MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007

 

 

ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

6:00 PM

 

Mayor Les Smith opened the City Council Meeting to adjourn to a Closed Executive Session on May 29, 2007, at 6:00 PM.  Councilman Wayne Beer made a motion to adjourn to Closed Executive Session pursuant to Missouri Open Meeting Act Exemption 610.021 (1) for Litigation and Confidential or Privileged Communications with Legal Counsel, and 610.021 (2) for Real Estate Acquisition Discussion, and 610.21(3) for Personnel Discussion.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.

 

Roll Call Vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Les Smith. (3-0).

 

Councilman Carol Rudi was also in attendance at the Closed Executive Session.  Councilman Bill Cross was absent.

 

Mayor Les Smith recessed the Closed Executive Session to go into an Open Study Session at 6:30 PM, explaining the City Council would reconvene the Closed Executive Session following the Regular City Council meeting.

 

 

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 PM

 

PRESENT:          Mayor Les Smith

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh

Councilman Carol Rudi

Councilman Wayne Beer

 

City Manager Kirk Davis

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

City Counselor David Ramsay

City Clerk Cathy Swenson

 

ABSENT:            Councilman Bill Cross

 

Mayor Les Smith opened the Regular May 29, 2007, City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.

 

 

Item 2. on the Agenda.             ROLL CALL

 

Mayor Smith noted that all Council members were present this evening except for Councilman Bill Cross.  

 

Item 3. on the Agenda.             PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

 

Mayor Les Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.

 

Item 4. on the Agenda.             APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR May 14, 2007, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh moved to approve the Regular May 14, 2007, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

Item 5. on the Agenda       CONSENT AGENDA

 

Following the Clerks reading, Councilman Carol Rudi asked that Resolution R-07-38 be removed from the Consent Agenda for consideration as Item 5a. under the Regular Agenda.

 

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

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-07-36, authorizing execution of a contract with Miller Paving and Construction, LLC, in the total amount not to exceed $144,593.00 for the Northeast 72nd Street Turn Lane Project.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-07-37, authorizing Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $50,125.00 to the contract with American Marking and Paving, Incorporated, for the 2007 Curb and Sidewalk Program Project.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-07-39, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of North Kansas City, Missouri, for Intergovernmental Police Service and Assistance.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-07-40, authorizing acceptance of a proposal from Victor L. Phillips for the purchase of a Loader Back-Hoe for the net purchase amount of $63,500.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the FINANCIAL REPORT FOR APRIL 2007.  Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh, and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  

 

REGULAR  AGENDA

 

Item 5a. on the Agenda.           RESOLUTION R-07-38, authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for installation and maintenance of a Red Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System within the City of Gladstone Missouri with Traffipax, Inc. 

 

Councilman Rudi stated that in Article 18 there is a correction that needs to be made.  It has been determined that subsection 18.1 should state the agreement shall be for a period of three years. 

 

Councilman  Rudi  stated  with  that  correction,  she  moved  to  approve  RESOLUTION

R-07-38, authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for installation and maintenance of a Red Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System within the City of Gladstone Missouri with Traffipax, Inc.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.

 

Mayor Smith stated that Council has been working on this for quite some time, and it has been a goal for some folks for a while to have this system in place.  Mayor Smith said since it has been placed on the Regular Agenda for discussion, he would like to say “good work” to Public Works Director Chuck Williams and Finance Director Debra Daily on bringing this recommendation to Council.  Mayor Smith stated, “let’s get going”.

 

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

 

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

 

There was no communication from the audience.

 

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

 

Councilman Wayne Beer stated Bluesfest is coming up soon, and will be held the 8th and 9th of June in Oak Grove Park.  Councilman Beer encouraged all to attend.

