MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008


REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 PM



PRESENT: Mayor Mark Revenaugh

Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi

Councilman Les Smith

Councilman Wayne Beer

Councilmember Carol Suter

City Manager Kirk Davis

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

City Counselor David Ramsay

City Clerk Cathy Swenson


Mayor Mark Revenaugh opened the Regular July 28, 2008, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.


Item 2. on the Agenda. ROLL CALL


Mayor Mark Revenaugh noted that all Council members were present.


Item 3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.


Mayor Revenaugh recognized Boy Scouts from Troop 155, sponsored by Fairview Christian Church, who served as the Honor Guard and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Revenaugh asked the Scouts and the Merit Badge Counselor to introduce themselves, and provide their school and Scouting rank as follows:


Matt Carson, Senior Patrol Leader, sophomore at Oak Park High School, Life Scout.

Cody Allen, sophomore at Winnetonka High School, Life Scout.

Cole Stevens, 6th grade student at Antioch Middle School, Second Class.

Colin Kipper, 8th grade student at Antioch Middle School, Life Scout.

Alex Olson, 8th grade student at Antioch Middle School, Star Scout.

Jake Bell, 8th grade student at Antioch Middle School, Star Scout.

Darian Mink, 7th grade student at Antioch Middle School, First Class.

Alex Iniguer, freshman at Oak Park High School, Star Scout.

Aaron Brown, junior at Oak Park High School, Life Scout.

Dyelan Mink, freshman at Oak Park High School, Life Scout.

Zack Stevens, junior at St. Pius X High School, Life Scout.

Shelly Allen, Merit Badge Counselor.


Ms. Allen stated the Scouts are working on their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.


Following applause from the audience, Mayor Revenaugh thanked the Scouts, and said he was a member of Troop 155, when he attended Antioch Middle School. Mayor Revenaugh said it is nice to see the troop doing so well and with so many Scouts participating in the Troop.


Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 14, 2008, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.


Councilmember Carol Suter moved to approve the Regular July 14, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilman Carol Rudi seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


Item 5. on the Agenda. SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF BILL LEDFORD.


Mayor Revenaugh stated that tonight we have a special recognition of an employee, Bill Ledford, who was a long time member of the Public Works Department, and who has passed away recently.


Mayor Revenaugh read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Bill Ledford’s nearly 25 years of service in the Public Works Department to his wife, Sandy and his son, Charles, who thanked the Mayor and City Council, which was followed by a standing ovation.


Item 6. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: in recognition of Old Pike Country Club’s 50th Anniversary.


Mayor Revenaugh read and presented a Proclamation in recognition of Old Pike Country Club’s 50th Anniversary to Old Pike Country Club President Joseph Parnacott. Mr. Parnacott thanked the Mayor and Council and introduced Jan Burn, Swim Team Coordinator for the Country Club, who he said grew up in the Club, her two sons are lifeguards at the Club, and her husband is the Club Manager. Mr. Parnacott also introduced his wife, Debra and his daughter, Nancy.


Councilman Les Smith said Mr. Parnacott lives within throwing distance of the former Hamilton Heights Country Club.


Mr. Parnacott replied he was the President of Hamilton Heights Country Club, and now that it is closed, he is the President of Old Pike Country Club. Mr. Parnacott said he did not go very far.


Councilman Smith said Hamilton Heights Country Club had a swimming pool when he was a kid, and Old Pike Swim Team used to “just beat the pants off” the Hamilton Heights Swim Team.


Mayor Revenaugh stated he used to be a member of Old Pike Country Club.


Councilman Smith jokingly said he could top that; Mr. Parnacott lives in the house where Councilman Smith was born.


Item 7. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: recognizing Nancy Thompson and Christine Treat Bushyhead, recipients of the Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association’s Lou Czech Award.


Mayor Revenaugh invited Ms. Thompson and Ms. Bushyhead to join him as he read and presented to each of them a copy of the Proclamation.


Ms. Thompson thanked the Mayor and Council and said it was her pleasure to serve as Gladstone’s City Attorney. She was very fortunate when she came to Gladstone, because there was a fantastic management team in place, and there was a very supportive City Council. Gladstone has always had a professional government in the City Manager form of government. Ms. Thompson said she was fortunate because she got to follow Ms. Bushyhead, and she was able to pull out her files, and take her lead on a lot of topics, which made her job a whole lot easier. Ms. Thompson said both she and Ms. Bushyhead had the rare opportunity to follow someone who is not here any longer, and that is John Dods. For those who knew Mr. Dods and worked with him, he was a preeminent City Attorney in the State of Missouri, and was one of the first attorneys for the City of Gladstone. Ms. Thompson said that Mr. Dods was very deserving, because he made what they do easier.


