we like it or not, money talks, and those who are large property
owners have more sway. This concerns the
people west of North Oak more than anything.
Mr. Davis said other than this one roadway running
through our neighborhood, there is not really a big question for the residents,
other than that it sounds very good. Mr.
Davis said the concern is that if Mr. Gale makes the investment in property in
Gladstone, he is going to try to make it work, and will do whatever it takes to
make it work. Mr. Davis stated if Mr.
Gale decides that is a road through Hamilton Heights, or two roads, or ten
roads, or whatever, he will push for that, and being a big property owner in
Gladstone at that time, he will have more pull.
Mr. Davis said whatever we could do as a City to maintain a certain
amount of control would be to our advantage – we don’t want to change the name
of Gladstone to Galestone. Mr. Davis
said if the City goes with this plan, that is a concern that the Council will
have to deal with, and Council members do not want a bunch of unhappy residents
on either side.
Item 7. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.
Councilman Joe
Evans congratulated Cathy Swenson on her designation as a
Certified Municipal Clerk, and commended her on a good job.
Councilman Evans inquired
into the MBW process on Antioch Road.
Councilman Evans said he saw that MBW received a continuance in Court,
and the Court has been continuing this for 18 months or better.
Mr. Wingerson replied he
was not certain as to the exact reason for the continuance, but believes they
are due back in Court on a date assigned by the judge. City staff will be ready to assist in that
prosecution and testify or do whatever needs to be done to support the City
Ordinances.
Councilman Les
Smith began by saying he can attest to some of the
resident having lived in Hamilton Heights for 50 years, because some of them
bounced him on their knee when he was in diapers.
Councilman Smith offered
condolences to Councilman Beer on the passing of his mother last week. Councilman Smith congratulated City Clerk
Cathy Swenson for receiving the Certified Municipal Clerk designation, and said
there is living proof that City Council members have made some good decisions,
because City Council hired Ms. Swenson into the position of City Clerk, and she
has done a great job for the City.
Councilman Smith said he noticed some promotions within the City, and
asked City Manager Kirk Davis to extend congratulations to those folks on
behalf of City Council members.
Councilman Wayne Beer thanked Councilman Smith for
his comments regarding his mother.
Councilman Beer explained that he was not at home to receive some
telephone messages as he has been in Iowa for the past two weeks tending to his
seriously ill mother, followed by her death, along with affairs that had to
take place. Councilman Beer said he was
back for one day, and was able to visit with one person, but having just
returned yesterday, he was not able to give attention to calls and he
apologized for that. Councilman Beer
offered congratulations to the employees that were promoted and to City Clerk
Cathy Swenson.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross stated he wished to echo
Council’s comments of congratulations to Ms. Swenson, who was an outstanding
choice and who is very much interested in her professional growth. Mayor Pro Tem Cross stated he wished to thank
the entire City leadership staff and his Council colleagues for traveling to
Jefferson City to see him honored with the Outstanding Missourian award. Councilman Cross said it was a thrill for him
to be surrounded by such professional people.
Councilman Cross said it was an honor for him to have these people travel
330 miles in one day just to see him say thank you.
Mayor Carol Rudi congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross on
his award as Outstanding Missourian.
Mayor Rudi pointed out his plaque and invitation were on display at the
meeting, and they will be on display in the City’s trophy case for anyone who
would like to see them. Mayor Rudi
explained that event took place on January 31st, in Jefferson City.
Mayor Rudi invited Finance Director Debra Daily to
step forward, and said she was happy to announce the City has been given once
again the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award. It was presented to
the City of Gladstone, Missouri for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
2005. Mayor Rudi stated City Council
members appreciate all the work Director Daily has done on this, and said it
has been 19 to 21 years that the City has consistently received this award.
Mayor Rudi offered congratulations to Carole McGuire
and Becky Jarrett who recently passed their Permit Technician exam that was
administered by the International Code Council.
They join only 19 other Certified Permit Technicians in the State of
Missouri. Mayor Rudi congratulated Cathy
Swenson on the Certified Municipal Clerk accomplishment, which is a great thing
for the City that the City has such technically able people.
Mayor Rudi announced that the City has received the
Arbor Award of Excellence, and told Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis
that she appreciates all her hard work on this.
Mayor Rudi stated that Councilman Beer was missed
while he was gone, and offered her condolences on the passing of his mother.
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Kirk Davis reported City Hall would be closed on President’s Day, February 21, 2006.
Item 9. on the Agenda. RESOLUTON
R-06-11, a
Resolution selecting a site for the Gladstone Community Center/Natatorium.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved
to adopt RESOLUTON R-06-11, a
Resolution selecting a site for the Gladstone Community Center/Natatorium. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross 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 10. on the Agenda. RESOLUTION R-06-12, amending the 2006 Annual General Fund Budget, Combined
Water and Sewerage System Fund Budget, and Municipal Pool Fund Budget for the
City of Gladstone, Missouri, and authorizing expenditures of funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Cross
moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-12, amending the 2006 Annual General Fund Budget, Combined
Water and Sewerage System Fund Budget, and Municipal Pool Fund Budget for the
City of Gladstone, Missouri, and authorizing expenditures of funds. Councilman Joe Evans seconded.
Councilman Beer stated
Finance Director Debra Daily presented a budget recommendation to City Council
during the Open Study Session that he knows was the result of a huge amount of
effort given the fluid and ever changing status of the City’s revenues, and he
wanted to say how much he appreciates the work that she did in putting this
together in a way that was easily understandable. Councilman Beer thanked Director Daily.
Mayor Rudi asked everyone to
please shop in Gladstone. The City needs
the sales tax money. Mayor Rudi said
when she went through this mid-year budget, it was very depressing to see that
the City’s sales tax levels are so low compared to what they were six or seven
years ago. Mayor Rudi encouraged all to
shop in Gladstone, and if anyone needs to know where the location of the City’s
boundaries are, to please contact the City.
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 11. on the Agenda. OTHER BUSINESS.
There was no other business.
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
February 13, 2006, Gladstone City Council Meeting, Mayor Carol Rudi adjourned
the Regular Meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
___________________________
Cathy Swenson, City Clerk
Approved
as submitted: ___
Approved
as corrected/amended: ___
______________________________
Mayor Carol A. Rudi