MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

REGULAR MEETING

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006

 

 

PRESENT:          Mayor Bill Cross

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith                        

Councilman Carol Rudi

Councilman Wayne Beer

Councilman Mark Revenaugh

 

City Manager Kirk Davis

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

City Counselor David Ramsay

City Clerk Cathy Swenson

 

 

Mayor Bill Cross opened the Regular December 11, 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.

 

Mayor Cross introduced Boy Scouts from Troop 992, sponsored by Church of the Cross, as follows:

Life Scout Tyler Sole, an 8th grade student at New Mark Middle School

1st Class Scout Nicholas Espeland, 6th grade student at New Mark Middle School

Scout Leader Kim Sole

 

Mayor Cross thanked Ms. Sole for bringing the Scouts to the meeting and invited them to attend any time and if they would like, they are welcome to lead the Color Guard at a future meeting.

 

Item 4. on the Agenda.             APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR NOVEMBER 27, 2006, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

 

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to approve the Regular November 27, 2006, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Bill Cross. (5-0).  

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

Item 5. on the Agenda.             COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

 

John Garner, 111 Heatherton Court, stated he provided a letter to City Council members, which defined in his opinion, a dangerous dog.  Mr. Garner suggested that instead of a dangerous dog Ordinance, the City consider passing a dangerous animal Ordinance.  Mr. Garner read from the letter as follows:

 

A Dangerous Animal Defined.

 

  1. Whether on public or private property, any animal when unprovoked engages in any behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury.

 

  1. Any animal when unprovoked bites a person or domestic animal and causes injury.

 

  1. Any animal when unprovoked on any occasion, has killed, severely bitten, inflicted injury or otherwise caused severe injury to any person or domestic animal.
    1. Severe injury means any injury on a human or domestic animal that results in muscle tears or disfiguring lacerations or requires multiple sutures, corrective or cosmetic surgery.

 

Mr. Garner said he feels his definition covers not just dogs, but also cats, snakes, such as a Boa Constrictor, or any other animal.  Mr. Garner continued reading his letter as follows:

 

Dangerous Animal Defined.

 

Any animal that when unprovoked: (a) inflicts a bite on a human or domestic animal either on private or public property; (b) chases or approaches a person upon the street, sidewalk or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack or any animal with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked to cause injury or otherwise to threaten the safety of humans or a domestic animal.

 

Mr. Garner suggested City Council not ban a specific breed but replace the language with the word “animal” and include the language he read.  Mr. Garner said he is very much in favor of requiring cats to be licensed.  Mr. Garner suggested that if 2,000 cats were registered, with licenses at $20 per cat, that would provide $40,000 of revenue for the City per year.  Perhaps a temporary worker could be employed for that kind of money. 

 

Mr. Garner stated that in the draft Ordinance, under Section 2.105.010, there are some places where it just reads “dog”, and it should include “dangerous animal”.  Mr. Garner said he has a Cocker Spaniel.  If he had a rabies shot for his dog on January 26, of this year, that rabies shot would still be good for him to get his dog’s license as of the first or second of January of the next year.  Mr. Garner said he feels the vaccination should be required within a 30 to 60 day period of the license actually being renewed.  Mr. Garner suggested that the vaccination also state that the animal is in good health, because if a person is going to take on the responsibility of owning a pet, they should at least see the veterinarian.  Mr. Garner said some veterinarians will just give the shot, and not listen to the heartbeat, check the dog’s lungs, or anything else.  A pet owner should be responsible enough to have the dog checked, and it should be stated on the health certificate that the dog is in good physical condition.

 

Mr. Garner stated under another section, it is stated that anyone over the age of 70 years old is exempt from licensing a dog.  Mr. Garner stated he would like that also to be the same for cats, and not to exempt anyone from paying for a license, because if a person is responsible and wants to own a pet, then they should be able to pay the money to license their pets.  The City would also pick up revenue from that.  Mr. Garner said last year he came into City Hall to register his pet, and he is not 65 years of age, although his wife is, and he did not have to pay the $20.  Mr. Garner said he would have paid it, but if the Ordinance is there, why not take advantage of it?  This extra revenue might be enough to hire an extra animal control officer or the person to fill out the extra paperwork if cats are registered, which also would take care of the feral cat issue in Gladstone. 

