MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

REGULAR MEETING

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2006

 

 

PRESENT:          Mayor Bill Cross

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith                        

Councilman Carol Rudi

Councilman Mark Revenaugh

 

City Manager Kirk Davis

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

City Counselor David Ramsay

City Clerk Cathy Swenson

 

ABSENT:            Councilman Wayne Beer

 

Mayor Bill Cross opened the Regular November 27, 2006, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.

 

Item 3. on the Agenda.             PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

 

Mayor Bill Cross led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.

 

Item 4. on the Agenda.             APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR NOVEMBER 13, 2006, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

 

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to approve the Regular November 13, 2006, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

Item 4a. on the Agenda.           SPECIAL PRESENTATION by Mid-America Regional Council Insurance Trust (MARCIT) recognizing the City’s loss control attainment.

Mayor Cross introduced MARCIT representatives, Loss Control Manager Todd Foster and President/Chief Executive Officer Terry Norwood.  Mayor Cross invited Building Official Alan Napoli, a member of the City’s Safety Committee, to accept the presentation.

 

Mr. Foster began by wishing happy Birthday to Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith and he wished everyone happy holidays.  Mr. Foster said he and Mr. Norwood were present tonight to make a fuss about the efforts the City has been making as a member of MARCIT.  Mr. Foster explained for members in the audience, that MARCIT is a not-for-profit insurance organization, that works for public entities, and the City of Gladstone is one of the founding members.  Mr. Foster said he has been working with Gladstone for 18 years, and he has developed some good working relationships and friendships, and is very proud of the job Gladstone is doing. 

 

Mr. Foster reported that MARCIT has had a loss control program since the beginning, and it has evolved over the years, and it has gotten to the point that there is a lot of complex dedication that goes into making the program work.  Being a public entity, a City has a lot of exposure and a lot of things have to be addressed.  The loss control program involves the monitoring of over 60 different activities in which MARCIT asks each of their members to participate.  Mr. Foster said basically the program requires that the City has the specified practices, policies, and training.  As a member of MARCIT, there are some incentives that recognize those who go above and beyond.  Mr. Foster said that Gladstone is becoming an annual stop for him, as the City is doing a really good job.  Mr. Foster said each year he sits down with Human Resources Administrator Charlene Leslie and Human Resources Coordinator Pat Crooks, who drive this whole effort.  At this meeting, they take a look at the City’s program and compliance efforts. 

 

Mr. Foster said he was very pleased to report in this past fiscal year the City of Gladstone received a compliance rating of 103 percent.  The three percent comes from the bonus activities, which shows that Gladstone is not just doing enough to get by but is going above and beyond what is required.  Mr. Foster explained that when a City meets the program qualifications, it is eligible for a return on its contributions, and in this case that is two percent of the City’s total contributions.  Mr. Foster pointed out that Mr. Norwood was holding a large replica check in the amount of $21, 611.00, which represents money back to the City of Gladstone in recognition of their superior efforts. 

 

Mr. Foster stated that in 2005, MARCIT started an additional program where three percent of a premium is automatically put into a special Loss Control Credit Account, which is an addition to monies set aside for the City’s safety budget.  Mr. Foster said MARCIT is making sure that the City has enough money to do things right, and perhaps tackle some things that might be difficult to finance in these hard times.  Since 2001, the City of Gladstone has set aside in the special credit program $117,457.00.  Mr. Foster said he was proud to see that returned to the City, as he knows the money has been spent wisely. 

 

Mr. Foster stated he wished to recognize City Council members, as they oversee the City’s activities, and if the support were not there from City Council members, this program would not flourish.  Mr. Foster said the City’s success starts with City Manager Kirk Davis, and goes down to each Department Head, the Safety Committee, and every employee of the City.  Mr. Foster stated that MARCIT is very proud to have Gladstone as a member, and Gladstone is a member that he can point to and say, “Yes, you can do it – look what Gladstone is doing.”  Mr. Foster concluded by saying he hopes this relationship continues for many years, and he is very pleased with the cooperation and efforts that are seen from Gladstone.

