MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GLADSTONE, MISSOURI
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Mark Revenaugh
Mayor Pro Carol Rudi
Councilman Les Smith
Councilman Wayne Beer
Councilmember Carol Suter
City Manager Kirk Davis
Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson
City Counselor David Ramsay
Mayor Mark Revenaugh opened the Regular October 13, 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 Mark Revenaugh led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.
Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 22, 2008, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to approve the Regular September 22, 2008, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilman Les Smith seconded. The vote: “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. CONSENT AGENDA.
Following the Clerk’s reading, Councilmember Carol Suter moved to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-65, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC, for the 2008 Intermediate Maintenance Program; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $28,968.47. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-66, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Brandy Electric, Incorporated for the 72nd Street Tennis Court Lights; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $6,703.00. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-67, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Dennis Johnson Construction, Incorporated, for the 2200 block Northeast 67th Street Drainage Extension Project; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $11,298.81. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-68, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with SMI-CO Construction, Incorporated, for the 2006-2007-2008 Water Main Replacements; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $25,937.30. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-69, authorizing acceptance of work under the contract with PCI Dahmer for the Gladstone Community Center-Natatorium; and authorizing final payment in the total amount of $5,550.20. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-70, authorizing execution of a contract with J and N Utilities, Incorporated, in the total amount not to exceed $302,266.80 for the 56th Terrace Water Main Replacement-Antioch to Indiana project. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-71, authorizing execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Black and Veatch, in the total amount not to exceed $32,141.00 for Consultant Services relative to updating the existing Mill Creek Post-Rehabilitation Sanitary Sewer Study. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-08-72, authorizing execution of a Professional Services Agreement with Wallace Engineering, in the total amount not to exceed $31,000.00 for Consultant Services relative to the Northeast 67th Place and Northeast 76th Terrace Stormwater Studies. Councilman Wayne Beer 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)
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to APPROVE A TEMPORARY CATERING LICENSE for Cascone’s Italian Restaurant, 3737 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri, for a wedding reception event to be held November 1, 2008, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, in the Gladstone Community Center. Managing Officer: George Cascone. Councilman Wayne Beer 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 6. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.
Anita Newsom, 7401 North Wabash, stated she was representing the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, and stated on behalf of the Chamber and her Co-Chair Larry Janacaro, she wished to thank the City for their participation and support in Gladfest this year. It could not happen without the technical expertise of the City, whether it is Melinda pulling together a team in Community Development to decorate the stage, to any number of people who made this happen. The Parks and Recreation crews were super, and the Public Works crews were wonderful. There was 100 percent effort from everyone, who had very positive and professional attitudes. They made it happen! Ms. Newsom said Richard King is on a well-deserved vacation after Gladfest. Richard was the liaison this year and he did a superb job; it could not have happened without Richard. Ms. Newsom thanked Bob Baer and his team from the Public Safety Traffic Department. The parade has been a challenge at times, and sometimes during staging, one wonders if it is ever going to happen, and somehow it all works out. It could not have been done without the support of the traffic officers. They did a lot of strategic planning to make it successful. Ms. Newsom said it took a lot of volunteers to make it happen. Councilman Beer and Councilman Rudi spent long hours and days of volunteering during Gladfest. Councilman Smith was in charge of the carnival again this year, and it went very well. Ms. Newsom, on behalf of the Chamber, expressed appreciation for all those who helped make Gladfest a success, whether they worked a shift in the beer tent, or if they just came by to say hello. Ms. Newsom concluded by saying thank you for a great Gladfest “29”, and she looks forward to Gladfest “30”.
Mayor Revenaugh thanked Ms. Newsom, and said the City owes Ms. Newsom appreciation as she was one of the Co-Chairs for Gladfest, and she put in a lot of work and effort, and that should not go unrecognized by this body. Mayor Revenaugh congratulated Ms. Newsom on another job well done.
Item 7. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.
Councilmember Carol Suter stated she wished to add her kudos to everyone at the Chamber, Mr. Wingerson, as President, and all the Chamber members for Gladfest. The weather was beautiful, and it was a well-organized and well-run event. Everyone did a great job. Councilmember Suter offered kudos to the Parks and Recreation Department for the new parking lot at the Maple Woods Nature Preserve. It is a wonderful conservation area, and the new parking area is really nice. Councilmember Suter said she had the opportunity to walk there after the parking lot was completed, and noticed there was a lot of damage from tornadoes, and there is still some clean up to do with some trees across the walking path.
Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis thanked Councilmember Suter, and commented that although the Maple Woods Nature Preserve is owned by the Department of Conservation, the City does a couple of custodial pieces in the parking lot. The Department of Conservation paid for the recent parking lot improvements. If a tree falls down, our Parks staff, with the permission of the Department of Conservation, will cut the tree and move it to the side, leaving the area in a natural state.
Councilmember Carol Suter remarked that there are some trees that are still on the trail and have to be climbed over.
Director Lillis replied that she would report that right away to the Department of Conservation. Director Lillis reported the Nature Preserve was on the news this evening as one of the four top places to look for foliage and that within the next week it should be at its prime.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi asked if the next event at Oak Grove Park was going to be Friday Fright Night.
Director Lillis, confirmed that Friday Fright Night would be held October 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, and the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing some of their vendors as well as some of the City’s, and storytellers will be there.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi stated that it was a Trick-or-Treat night for kids, and it is a great event, and she wanted to be sure everyone knew about it. Mayor Pro Tem Rudi stated that Gladfest was a great success and that she was proud to be part of it and that she is looking forward to next year.
Councilman Wayne Beer stated that Gladfest certainly was a success and that he had a great time and that many in the room, likewise, had a great time.
Councilman Les Smith congratulated Anita Newsom, Larry Janacaro, and all of the volunteers for a job well done and requested that City Manager Davis pass Council’s gratitude along to staff that participated. Councilman Smith said that Council has a letter from David Peironnet, concerning persons who are not abiding by City Ordinances regarding political signs and said that notices should have been sent, and that the signs should have been removed, and if the signs had not been removed, then they should be removed by tomorrow. Councilman Smith stated that he appreciates Mr. Peironnet following up on that.
Mayor Mark Revenaugh stated that he wanted to add kudos for a great Gladfest, and that he thought the entire community benefited and enjoyed the collective efforts of everyone in the City and the staff that contributed.
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Kirk Davis stated that the City had a rather large swim meet at the Community Center last Friday and Saturday, October 10, and 11, 2008. This coming Friday and Saturday, October 17, and 18, 2008 there is a bigger meet, involving 31 teams, and the City is looking forward to hosting that activity, as well as many others in the future with our North Kansas City School District partnership.
City Manager Davis stated that the City had a very nice All-American Celebration on Sunday and that staff appreciates everything the City Council did to help with that event. The North Star Community Band performed, and the event was enjoyed by many. Mr. Davis stated that it recognized the status that the City earned earlier this year.
Mr. Davis stated that the rotating exhibit of art is up and on display at the Community Center and invited all to visit. The display will be up for five more weeks and then another artist will be rotating in. Kudos to the Arts Commission for getting this started.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi added that this is going to be the first Tuesday of every other month. It began in October, and on the first Tuesday of each new exhibit, we will have an opening reception at 6:00 PM at the Community Center. In the spring we will have a high school art show, rather than an individual art show. The Art Springs in Gladstone show will be April 24 and 25, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi reminded the audience that tomorrow night, October 14, 2008, at 6:00 PM, would be the initial meeting for Friends of the Atkins-Johnson Farm at City Hall and invited anyone interested to attend.
Item 9. on the Agenda. SECOND READING OF BILL 08-23, amending Ordinance No. 3.973 and being an Ordinance relating to Zoning Ordinance Regulations and the establishment of Use Districts within the City of Gladstone, Missouri, for property located at 2412 and 2590 Northeast 72nd Street. Applicant: QuikTrip Corporation. Owner: Harriet Chesterton. File Number 1320.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 08-23 on its Second and Final reading. Mayor Pro Tem 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 08-23 and enact the Bill as Ordinance #4.081. Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi 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 10. on the Agenda. SECOND READING OF BILL 08-24, approving a Site Plan Revision for property located at 2412 and 2590 Northeast 72nd Street. Applicant: QuikTrip Corporation. Owner: Harriet Chesterton. File Number 1320.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 08-24 on its Second and Final reading. Mayor Pro Tem 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final reading of Bill 08-24 and to enact the bill as Ordinance #4.082. Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi seconded.