 

Mr. Garner said in Section 2.105.040, he feels it should read “animal owner” not “dog owner”.  Mr. Garner said he supports the insurance level going to at least one half million dollars if not a million dollars.  Mr. Garner said his insurance company will write it, and he carries one half million dollars in liability insurance now and it is all covered.  Mr. Garner stated in one section it mentions birth of offspring.  Mr. Garner said in another section it is stated that if an animal were determined to be dangerous, that the animal must be spayed or neutered, so there would be no need for the other part to take effect. 

 

Mr. Garner said he does want to see cats included in the Ordinance, and if anyone calls with a concern, they should have enough concern to show up in public and voice their opinions. 

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Garner for the time he spent on researching his comments and for attending the meeting.  Mayor Cross said he does not know if Council always agrees with Mr. Garner, but his attendance is appreciated, and Staff will look into his suggestions.

 

Leo Cheney, 202 Point Drive, said he is the President of the Home Association for Claymont Pointe, and in September 2005, he received a “Gladstone Reporter” magazine, that had an article about Gladstone updating streetlights.  Mr. Cheney said he called the phone number in the article, and someone said fine, there was money to do that.  Mr. Cheney said a lot of this he is telling to City Council has already been solved tonight, but he wants to get this in the record.  Mr. Cheney said he did fill out the form he was sent, and mailed it, which was September 30, 2005.  With the help of the City Manger this evening, who introduced him to Public Works Director Chuck Williams, Mr. Williams is going to get back with Mr. Cheney on this issue.

 

Mr. Cheney said while he was at the meeting, he wanted to mention that there is a water leak on North Belleview, the street that runs up to the Water Treatment Plant.  The leak is in the middle of the street.  Mr. Cheney said approximately 2 to 3 months ago a leak was fixed in the area by the Gladstone Water Department.  A band was put on a 10-inch water main.  Mr. Cheney said he suspects that water main may be leaking again and running under the street.  Mr. Cheney said his wife did call the Water Department, and the lady she talked to argued with his wife and said the leak was in Kansas City and not Gladstone.  His wife was told to call Kansas City.  Mr. Cheney said someone in the Water Department does not know our City’s boundaries, but Mr. Williams will also take care of that. 

 

Phil LaCapra, said he lives in the same addition as Mr. Cheney.  Mr. LaCapra asked if Gladstone has an Ordinance against dogs leaving waste in people’s lawns. 

 

Councilman Beer said there is an Ordinance that says the dog’s waste must be picked up by the dog’s owner. 

 

Mr. Cheney said their Home Owners Association says a resident cannot own a dog without the Board’s permission, but it’s pretty hard when someone buys a house and they have a dog.  They cannot tell them to sell their house or kill the dog.  Mr. Cheney said they tell them what they have to do with the dog; and to carry a bag along to pick up the dog’s waste.  Mr. Cheney said he hasn’t caught anyone not doing this.  He has talked to people who don’t live in the addition, and walk their dogs on the public street in their area.  Mr. Cheney said he cannot tell people they cannot walk in there, but he does ask them to be sure they pick up their dog’s waste.  Mr. Cheney said nobody walks more in his neighborhood than he, because he is the Homeowners’ Association President, and he is a little nosey to see what is going on.  They maintain everything outside of the houses.  Mr. Cheney said his addition’s streets were given to the City about four years ago, because they could not afford them.  Mr. Cheney said there is a sign in front of the nearby professional building that says dogs are not permitted to walk in that area.  Mr. Cheney asked if he would get into trouble if he put up these signs at the entrances to his development – a sign with a picture of a dog with a slash mark across it.

 

City Manager Kirk Davis said this is something City staff could investigate, but his first inclination is that this would probably not be effective as it is a public sidewalk and street. 

 

Councilman Beer said since that is public property, it is hard not to allow people to walk their dogs.  Councilman Beer said the Homeowners’ Association may be able to control dogs getting into the yards, but he does not believe the City would have that control.

 

Mr. Cheney said there are no sidewalks in his development and all of the ground is common ground and belongs to every resident who lives there.  It is nobody’s yard – it’s everybody’s yard. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith stated he would like to share a funny story in regard to someone not knowing the location of the City’s limits.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said the new Hy-Vee store on Englewood Road is on the south side of Englewood Road, so it is in Kansas City.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said a good friend of his said she went shopping there all of the time, loved that store and was providing a lot of sales tax dollars to Gladstone.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said that person was Kay Barnes, Mayor of Kansas City.  She thought her Hy-Vee was in our City.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi stated Sergeant Richard King recommends people walking in their neighborhoods and being nosey, because that keeps down crime.