 

Councilman Carol Rudi stated that also on June 8 and 9 is the City wide garage sales, and encouraged all to spend their money in the City.  Councilman Rudi said although the garage sales do not bring in sales tax, she would invite all to eat and make purchases in Gladstone, which brings sales tax revenues into our City.  Councilman Rudi reported the City hosted an excellent event this past weekend with the Municipal Pool ribbon cutting and pool opening, which was a lot of fun and well attended.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh had no comments at this time.

 

Mayor Les Smith thanked all who helped with the ribbon cutting and rededication of the Municipal Pool on Saturday.  Mayor Smith thanked Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis and her staff, including Parks Supervisor Matt Hoops, Recreation Programmer Russ Collins, and Recreation Supervisor Tina Spallo and others, who worked 60, 70, 80 hours from last Monday through Saturday to get the pool ready for the event.  Mayor Smith commended the Gladstone on the Move members for the work they did in passing the sales tax initiative to make the renovations possible.  Mayor Smith commended the City Council for adopting the recommendations.

 

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

 

City Manager Kirk Davis reported on June 30th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, the City will sponsor an event at Public Works, which will allow folks to drop off their antifreeze, oil, batteries and paint.  City Manager Davis invited everyone to the Fishing Derby this Saturday at 9:00 AM at Hamilton Heights Park, and to the Sweet Adelines concert, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Oak Grove Park.

 

Item 9. on the Agenda.                 FIRST READING BILL 07-13, approving the Final Plat of “Northaven Village Condominium Ninth Plat”, a subdivision in the County of Clay, City of Gladstone, Missouri, and directing the appropriate officials to affix their signatures to said plat for recording.  Applicant/Owner: Northaven Village LLC.  File Number 1296.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh moved to place Bill 07-13 on First Reading.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 07-13, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.  The vote:  All “aye” – Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Carol Rudi, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh and Mayor Les Smith.  (4-0).  The Clerk read the Bill.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 07-13 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.031.  Councilman Wayne Beer seconded. 

 

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

 

Item 10. on the Agenda.           PUBLIC HEARING:  on the proposed 2007-2008 Annual Operating Budget for the City of Gladstone, Missouri.

 

Mayor Les Smith opened the Public Hearing and invited City Manager Davis to present the City’s budget report.

 

City Manager Kirk Davis thanked Mayor Smith and said this evening he had the pleasure to present in Public Hearing the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 budget for the City of Gladstone.  The City Council has spent at least two Study Sessions on this issue, and there have been numerous discussions on various issues throughout the document.  Tonight is the Public Hearing and at the next Council meeting, if all goes well tonight, Staff will be presenting a Resolution for adoption to allow the City to pay the bills and operate this next Fiscal Year.  The proposed annual budget for Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) represents the strategic, administrative and financial plan of the City of Gladstone.  This budget is the product of a comprehensive team effort from every level of the municipal organization.

 

City Manager Davis said the budget team this year consisted of:  the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Finance Director, the Parks and Recreation Director, and Financial Analyst Beth Saluzzi.  The FY08 budget is intended to serve as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device.  The FY08 budget is conservative yet fiscally responsible, representing a continuing commitment to the citizens of Gladstone as well as to the employees who provide citizen services.  The City must continue to be focused on our current economic development initiatives.  We continue to be challenged by growth outside of our community.  We continue to see aging commercial structures on our business corridors, so it is safe to say that this budget focuses on economic development.  This budget focuses on neighborhood services, capital fleet acquisition, and controlling operational costs when we do not have massive expansion of revenues. 

 

City Manager Davis continued by saying the budgeted revenues are projected to be $14,831,181.  This projection represents a slight increase of $53,000 or .4% over FY07 expected revenues.  General Fund Sales Tax revenue, our largest source of revenue, is projected to be relatively flat from that same FY07 expected budget.  The Gross Receipts Tax revenues, the City’s second largest revenue source, amount to $2,617,000 or 17.7% of the total revenue budget, and are projected to drop 1% in FY08.  License and Permit revenue, as well as Intergovernmental revenue for FY08 are projected to increase only slightly.  Charges for Services amounting to 2,086,299 or 14.1% of total revenues are projected to increase $73,748, mainly because of emergency ambulance service revenue.  Fines and Forfeiture revenue is projected to remain strong, increasing 3% or $24,200.  This is due to additional court cases, full staffing in the Traffic Unit, and a continuing focus on traffic enforcement.  This total revenue is $831,000. 