 

Mr. Norwood stated that MARCIT has approximately 40 members.  Mr. Norwood reported that it is late at night for him and Mr. Foster, as they have already put in 12 hours today, but there is no fatigue in their voices, as they are delighted to be in Gladstone, because they have the opportunity to recognize those that are doing the outstanding jobs.  Mr. Norwood offered congratulations to Gladstone’s entire organization, and stated he and Mr. Foster are not appearing at about half of their members’ Council Chambers, so this is not something that is done as a matter of course.  There are objective findings that demonstrate what savings there are.  Mr. Norwood said at the December 6, Board Meeting, discussion will be held about the return of one million dollars to the members.  Gladstone should also see a significant return, which only comes from good work like this.  Mr. Norwood offered his congratulations to the City for their good work.

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Foster and Mr. Norwood, and said he would mention at the Mid- America Regional Council Board meeting, tomorrow, that Mr. Foster and Mr. Norwood went the extra mile to visit a Gladstone City Council meeting to personally make this presentation.

 

Item 5. on the Agenda.             CONSENT AGENDA

 

Following the Clerk’s reading, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith asked that the Building Permit for the Tower Plaza property at 6420 North Prospect Avenue be removed from the Consent Agenda for consideration as Item 5a. under the Regular Agenda.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to adopt  RESOLUTION R-06-74, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Superior Bowen Asphalt Company, LLC, for the 2006 Mill and Overlay Program and authorizing final payment in the amount of $15,333.37 for Project TP0701.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.   The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-75, authorizing the City Manager to purchase one 2007 Ford E-450 Chassis and remounting of an existing Patient Compartment Box for the total of $63.525.00.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.   The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve the FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR OCTOBER 2006.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

Item 5a. on the Agenda.           BUILDING PERMIT:  for construction of a new commercial building located on the Tower Plaza property at 6420 North Prospect Avenue.  Applicant: Homely and Associates, Inc.  Owner:  Northlander Properties, LLC.  (BP 06-10000952)

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to approve a BUILDING PERMIT:  for construction of a new commercial building located on the Tower Plaza property at 6420 North Prospect Avenue.  Applicant: Homely and Associates, Inc.  Owner:  Northlander Properties, LLC.  (BP 06-10000952).  Councilman Carol Rudi seconded.  

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked, for clarification, if the top elevation on the plan sheet is actually the west elevation.

 

Building Official Alan Napoli said that was correct, it is the west side. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith stated the City Council promised the residents in this area that they were going to see very nice looking buildings that would be “residential” in nature, and he wants to be certain that comments are passed along to the architect and developer that, in his opinion, with this building, they have met that intent of City Council.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said one question he did have is at the rear of the building, where the air conditioning units are to be located, and will be facing to the west, he could not determine the top of the wall elevation of the retaining wall behind that area, and asked if those air conditioning units will be sufficiently screened by the wall.

 

Mr. Napoli replied the retaining wall is not on these plans, because the retaining wall was done earlier, but he will contact the architect and engineer and have them verify the height of the wall.  Mr. Naploi said the units should not be visible from the street, but he will verify that before moving forward with these plans.

 

The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

 

 

 

Item 6. on the Agenda.             COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

 

Phil Kline, 6008 North Main, said he has been a resident of Gladstone for about ten years, and has worked in the City as a land surveyor for 25 years.  Mr. Kline said about two years ago his wife went to Pets Mart to buy dog food and came back with a rescue dog, which is a pit bull.  Mr. Kline said he realizes this issue is not on tonight’s agenda, and he will come back and address the pit bull issue further when the time is appropriate, but he would like to say that he commends City Council members for considering not doing an outright ban on any breed of dog.  Mr. Kline said he believes this is wise and fair.  Mr. Kline said he wished to point out that his dog is not any more dangerous than another dog with its same muscular power, size, and weight.  Mr. Kline stated he is one of the good guys, and his dog is spayed, has been trained, and goes to doggy daycare once a week to play with other dogs – his dog is socialized and is not aggressive to humans or other animals.  The dog even gets along with his cat. 