 

Mr. Cheney said Sergeant King has visited his area, and he is a very good man.  Mr. Cheney said there were a couple of robberies in his area on Thanksgiving Day.  Some time between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, two homes had their doors kicked in.  One lady only lost fried chicken and one pork chop.  The people used her microwave and went to the next house, where they stole eight guns and ate the chicken while in the house.

 

Councilman Rudi said Mr. Cheney stated that his home addition gave their streets to the City to maintain, because of money.  Councilman Rudi asked Mr. Cheney to please remember this the next time the City needs to raise taxes or raise funds in some manner, because those streets are very expensive to maintain.

 

Mr. Cheney said he remembers this every time he pays his taxes. 

 

Councilman Beer said Sam’s Club for quite a long time thought they were in Gladstone, and they are not even very close.  It is interesting how sometimes City boundaries can be confused.

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Cheney and Mr. LaCapra for sharing their thoughts and ideas.

 

Phil Kline, 6008 North Main, stated he gave the City Counselor copies of a letter he wrote and he hopes each City Council member will read the letter, which is about pit bulls.  Mr. Kline asked if the letter could be entered into the minutes for the meeting.  Mr. Kline said he read online about the man who was attacked on two occasions early in the morning by someone who just let their pit bull run loose.  Mr. Kline said he has all kinds of things to say, but he will not do that as it is all in the letter.  Mr. Kline stated there is always some sort of conflict between liberty and safety.  Overland Park banned pit bulls.  The Police Chief told the City Council that he could guarantee them that the City would be safer without pit bulls.  Mr. Kline said the City would also be safer without any dogs over 50 pounds, and the City would be even safer with no dogs allowed at all.  This is a decision that involves liberty and safety.  Mr. Kline said he hopes City Council members will weigh this.  Mr. Kline said one of the main principles of good governance is equality under the law.  Mr. Kline said his dog is not a dangerous dog.  To say that because he has a dog that is a certain breed, it is dangerous, and he as to do things that a person with a dog that was judged to be dangerous in an objective way, is not fair.  Mr. Kline asked that City Council members give his letter good consideration.

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Kline for the letter and for his comments.

 

City Manager Davis said if it is the Council’s pleasure, that letter would be incorporated into the Meeting Minutes, as if it were read.

 

City Council members agreed to have the letter incorporated into the Meeting Minutes.  The letter is as follows:

 

An open letter from Phil Kline to the esteemed Mayor and City Council of Gladstone, MO

To wit:

I write in regard to the subject of pit bull type dogs.  To an observer this subject invites examination into a vast array of thought; ranging through such subjects as the psychology of animal rescue, to change patterns in popular notions of fear.

 

While some may find subjects such as those to be highly interesting and illuminating, it is my observation that public policy debate is best focused on the areas of public safety, and philosophy of governance.  The fact that I, a 60 year old man, who has enjoyed the companionship of one great dog or another all my life, experience the loving spirit of my sweet “shuggah” (a pit bull type dog) in a way that is somehow different, perhaps spiritual, almost even elemental, is, and should be of lesser concern to you, in your trust as councilpersons, than safety and governance.

 

Allow me please to first address the subject of safety.  Philosophically it’s true, safety and liberty, safety and quality of life, often are found to be at odds in a free society.  In the debate over banning pit bulls, the police chief of Overland Park told the O.P. city council, “The simple truth is, I can not deliver as high a level of public safety with pit bulls as I can without pit bulls”.  This statement was the clincher, the final statement after hours of testimony.  I agree Overland Park is now safer.  I will however assert that Overland Park would be safer still, banning all dogs over 50 lbs., and even safer yet, with absolutely no dogs allowed; safer, not freer.

 

Dog bite statistics show that a large majority of bites come from dogs not spayed or neutered.  Also unaltered male dogs are likely to try to escape, run in packs, even to fight and bite.  One group of researchers report finding no record of any human fatalities inflicted by altered dogs.  Mandatory spay and neuter, at the appropriate age, is an option that improves the safety of dog and man.  License to breed could include inspection, even a class or a test on responsibility of breeders to dogs and the public.  Fines and fees could support enforcement.  Programs such as these are what Kansas City has moved toward recently.