Councilman Smith asked Mr. Crosby about the current point of ingress and egress, which would be the new east drive, and the east bound egress. He stated that Council had asked Quiktrip to consider not allowing the left turn out of Quiktrip if Council approves the new drive. Councilman Smith asked for the results of the discussions.
Mr. Crosby responded that he believed that he was asked to close the “right-in” from the last meeting, and that the reason that was discussed was because there was going to be congestion inside of Quiktrip’s lot. Quiktrip has spoken with staff and with a traffic engineer and has proposed a yield sign that would direct right-of-way to traffic traveling into Quiktrip’s site, so that there would be less congestion.
Councilman Smith said that he wished Quiktrip better luck in getting folks to obey their yield sign than the City has getting them to obey the City’s yield signs. Councilman Smith asked Mr. Crosby for a suggestion of what to do if there is still a problem with that intersection. Councilman Smith stated that he could be a proponent of Quiktrip building a store in the future and increasing the size of the store. In no way shape or form, would they convince him to consider the store that has been proposed to this point. Councilman Smith said that his concern is what Quiktrip is trying to accomplish with the new Site Plan. He asked if Quiktrip was trying to open a drive for a future venue or trying to mitigate a traffic concern. He continued by saying that if Quiktrip is trying to mitigate a traffic concern, and the only way that Quiktrip wishes to address that question is with a yield sign, what will happen if that doesn’t work in the interim.
Mr. Crosby asked if Councilman Smith was referring to the internal congestion of the lot and if the yield sign doesn’t work.
Councilman Smith responded that is correct and the issue is that we still have a hazard at that intersection, whether it be stacking out onto 72nd Street or if the east bound turns continue to be a problem.
Mr. Crosby said that Quiktrip would need to address that issue if it were to arise, and that Quiktrip would be more than willing to work with the City to make it right.
Councilman Smith said that he appreciated that.
Councilman Wayne Beer said that the overriding factor in his mind on this issue is that traffic congestion is moved away from the intersection of 72nd Street and M-1 Highway. That intersection is very dangerous as it exists now, and if there is anything that can be done to pull some of the congestion away from that intersection, it is incumbent upon Council to do so.
Mayor Revenaugh asked if Quiktrip is still working with MODOT in trying to get access from M-1, which would considerably alleviate the ingress and egress from that property.
Mr. Crosby responded that Quiktrip agrees with staff that they would close the right in right out at the time they are able to reasonably gain access to M-1 Highway.
Councilman Smith said that Quiktrip is a good operator and a good corporate citizen, and looking further down the road, should Quiktrip go away, we have a convenient store site sitting there, fully zoned and operable, and it is to the community’s benefit to have Quiktrip as an operator in that location. If Quiktrip can expand with protecting the neighborhood, that is great, but that he agreed with Councilman Beer, that there is a dangerous intersection there, and that hopefully what Quiktrip plans to do will alleviate some of those traffic hazards, but not as great as some would like to see, but it should help some.
Council member Suter said that she has listened with interest to the neighbors during the last hearing and that she is sensitive to the issues raised, being that she lives off of the corner and travels through the intersection every day, multiple times. The intersection eventually needs to be reworked and the best shot of doing that well is if there are successful businesses on those corners that collaborate with the City in getting the funding and clout that will be needed in Jefferson City to get it done. Councilmember Suter stated that she was interested in making sure that we have successful businesses at those corners. Quiktrip is an excellent corporate citizen in Gladstone and staff wants to make sure that Quiktrip stays successful at that corner.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi said that she agreed with Councilman Beer in that to move some traffic away from 72nd and M-1 will be a slight improvement and that she feels very strongly about the importance of access from M-1 Highway. Quiktrip needs to work extremely hard to make that happen.
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 11. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 08-25, approving the Final Plat of Walton’s Addition, Lot 2, Gladstone, Clay County, Missouri, and directing the appropriate officials to affix their signatures to said Plat for recording. Applicant/Owner: Shannon Letts/Walmart Real Estate Business Trust. File Number: 1324/1325
Coucilman Les Smith moved to place Bill 08-25 on its First Reading. 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Les Smith moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 08-25, waive the rule and place the bill on its Second and Final reading. 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Les Smith moved to accept the Second and Final reading of Bill 08-25 and enact as Ordinance #4.083. Councilmember 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 12. on the Agenda. PUBLIC HEARING: for consideration of Rezoning and a Site Plan Revision for property legally described as Lot 1 and 2, Walton’s Addition, on property commonly known as Walmart. Applicant/Owner: Shannon Letts/Walmart Real Estate Business Trust. File Number: 1324/1325
Mayor Revenaugh opened the Public Hearing.