 

Mr. Kline said he presented to the City Counselor some Ordinances from another county and the Ordinance from the state of Illinois, which won’t apply exactly here.  Mr. Kline pointed out that basically those Ordinances give Animal Control a great deal of power and latitude in determining what dog is dangerous and vicious, and there are means of appealing if a dog is determined to be dangerous or vicious.  No dog, because of its breed or size, is determined to be dangerous or vicious until its behavior shows it to be so.  Mr. Kline said this is what he would like City Council members to consider, and he will write a detailed letter to each Councilman, so as not to take any more time this evening.

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Kline for his remarks.

 

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

 

Councilman Mark Revenaugh congratulated Charlene Leslie and her staff on the recovery of the $21,600 in insurance premiums, which is a nice amount of money.  Councilman Revenaugh expressed “good job” to Ms. Leslie on a job well done.  It shows the City’s programs are working, the City is saving money and being efficient, and most importantly is saving taxpayers’ money.  Councilman Revenaugh congratulated Sergeant Richard King and Public Safety Director Bill Adamo on the re-accreditation they just received for the Public Safety Department.  This shows what a progressive, forward-moving City we have, and it shows that all City staff is really on the ball and pulling in the right direction.  Councilman Revenaugh congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Smith on his soon impending 50th birthday.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi congratulated the Human Resources Department and all the City staff who have worked hard on the loss control programs.  Councilman Rudi extended sympathy to Ms. Leslie’s family on the death of her brother-in-law.

 

Councilman Rudi congratulated Mayor Cross on an excellent Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting event.  Councilman Rudi said it was a wonderful program and event, and encouraged anyone who has not given money to the Mayor’s Holiday Tree fund to do so.  Money is still being accepted.  The money will go to the Northland Christmas Store and Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith stated he wished to echo the congratulations offered by his colleagues, and said he also wished to thank everyone for having fun at his expense this evening (in regard to his birthday).  Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked Mayor Cross to thank his wife, Mary for the wonderful birthday cake this evening.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said he wished to thank his dear friend, Laura Gay, who brought birthday cake for everyone, and stated she is missed in the City, and extended a “good job” to her young son, Sam.

 

Mayor Bill Cross said it was nice to see Ms. Gay at this meeting, and he hopes to see her at other meetings in the future.  Mayor Cross stated he would have a final report to give later, but at this moment, the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony has raised over $11,000.00, which is a record.  Mayor Cross said three couples helped to install the tree before 8:00 AM one morning.  The Ahnefelds and the Swensons, who have helped in past years, were joined by the Houlihans, who were on hand to help this year.  Mayor Cross thanked them along with special thanks to the Parks and Recreation staff under the leadership of Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis.  Mayor Cross thanked the choirs who did a great job, and Bryan Busby and the Channel 9 News who did their best to have the event shown on TV several times.  Mayor Cross said he was thrilled when two of his grandchildren got to flip the switch on the lights for the Holiday Tree.  Mayor Cross said First Bank of Missouri and Hy-Vee were great contributors, which he very much appreciated, and he appreciates the support of all the businesses.

 

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

 

On behalf of City Manager Kirk Davis, Mr. Sam Gay reported there were no comments at this time.

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.             PUBLIC HEARING: on a request to rezone from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to RPCH-1 (Residential Planned Cluster Housing), and a Site Plan Revision at property located at 7312 N. Antioch Road.  Applicant/Owner:  Northaven Village, LLC.  (File #1289) 

 

            Mayor Pro Tem Smith opened the Public Hearing and immediately closed the Public Hearing, which is continued to the Monday, January 8, 2007, City Council Meeting at the request of City Staff.

 

Item 10. on the Agenda.           FIRST READING BILL 06-41, providing that a Primary Election shall not be held, and calling a General Election for the election of one position to the Gladstone City Council on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, describing the form of the ballot, and directing the City Clerk to submit certification of such election to the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners pursuant to RSMo 115.125.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to place Bill 06-41 on First Reading.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 06-41, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 06-41 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.018.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded. 

 

Roll Call Vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0)

 

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 November 27, 2006, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Bill Cross adjourned the regular meeting.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

___________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk

                                                                                       Approved as submitted:  ___

 

                                                                                Approved as corrected/amended: ___

 

                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                 Mayor Bill Cross