Ms. Bushyhead stated that the City of Gladstone was her first City Attorney position, and she, too, had the advantage of working with a highly professional staff and great elected officials who taught her how to do some of the things she does, and gave her a foundation to go by. Ms. Bushyhead thanked the City for the opportunity almost 20 years ago now. Ms. Bushyhead acknowledged former City Clerk Marilyn Ahnefeld, (now retired) who was in the audience, saying she was their mentor, and Ms. Thompson said she taught them everything they know!


Item 8. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA.


Following the Clerk’s reading, Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-41, authorizing the Mayor, City Council members, City Manager, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to execute all necessary applications and other documents to seek a Grant-in-Aid under the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund for City of Gladstone Park Improvements. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-42, accepting a Temporary Construction Easement from a property owner in conjunction with the Shoal Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Project. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh.

(5-0)


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-43, authorizing acceptance of proposals from Diamond International for the purchase of a five-yard Dump Truck with Heil body, and from Knapheide Truck Equipment for the purchase of a Salt Spreader and Snow Plow for the combined net purchase amount of $99,076. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the following ANNUAL LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS:

Margarita’s North Incorporated, dba Margarita’s, 7013 North Oak Trafficway, Class A&B Liquor by the Drink License.


Price Chopper, 6745 North Prospect, Seven-Day Package Liquor and Wine Tasting License.


Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to approve the Financial Report for June 2008. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0)


REGULAR AGENDA


Item 9. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.


David Peironnet, 6204 North Park, began by saying that last Friday, Gladstone hosted a regional meeting on mass transportation and its future, and members of the City staff and elected office holders who were involved in that deserve a word of recognition. It really came off nicely and was a nice job. Mr. Peironnet said the second item he wished to address was the standard thing that he likes to complain about and that is illegally placed advertising signs in public right of ways. Mr. Peironnet said he would like to say something nice, and that is that City staff got out letters to candidates a couple of weeks ago, and he believes it has really cut down the number of illegally placed signs. Mr. Peironnet said he would like for the City Council to express at least a word of support in public that laws will be enforced thoroughly, equally, fairly and equitably, but thoroughly. Mr. Peironnet said he believes that by sending out a very clear message this early in the game, we will not have the kinds of problems we have seen in the past. The letters and efforts in the past have cut down on this problem, and by expressing strong support for doing something vigorously, and equitably and fairly will diminish the problem as we move forward into the November general election in addition to the primaries coming up shortly.


Mayor Revenaugh thanked Mr. Peironnet and stated Council would like to go on record as saying that they endorse all the Ordinances in Gladstone and hope that folks follow them.


JoAnn Whitlock, 607 NE 67 Place, began by saying that she had provided packets with photographs to Council members. Ms. Whitlock said she represents the residents of western Bolling Heights who have storm water run-off problems. Ms. Whitlock read a narrative as follows:


Shannon Aller moved into our neighborhood just last year, but it took her concerns and energetic investigations for us to realize that the water problems weren’t isolated to our own property. She discovered residents spread over many blocks shared the same stories, and she got us organized.


She has spoken to Scott Wingerson and other city representatives and received a letter indicating the city will begin a process of evaluating possible solutions. We are very pleased to learn this.


We decided to address you this evening to ensure the Council knows how serious our problems are. We have circulated a short petition in the area and I would like to share it with you.


It says: We all, as neighbors and property owners in Bolling Heights, have had problems caused by storm water run-off. Some of our concerns are, but not limited to:



I have personally experienced ALL of these. This petition, to date, has been signed by 23 property owners. I have made copies for you. Some of the people have included letters and photos to explain their personal experiences and frustrations. The original photos are in folders I have handed to you and I would like you to glance at them.


We realize this is a large, complex project but we need the city to correct the storm water run-off problems. The letter Shannon received addressed the issues, but property owners want to know exactly what (I will quote) “the consistent work that will be occurring over the next year” entails.


We are watching our property values decline with this unresolved problem. We have pride in our homes, our neighborhood, and our city. We want to be a part of “Gladstone on the Move” but we can’t move forward until this is resolved. Residents want more detailed information and a timeline on the process of evaluating possible solutions.


Ms. Whitlock thanked the Council for their time and the opportunity to address them.