 

City Manager Davis stated that Miscellaneous Revenue and Transfers in the amount of $1,132,826, is expected to increase $379,667.  Interest revenue is expected to increase an estimated 20%.  Transfers ($821,326) include a transfer from Technology Replacement in the amount of $50,000; Equipment Replacement in the amount of $145,000; administrative transfers from construction funds in the amount of $420,875; and from the Use Tax reserve, $100,000.  No equity adjustments are currently budgeted for the FY08 budget.  The fund balance is $812 over the 20% reserve requirement with a positive net income of $7,992.

 

City Manager Davis reported that expenditures in the General Fund for FY08 are recommended to be $14,823,189.  The FY08 projected expenditures represent a $46,057 increase over FY07 or only .31%.  Personnel Services only show a minimal increase over the FY07 Budget.  This is directly due to an accounting change for FY08.  In the past, property and liability insurance have been accounted for within personnel services since they are handled by the Human Resources Division; however, for FY08, these non-personnel related expenditures of about $412,592 have been moved to a services line item and accounted for in the Non-Departmental Division of the General Fund.  The Personnel budget, as presented in the General Fund, reflects the addition of one full time Senior IT analyst and one part time position for Animal Control.  City Manager Davis said the numbers reflected in the budget are going to change slightly, as there is added a part time position for a Legal Assistant for Legal and Human Resources assistance.  These numbers will change all of the tables, and will be reflected in the Resolution that Council will address in two weeks.  Also reflected is funding of a recommended average 2% merit increase in FY08. 

 

City Manager Davis said supplies have increased over FY07 by $18,564 or 2.2% based on general requests in department line items.  Services show an increase of $270,254 over FY07, directly attributed to the accounting change regarding property and liability insurance as mentioned previously.  Capital outlay has increased from FY07 expected of $307,369 to $329,700 for FY08.  Consistent with the 2008 Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Plan, Public Safety will purchase three new patrol vehicles at a total cost of $82,500 and trade for two new motorcycles for a net cost of $200.  Fire/EMS will lease purchase a new fire truck with an anticipated first year lease cost of $85,000.  The total estimated cost of this truck is $495,000.  Public Works will purchase a new utility truck at the budgeted cost of $65,000, and split the expense of $90,000 for a new dump truck with the Combined Water Sewerage System Fund.  Public Works will also continue to pay for the lease purchase of the street sweeper at the cost of $35,000 (second year).  Finally, Parks and Recreation will purchase a small utility tractor at a cost of $17,000. 

 

City Manager Davis reported that this budget, like all previous budgets, does reflect Council objectives, and also focuses on supporting the initiatives generated by Gladstone on the Move.  City Manager Davis said he would not go through all of those objectives at this time, but he is very pleased with the progress that is being made in achieving many of those objectives.  Personnel changes have been mentioned briefly, and there are no meaningful changes in the benefit package. 

 

City Manager Davis continued by saying that under Supplemental Expenditures, the General Fund supplemental requests include buildings and technology, as detailed on pages 48-49 of the Draft Budget Report.  The proposed budget attempted to address the top budget priorities of each department and recommended funding a total of $190,280 in supplemental requests for FY08.  Of those, Technology related equipment replacements total $48,00 as recommended in Finance.  Public Works requested increases of $7,500 for increases in line items for paint and for enhanced sign improvements.  Community Development received the majority of the money, and they are proposing the continuation of enhancements of neighborhood programs in accordance with City Council goals and the Gladstone on the Move vision.  That was the focus of the third Study Session item this evening.  If approved, the funding for neighborhood services will be increasing by almost $70,000 this year.  City Manager Davis said he is glad to see the progress and he thinks this will have a positive impact on many of our neighborhoods.