Staff Presentation
Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson stated in the Council’s packet were minutes from the Planning Commission, which include nearly a full page of thanks to people who have worked on this project. Mr. Wingerson said tonight he simply wished to thank Economic Development Administrator Melinda Mehaffy, who has been the one who has tracked down every Walmart rumor over the years, and has cultivated a relationship in Bentonville and in this region that allows us to have this discussion tonight.
Mr. Wingerson said we started this process with four applications, the first being a Preliminary Plat, which was approved by the Planning Commission last week. The Final Plat is the second item that was approved earlier this evening by the City Council. The topic of this Public Hearing is a zoning change from R-1 to CP-3, and a Site Plan Revision to allow the expansion of Walmart at 72nd and M-1 Highway. In the beginning there were some neighborhood issues, and staff spent time visiting with the neighbors who live east of the proposed expansion, and Walmart has been very receptive to the desires of the neighborhood in almost every instance. Mr. Wingerson discussed the PowerPoint presentation, pointing out that what was shown was a proposed rendering of the store itself and the Final Plat. Mr. Wingerson indicated the area where the zoning change is proposed.
Mr. Wingerson continued to refer to the PowerPoint presentation by indicating the additions to the building totaling approximately 25,000 square feet, and an additional employee parking lot on the east side of the existing store. Mr. Wingerson stated he wished to draw attention to proposed Bill 08-27, which has a total of 14 proposed conditions, and he would like to highlight four of those conditions for the City Council as follows:
Undisturbed area east of the grading limits of the employee parking lot will be protected. A pre-construction meeting with the General Contractor will be required outlining the importance of maintaining existing vegetation outside the grading limits.
Screen wall on the north and east of the employee lot shall be increased from 6 ft. to 8 ft.
Natural area bordering employee lot shall be treated for noxious weeds. Upon completion of the project, treatment of this area shall be discussed with the Walmart Store Manager.
Employee lot shall be monitored with security cameras consistent with the existing customer parking lot.
Mr. Wingerson said there were two additional issues raised during the two hour Public Hearing with the Planning Commission. There was an issue concerning the existing berm at 72nd and M-1 Highway. There was a staff recommended condition that suggested that berm be lowered to the extent possible. The view from staff was that it would open up visibility to the store itself from 72nd Street and M-1 Highway. The neighborhood and the Planning Commission said they did not like that, and they did like the berm being the height it was. Walmart has agreed to maintain the berm at its current elevation, and replace the fountain with a monument sign, examples of which are in Council’s packets. Walmart has agreed, based on public input, to add evergreen landscaping on the east side. There was a general discussion about when the trees lose their leaves this time of year, what will the neighbors actually see looking west. Walmart’s has agreed to add some evergreen planting.
Mr. Wingerson said the neighbors and the Planning Commission raised an issue about lighting in the employee parking lot, and its intensity. There is a photometric study exhibit in Council’s packet, and it shows that light extends not very far beyond the boundary of the employee parking lot, which is between 70 and 90 feet from the closest property line. Mr. Wingerson stated this is a land use decision, and it is also an economic decision. As we are in an economic downturn, we are very lucky to be having this conversation with one of the biggest companies in the world. Mr. Wingerson thanked Walmart and all their representatives for working with us in moving this forward. Mr. Wingerson introduced Patrick Joyce who was representing the Walmart Corporation.
Applicant Presentation
Patrick Joyce, Continental Consulting Engineers, Incorporated, 9000 State Line Road, Leawood, Kansas, began by saying he was here this evening with David Lotz, who is the lead Civil Engineer on this project, and he is also here with Jim Gallagher, from PB2 Architects out of Rogers, Arkansas. Mr. Joyce said he would be presenting the Walmart Store expansion and site modifications. Mr. Gallagher will be presenting the building elevations and signage, as well as Walmart’s sustainability initiatives. Mr. Joyce said he was in support of Bill 08-25, Bill 08-26, and Bill 08-27, as it relates to the Site Plan revision, rezoning, and Final Plat regarding the Walmart store expansion at the Northeast corner of the intersection of Missouri Highway One and Northeast 72nd Street. The planned expansion is going to be from 151,775 square feet to 177,044 square feet. The store will be upgraded to a super center and will have both a hard goods section and a full grocery section. This will result in approximately 25,000 additional square footage of retail.