Mayor Revenaugh asked Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson if he had a chance to look into this.


Mr. Wingerson replied he had, and thanked Ms. Whitlock and Ms. Aller for providing such comprehensive information. It helps to better understand the issues. Mr. Wingerson stated that back in June, as Ms. Whitlock expressed, he wrote a letter to Ms. Aller explaining a three-step process. The first step is to notch a curb to allow some backyard storm water to reach the public street. Step two is to install a curb inlet on the very western edge of Bolling Heights to catch some of the water running from downhill and curving around in the street to access the storm system and expel that downstream. The third step, and maybe where the confusion lies, is the statement that says, “consistent work over the next year will occur”. Mr. Wingerson said that basically the solution to this concern is very complicated. There are groundwater concerns, topography concerns, original development concerns, and age of the single-family home concerns. There are about six issues all in play in this one area. Mr. Wingerson said what Staff would like is the opportunity to study the issue, which then leads to finding how much a solution will cost, which then leaves funding through the Capital Improvement Plan, which will lead to ultimately solving the concern. To that end, Staff has already scheduled two things that may be of interest to the residents of Bolling Heights. The first thing is the curb inlet that we committed to install will be ordered this week, and installed this summer, so we are following the commitment in the letter in that regard. The second thing is to invite the Council, as well as the residents from Bolling Heights to the Capital Improvements Committee meeting that is scheduled for this next Monday, August 4th, at 5:30 PM, here in this building. They have agreed to hear this concern, understand it, and hopefully they will provide direction to Staff to begin the initial steps to move this project forward.


Mayor Revenaugh asked Mr. Wingerson if this process has been explained to the residents.


Mr. Wingerson replied he explained the process this evening to Ms. Whitlock and the other residents probably heard it for the first time just now.


Item 10. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.


Councilmember Carol Suter thanked everyone for being in attendance at the Council meeting this evening. One of the things that makes Gladstone an All America City is the active participation of the citizens; from the young people conducting the flag ceremony to those present to be honored, as well as those with complaints. This reflects what our city is all about. Councilmember Suter thanked everyone for the time that they gave to participate this evening.


Councilman Wayne Beer had no comments at this time.


Councilman Les Smith stated Mr. Ledford was a very valuable employee, and a very good person as well. We do things well in this city in serving the public, and he is one of the reasons why we have such a rich tradition in doing so. Councilman Smith stated that Lou Oesterle is going to be retiring later this week, and he is another fine example of what a true public servant is all about. He will be missed equally as much by our administration. Councilman Smith offered congratulations to Mr. Oesterle, who he believes is really looking forward to retirement.


Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi stated that Mr. Peironnet covered what she was going to ask. Mayor Pro Tem Rudi said she knew that Staff had sent out letters regarding political signs, and she was wondering if we are at the point where we will now be enforcing an Ordinance.


Mr. Wingerson replied yes.


Mayor Pro Tem Rudi invited Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis to provide an overview of upcoming events in the park.


Director Lillis reported that the second production of Theatre in the Park is August 8, 9, and 10, at 8:30 PM, and the production is “Crazy for You”. It will be a new production for our city, and one not done here before.


Mayor Mark Revenaugh stated that about two weeks ago Gladstone hosted the West Gate Division of the Missouri Municipal League’s leadership award banquet. There were 220 elected officials from Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties all set up to meet at the Community Center, in our new meeting rooms. Mayor Revenaugh said it was amazing how many Mayors came up to him and said that they had Community Center envy, and they wished they had structures such as ours in their own communities, and he told them that it was a source of pride for all the Gladstone residents.


Mayor Revenaugh said last Friday we hosted the Kansas City Mayor’s Initiative on Mass Transit, where again we had Mayors from all those different cities coming into Gladstone. Many of them have never been here before. Mayor Revenaugh offered thanks to the staff on both occasions, and said he especially wanted to extend thanks to City Clerk Cathy Swenson, who on the night of the Missouri Municipal League meeting, really worked closely with the caterer to be sure that we could put on 220 dinners all at the same time, and have them taste good. Mayor Revenaugh said for a person who eats a lot of chicken at luncheons and dinners, the chicken that was served that evening far surpassed anything he has had in recent memory. Mayor Revenaugh said he and Council members appreciate City Clerk Swenson working with that whole program to make sure that it went off as well as it did. On top of the Community Center itself, and then being able to brag about Gladstone becoming an All America City, it was obvious that we are second to no one in this region. Mayor Revenaugh said Gladstone is obviously a city on the move, and he could not begin to say exciting it was to be able to host all those folks in our Community Center, and then brag about becoming an All America City on top of that. It was just wonderful. Mayor Revenaugh said he wished to thank the citizens and the City staff, and his fellow Council members for that opportunity.