 

City Manager Davis said Parks and Recreation building requests in the amount of $28,600 were recommended for funding.  The requests were to replace interior doors at the Animal Shelter; reconfigure the IT office, addressing security and cooling needs; and repair the City Hall planter stucco at an estimated cost of $25,000.  The Capital Improvements Committee received a request for $50,000 in funding to assist with a portion of the funding that is necessary for the first phase of a two-phase project for the Atkins-Johnson Farm.  This was the subject of a Study Session about a month and a half ago.  It is anticipated a need for $300,000 in funding for the first phase.  It is requested the City consider using $30,000 of the requested $35,000 that is set aside every year to secure a loan for the property that would result in approximately $250,000 in funds for renovation to make improvements at this historic site.

 

City Manager Davis reported the proposed budget for the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Fund will provide for all operating costs, capital equipment purchases, bond requirements, and capital improvements.  The total revenues are estimated at $7,419,898 and total expenses are estimated at $7,416,172, resulting in a net income of $3,726.  On the revenue side, the proposed operating revenues for water and sewerage sales of $6,414,898 for fiscal year FY08 is an increase of $260,664 from FY07 expected operating revenues.  The Combined Water and Sewerage System operating revenues are based on the estimated sale of 815 million gallons of water, and a service charge increase is recommended to decrease the gap between the service fee revenue and fixed operating costs.  The purpose for the service charge is to cover the fixed operating costs that must be funded regardless of seasonal variations in water usage and corresponding sales revenues.  City Manager Davis said, pursuant to Council direction, every other year we either address fee increases or we address rate increases.  This year the fee increase will be addressed.

 

City Manager Davis said on the expense side of the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Fund, the proposed FY08 operating expenses increased $321,997 or 6.67% over FY07 expected operating expenses.  This increase is mainly due to the 8% expected increase in sewer treatment charges with Kansas City, Missouri, and the addition of the Utility Locate Specialist position in the amount of $42,494.  Capital outlay stayed consistent with FY07, decreasing by only $4,747.  A major portion of this capital outlay budget or $787,724 is dedicated to water line replacements projects and $330,000 is budgeted to cover costs related to the recent North Oak/Kansas City waterline replacements that necessitated street overlay repairs.  Based on the newly implemented five year equipment and vehicle replacement plan, $222,000 has been budgeted to fund replacements of two 1 ton utility trucks at $37,000 each, two 4x4 pickups at $40,000 each, one skid steer loader at $23,000, and one dump truck funded one-half in the General fund and one-half in the Combined Water and Sewerage System Fund.  Consistent with recent rate increase initiatives, $122,250 is budgeted in a reserve fund for future unanticipated water plant repairs.  In addition $64,200 has been budgeted for bearing repairs on the secondary basin and $5,000 for Wincam software.  The FY08 budget reflects a 2.7% or $28,550 increase in personnel services.  The increase includes a recommendation of one new Utility Locate Specialist, and a 2% merit increase pool.

 

City Manager Davis began discussing the Capital Improvement Program by saying this is one of the most important policy documents considered by the City Council.  The Plan presents a clear picture of projects scheduled for the current year, and all elements of the Capital Improvements Program are important; however, certain key projects and philosophies are highlighted for the Council’s information.  Street rehabilitation and reconstruction continues to be a high priority.  FY08 includes $830,000 for street mill and overlay, and intermediate maintenance.  Other major street improvements funded in FY08 include the Pleasant Valley Road acquisition of $105,000 and signal construction at 61st Street and North Oak in the amount of $160,500, and approximately $325,000 for sidewalks.  The M-1 Trail and Shoal Creek Pedestrian Bridge and connectors are also funded for FY08 in the amount of $1,586,000.  Revenues and grants in the amount of $937,250 fund the majority of the costs of these projects.  Fiscal Year 08 funds a total of $220,000 for stormwater projects.  The major projects include: $133,750 for 69th Terrace, east of Euclid, $5,000 for Linden Baptist Church Drainage Study, and $26,250 for Meadowlane Townhomes project design.  Funds in the amount of $55,000 are budgeted for other miscellaneous stormwater projects.