 

Now I’d like to address the case of a Gladstone man who twice was “attacked” early in the morning by a pit bull.  The dog was apparently allowed out by its owner.  The man was not bitten.  Was the dog dangerous, vicious, or even overly friendly?  We may not have had a way of knowing.  Ordinances can address such situations.  As a land surveyor I can pretty well tell before I enter a yard if a dog will attack me or not.  Sometimes it is apparent even with aggressive barking.  Animal control officers are experienced and have a good sense as to how a dog will behave.  They could investigate allegations of dangerous canine behavior, make a subjective determination, check that no violations are occurring, and if the dog is deemed dangerous, there can be both consequences and appeals.  There are now programs to certify canine temperament testers, great changes in temperament and behavior can be gained through obedience schooling.  If a dog is deemed dangerous, criteria for fence, insurance and handling, well beyond that for other dog owners can be instituted pending an appeal.

 

One of the principles of good governance is equality under the law.  Race, color, creed, national origin, the law applies the same to all.  It is argued that to hold the pit bull owner to a different rule of law than the Rottweiler, the German Shepherd, Chow, Doberman, or the Standard Poodle owners is a bad example of good governance.

 

Peety, the “Little Rascals” dog; the RCA Victor dog, “Hearing His Masters Voice”, the dog of U.S. presidents and movie stars, the pit bull, once believed to be one of the best children’s dogs for its mild temperament, deep loyalty and shuggah sweet kisses, is now in a battle for its life.  Animal abusers taunt it to meanness and fight it for profit.  The pit bull is also in a fight in every jurisdiction where it’s singled out as a focal point to fear.  The numbers of pit bulls euthanized are staggering.  Thankfully, here in Gladstone those who serve in the halls of government have been prudent and willing to look at a wide variety of legislative options.

 

I hope these thoughts are of value to each of you as you seek to improve the efficiency of the animal control department, and perform your valued official functions as councilpersons.

 

Phil Kline is a land surveyor and filmmaker

living and working in Gladstone, MO.

He may be reached by e-mail at Hand Cut Films

handcut@kc.rr.com

 

James Pfaff, 1505 Northeast 58 Street, stated it has been about six months since he last addressed the City Council in regard to a property at 5711 North Flora.  Mr. Pfaff said his concern is in regard to the way the property is being handled and the business that is being run on the property.  Mr. Pfaff said he has worked closely with Assistant City Manager Wingerson since that time to get this taken care of.  Mr. Wingerson and his staff have done a very good job of staying on top of this, and mediating with Mr. Ellis, and also helping him find an appropriate place for his business.  Mr. Pfaff said Mr. Ellis has chosen to not do this.  Mr. Pfaff stated that Mr. Ellis continues to operate his business, and to allow his property to devalue, which also devalues his property.  Mr. Pfaff said Mr. Ellis continues on in the face of the City and of its Ordinances – he has been warned and he has been told. 

 

Mr. Pfaff said at this point what he would like to see is that the City Attorney, the City Prosecutor and the City, itself, take him to the fullest extent of the law that is available.  Not picking and choosing Ordinances, violations, or ideas that should happen, but to tell him that every portion of what he is doing is wrong, illegal, and is not what is being accepted within this City.  Mr. Pfaff continued by saying that Bolling Heights is doing something that is really wonderful and he commends the City for what is being done there.  Mr. Pfaff said he lives just six blocks from Bolling Heights, and this would not be allowed there.  Mr. Pfaff said he grew up in Bolling Heights at 1006 NE 67 Terrace, and has lived in Gladstone since he was five years old.  Mr. Pfaff said likes this City, but does not want to see the edges start crumbling into the center, and that is what he sees. 

 

Mr. Pfaff said he passed out packets six months ago, and nothing within those packets have changed, and he has been in constant contact with Mr. Wingerson, who has done a good job in trying to bring Mr. Ellis within the law.  Mr. Pfaff said at this point, he would like Mr. Ellis to be prosecuted in the manner in which he has operated outside of the law, and he has been forced to live with.

 

Mayor Cross asked Mr. Wingerson for an update on this issue.