Mayor Pro Tem Rudi said since there were so many people in attendance this evening, she wanted to make mention that our City offers a Leadership Academy, and if anyone has not participated in that, it is a wonderful opportunity to get in depth information about how the City operates and why we have to do the things the way we do them. Mayor Pro Tem Rudi suggested that if anyone is interested, please see Public Information Officer Richard King for information on the next Academy.

Item 11. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.


City Manager Kirk Davis said there would be high school kids in the Community Center this week for swim camps, which the City is excited to host. On August 11, the fall swim season for boys begins, and the City is excited to work with the School District in providing that facility. From 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, on August 2, at Oak Grove Park, there will be the Night Out Against Crime event. Council members are invited to attend. There will be a brief program. Staff does not know all the details as of yet, but will pass that information on as it becomes available. City Manager Davis encouraged everyone to attend this event. There will be quite a display of Public Safety vehicles and information about the City that night.


Item 12. on the Agenda. PUBLIC HEARING: for a Site Plan Revision for property legally described as Lot 2, Tingler Properties, or commonly known as 6850 North Oak Trafficway. Applicant/Owner: Quality Vending. (File #1318)


Mayor Revenaugh stated comments will first be heard from Staff and then from the Applicant, followed by those in Favor and then those Opposed to the application. Mayor Revenaugh opened the Public Hearing.


Staff Comments


Chris Helmer, Planning Specialist, stated the applicant has been at this site for a little over ten years, and came through the city process for a Site Revision back in 1996. The operation is for vending type services. The applicant does have some deliveries from soda vending machines, as well as other dry good items. The request is for an addition of 3,000 square feet to the existing 5,000 square foot building. One item in particular that has changed since the Planning Commission Public Hearing, and as a result of Staff’s request, is to increase the parking that is on site. Council members have that revised plan in front of them. Specifically, that parking has been increased to the west of the proposed new addition, which is an additional 11 parking spaces, with a total of 16 parking spaces on site. The applicant can confirm that he has roughly 10 or 11 employees. That is the main concerns or changes from the Staff’s perspective, as well as from discussion from the Planning Commission. There has been one added condition, with that being the hours of operation.


Mayor Pro Tem Rudi asked if the hours of operation of 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM are the same as in the past.


Mr. Helmer replied yes, the applicant has said that 5:00 PM is the absolute latest he is open. They usually close around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM.


Mayor Pro Tem Rudi asked if there have been any complaints about this use.




Mr. Helmer replied no, and he did look into this after the Planning Commission Public Hearing. Mr. Helmer said to his knowledge, there is nothing in the system as far as code violations, complaints, and things of that nature. Mr. Helmer said he has not heard any member of Staff say that there has been a problem in the past.


Applicant Comments


Jeff Schrader, Herman Scharhag Architects, 310 Armour Road, stated he was representing the applicant. Mr. Schrader stated he had no further comments to add, but would be happy to answer any questions Council members might have.


Comments from those in Favor or Opposed to the application.


There was no one to speak in favor or opposition to the application.


Mayor Revenaugh closed the Public Hearing.


Item 13. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 08-21, approving a Site Plan Revision for property legally described as Lot 2, Tingler Properties or commonly known as 6850 North Oak Trafficway. Applicant/Owner: Quality Vending.


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 08-21 on First Reading. Councilman Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0). The Clerk read the Bill.


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 08-21, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on Second and Final Reading. Councilman Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi and Mayor Mark Revenaugh. (5-0). The Clerk read the Bill.


Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 08-21 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.079. Councilman Carol Suter seconded.


Roll Call Vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi and Mayor Mark Revenaugh.

(5-0).


Item 14. on the Agenda. OTHER BUSINESS.


There was no other business.


Item 15. on the Agenda. QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.


There were no questions from the News Media.


Item 16. on the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT.


There being no further business to come before the July 28, 2008, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Mark Revenaugh adjourned the regular meeting.


Councilman Les Smith 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. Councilman Wayne Beer seconded.


Roll Call Vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Wayne Beer, Councilman Les Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi, and Mayor Mark Revenaugh.

(5-0).


Respectfully submitted:



______________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk



Approved as submitted: ___


Approved as corrected/amended: ___



______________________________

Mayor Mark S. Revenaugh