 

City Manager Davis continued discussing the Capital Improvement Program by saying FY08 funds a total of $364,100 for park projects.  Major proposed park projects include the Oak Park Playground, Parks Trails Replacement Program, 72nd Street Tennis Court Lights, Atkins Johnson Farm Roof, Happy Rock Expansion Shelter, and the Amphitheatre Lighting Truss. 

 

City Manager Davis said if one really wants to look at this budget, it is exciting in one respect in that this is the first year for the Community Center, and what has been done is basically budgeting for the most part 12 months of revenues, and seven months of expenditures.  Staff knows this has to be a fluid document, relative to the Community Center and Pool Fund, but it is a start.  The proposed operating revenues for the Community Center and Natatorium amount to $1,755,593, and Outdoor Pool revenues are projected to be $196,978.  The proposed FY08 operating expenditures for the Community Center and Natatorium amount to $1,006,545 and $157,671 for the Outdoor Pool.  These numbers will change drastically when the City gets into 12-month operations. 

 

City Manager Davis reported that the Special Park and Playground Fund has no expenditures budgeted at this time.  The Capital Equipment Replacement Fund budgets about $145,000 to help offset some of the General Fund costs for fleet replacement.

 

City Manager Davis concluded by saying he moved through the budget relatively quickly, but believed he hit all the highlights.  City Manager Davis thanked the City Council for reviewing all the documentation submitted to justify the adoption of the FY08 budget.  The proposed budget reflects a great deal of work by many people in the City’s organization, and a special thanks to the Finance Department for their outstanding efforts during the development of the budget.  City Manager Davis said he especially wanted to recognize the budget team:  Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson, Finance Director Debra Daily, Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis, and Financial Analyst Beth Saluzzi, and all the Department Heads for the work they have done in preparing a responsible budget for the Council’s consideration.  City Manager Davis invited any questions, and said there will be a Resolution on the next City Council agenda.

 

There being no questions, Mayor Smith said City Staff must have done a very good job.

 

Councilman Beer stated not only that, it has probably been discussed amongst the Council quite a bit, and Council feels pretty comfortable with the proposed budget.

 

Mayor Smith asked if there was anyone in the audience who would like to address the budget issue this evening, either for or against, or with any questions.  There were no communications from the audience.  Mayor Smith thanked City Manager Davis and all the people who worked so hard on the budget.  Mayor Smith said he says every year that it is like pulling a rabbit out the hat or some sort of Houdini act the way the City is able to balance the budget and still provide the basic services to the community.  Mayor Smith said his hat is off to the City Manager, the Department Heads, and all the employees.

 

Mayor Smith closed the Public Hearing.

 

Item 11. on the Agenda.           OTHER BUSINESS.

 

Mayor Smith said a couple of us have been very critical of Municipal Court Judge Rose in the past, especially regarding some code enforcement issues.  Mayor Smith said he read that Judge Rose pretty much “threw the hammer down” relative to the McMurray property in Bolling Heights, and that property has been cleaned up and things have moved off that property that haven’t moved in 20 years.  Mayor Smith said if one is critical of the judge, then one must also compliment him and commend him on his actions in this case.

 

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 29, 2007, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Les Smith adjourned the regular meeting to reconvene to the scheduled Closed Executive Session.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

______________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk

                                                                                       Approved as submitted:  ___

 

                                                                                Approved as corrected/amended: ___

 

 

                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                 Mayor Les Smith