 

Mr. Wingerson thanked Mr. Pfaff for the nice words, and said it has been a problematic, time-consuming case.  Mr. Wingerson said City Council members have been briefed through their informational newsletters on the current communications with the property owner.  Staff either has or will issue citations concerning the operation of the business and some of the property maintenance and nuisance activities.  Mr. Wingerson said he informed Mr. Pfaff today that as he was out of town last week, he did not have a chance to check on the citations, but he will check on that and if it is not already done, it will be done tomorrow.  Mr. Wingerson said he has consulted with the City Attorney as well as with one of the two City Prosecutors, so they have been briefed on the issue. 

 

Mr. Pfaff said this sounds good; this has been going on for over 19 months now, and he believes it is time for it to finish.  Mr. Pfaff said he would like to see all Ordinance violations written, not just particular ones.  Mr. Ellis needs to feel the pressure.

 

Mayor Cross thanked Mr. Pfaff for his comments.

 

Item 6. on the Agenda.             COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith stated that with Council’s permission, he would leave the meeting at this time to attend a visitation for one of his employees, who recently passed away.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said if he left now, he would be back in time to finish this evening’s Closed Executive Session.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith said he noticed a few weeks ago an article in the Kansas City Star about the NKC Wildcats, which is a football team based here in Gladstone.  Matt (Gladstone Parks and Facilities Supervisor) and Karen Hoops have run this organization for 13 years, and he thinks it would be nice if the City Clerk would draft a letter of congratulations to them for City Council members to sign.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith said the NKC Wildcats won ten games and lost none this year, and won the Missouri State Championship.  Mayor Pro Tem Smith suggested, jokingly, that perhaps Matt and Karen could now take charge of the Kansas City Chiefs!

 

Councilman Wayne Beer stated that he, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Councilman Rudi, and Assistant City Manager Wingerson attended the National League of Cities Conference in Reno, Nevada this past week.  Councilman Beer said they all worked very hard.  This was a very intense conference with a lot of good, and new things for the City that will be directly applicable to us.  Councilman Beer said he appreciated that they were able to attend this conference and work as hard as they did.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi stated the National League of Cities Conference was an excellent conference and she came back with lots of work for Staff. 

 

Councilman Rudi said she understood today is City Counselor Ramsay’s birthday.  Councilman Rudi wished Mr. Ramsay a happy birthday.

 

Councilman Mark Revenaugh had no comments at this time.

 

Mayor Bill Cross stated he, Councilman Revenaugh, and City Manager Davis are glad that they sent such a very worthwhile group to the National League of Cities Conference to cover for them, as they could not attend.  Mayor Cross said he was sorry not to attend; he has attended for six consecutive years, but was not able to attend this year.  Mayor Cross said they did represent the City at the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet, which was very worthwhile, and he appreciated the opportunity to attend this event.

 

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

 

City Manager Kirk Davis reported there would be a special City Council meeting, with an Open Study Session at 5:00 PM, on December 18, 2006.  There will be no City Council meeting on December 25th or December 26th, so the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be in January 2007.  City Manager Davis stated if City residents have a Christmas tree to dispose of, the Christmas tree drop-off will be at the Public Works site, 4000 NE 76 Street, and residents are welcome to drop off their Christmas trees for disposal at that location after Christmas.

 

Item 8. on the Agenda.             COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A SIGN VARIANCE for Van Chevrolet/Cadillac located at 100 NW Vivion Road.  Applicant:  JRMA Architects, Inc.  Owner:  Van Chevrolet/Cadillac.

 

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson stated this sign variance has to do with Van Chevrolet/Cadillac, for whom a building permit was approved in July 2006.  The site is being renovated and the building is also being renovated.  Mr. Wingerson stated our City’s Sign Ordinance prohibits the use of a pole sign; however, it can be approved by the City Council for a specific location and a specific use, which is the request of Van Chevrolet/Cadillac this evening.  Mr. Wingerson said due to the nature of the business, which is high volume car sales, and the location of business at the intersection of two State routes, Vivion Road and the I-29/169 split, Staff thinks this is not the worse request presented to City Council. 

 

Mr. Wingerson said information is enclosed in the plan provided to City Council members; however, he would like to highlight some items.  Mr. Wingerson pointed out that just to the south, or at the bottom of the page from the proposed location for the pylon sign, is the City limit line.  The sign is barely in the City of Gladstone.  Moving it further to the south is an option; however, that sign would be located in Kansas City, Missouri.  Mr. Wingerson said Kansas City has expressed two concerns to the Van Chevrolet/Cadillac owners.  One concern is that moving the sign that far forward will require a setback variance and a second concern is that Kansas City has no incentive in that variance as the economic activity from this property is located in Gladstone and not in Kansas City.  Building Official Alan Napoli has implemented an agreement for our City to perform the inspection and building services for that portion of Kansas City, on their behalf.  Mr. Wingerson said there was a representative present for the approval request.

 

Brian Schaffer, stated he represented Van Chevrolet/Cadillac, and began by saying he believed the existing sign was grandfathered in at this site.

 

Mr. Wingerson said the current pylon sign is located on the east side, just to the front of the building, in the City of Gladstone.  The renovation causes the removal of the existing sign.  The existing sign would be grandfathered in under our City’s provisions, but the moving of the sign is not grandfathered in. 

 

Mr. Schaffer said basically what they are requesting is to move the sign 15 feet to the south, which would be best for the construction, and they are trying to make the site look as good as possible.  Mr. Schaffer said this is the first thing one sees when they enter Gladstone, and if anyone has driven by, he believes they will agree it looks better than it ever has, and he believes it looks great.  With a new driving lane, it will be difficult to make the sign retrofit from where it was before. 

 

Councilman Beer said, as he is sure has been make clear to Mr. Schaffer by Staff, the City of Gladstone has been discouraging pole signs in the City, mainly because of the fact that many pole signs become a visual clutter.  When a sign has to be moved, the City requires that the new sign has to be a monument sign.  The impetus for the Ordinance most directly had its greatest impact on North Oak Trafficway and Antioch Road, and other commercial corridors within the City, where there are many signs.  Councilman Beer said his personal opinion in regard to Mr. Schaffer’s request, given the size and location of the property, the proximity to two State routes, and the need for visibility, is that he is inclined to be in agreement with this request.  Generally he would not be positively amenable to pole signs, but given these conditions, he would be amenable to approval.

 

Mr. Schaffer said the sign offers more of a chrome coating on the entire sign, with a plastic fascia on it, so it would never become old, outdated, and not looking good. 

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the SIGN VARIANCE for Van Chevrolet/Cadillac located at 100 NW Vivion Road.  Applicant:  JRMA Architects, Inc.  Owner:  Van Chevrolet/Cadillac.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.

 

Councilman Rudi stated she has a difficult time with this request.  The City changed its Sign Ordinance for a reason, and she does not like making variances for one business that City Council is not willing to make for other businesses.  Councilman Rudi said the only thing that convinces her that she can vote in the affirmative for this Sign Variance, is its location near the two State routes.  Councilman Rudi said what the sign is made of doesn’t convince her, and the size of the property does not convince her; the location is the only thing that does convince her to vote affirmatively.  Councilman Rudi said she wished the business would reconsider and install a monument sign, but she will vote in favor of this issue. 

 

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

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.             RESOLUTION R-06-76, authorizing execution of Amendment Four to the Master Agreement for professional services with Olsson Associates, Inc. in the total amount not to exceed $24,160.00 for the Design of the North Oak Trafficway Water Main Replacement Project.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-06-76, authorizing execution of Amendment Four to the Master Agreement for professional services with Olsson Associates, Inc. in the total amount not to exceed $24,160.00 for the Design of the North Oak Trafficway Water Main Replacement Project.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, and Mayor Bill Cross. (4-0).  

 

Item 10. 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 3, 2007, Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 Midnight.  Managing Officer:  Ms. Jeanette Hoy.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi moved to approve a LIMITED ONE DAY LIQUOR BY THE DRINK LICENSE to Oakhill Day School, 7019 North Cherry, for the annual auction event on Saturday, March 3, 2007, Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 Midnight.  Managing Officer:  Ms. Jeanette Hoy.  Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded. 

 

Councilman Wayne Beer said that as his wife is Head of School at Oakhill Day School, although in this particular case he cannot imagine there would be either a positive or negative financial influence on his vote, he still deemed it necessary to abstain from the vote. 

 

The vote:  “Aye” – Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Councilman Carol Rudi, and Mayor Bill Cross.  “Abstain” – Councilman Wayne Beer.  (3-0-1).  

 

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 December 11, 2006, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Bill Cross adjourned the regular meeting.

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adjourn to Closed Executive Session pursuant to the Missouri Open Meeting Act exemptions 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 Carol Rudi seconded the motion.

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

___________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk

                                                                                       Approved as submitted:  ___

 

                                                                                Approved as corrected/amended: ___

 

                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                 Mayor Bill Cross