Mr. Joyce pointed out in the PowerPoint presentation where the store area would be expanded, which would be mostly on the north side and the front. The north side would have the addition of a dock and a garden center, as well as a tire and lube express. The existing tire and lube express would be bumped out to the north. This addition would require additional parking. A ratio of above 5.0 parking stalls per 1,000 square feet of building space is typical for most large retailers. Since Walmart cannot get enough of the parking spaces on the existing site, the project must include the purchase of 7.7 acres of property directly adjacent to and east of the existing ground. This vacant property to the east would require rezoning from R-1 to CP-3, which is consistent with the existing Walmart site. This will allow for construction of the 1.7 acre parking lot, which will be used exclusively for employee parking, and will be signed as such. It will have an eight foot screenwall , which will go on the north side of the parking lot and the east side. A stormwater detention basin will be constructed on the north side of the proposed parking lot.
Mr. Joyce said Walmart would be able to facilitate this because they are an industry leader in construction, erosion and sediment control. Part of the erosion control plan will be to preserve the natural vegetation. As part of that plan, stormwater preconstruction meetings are held before any construction begins with all ground disturbing subcontractors to stress the importance of maintaining the natural vegetation where indicated on the plans. In addition to daily inspections of this area, an orange construction fence will be erected for the duration of the construction project to delineate the limits of disturbance. The existing water fountain located at M-1 Highway and Northeast 72 Street will be removed, and the area will be graded, and Walmart has agreed not to lower the berm any lower than it has to be. The existing parking stalls will be reoriented from 60 degree parking as it is today, to 90 degree parking. The parking lot will expand up to 22 feet to the west. This facilitates greater parking and a drive aisle, which is necessary at the end of all of those parking stalls. All of the asphalt and concrete pavement will be repaired where it is deteriorating. The remainder of the asphalt that is not replaced will receive a two-inch mill and overlay. This overlay will give the site a new look and feel, and everything will be re-striped on the site. All existing curbed islands will be relocated and fresh landscaping will be installed. An irrigation system will be installed to maintain all manicured areas. The existing monument signs will be updated to reflect the new Walmart branding and will incorporate building elements in their design. The existing tire and lube pylon sign will be removed and will not be replaced. The lighting on the existing site will be totally replaced. All light poles and fixtures will be replaced with 42-foot high mounted lights, which is currently the height of the existing lights. The proposed employee parking lot will only have 28-foot lights and 400-watt fixtures. The existing site has 1,000-watt fixtures.
Mr. Joyce then introduced Mr. Jim Gallagher to discuss building elevations.
Jim Gallagher, Architect with PB2 Architecture and Engineering, stated his firm is the architect of record on this project. Mr. Gallagher stated the proposed signs for the store are much more contemporary and also much more integrated with the building scheme. The signs have the new Walmart logo and a good deal more landscaping and architectural detail to better fit into the Gladstone community. The building’s elevation is a dramatic improvement over what is there now, and even more so compared to others around the country. The new scheme involves more windows, more pedestrian scale architecture, seating areas, trees, and covered canopies. The forms are much more integrated. Mr. Gallagher pointed out the entryways and their features. The materials are more sustainable, and with more earth tone colors than they have used before. The graphics are much more spare than they have been. Mr. Gallagher pointed out on the PowerPoint presentation a product called Trespa, which is a surface applied panel, which is much more durable and attractive, and has tremendous sustainable features. Walmart has a significant sustainability program, which is a big goal here in Gladstone.
Mr. Gallagher pointed out in the PowerPoint rendering the various entrances, the awnings over the windows and the entranceways. Mr. Gallagher pointed out the refrigerated cases, where traditionally between the doors there are fluorescent lights to laminate the product. What are proposed are LED lights, which generate almost no heat, so the heat from the bulbs are not being refrigerated. The LED lights last nearly forever, and use almost no electricity, and are almost 70 percent more efficient than the fluorescent fixtures. This is just one aspect of what Walmart does with these projects. Waterless urinals will be used to cut down on water usage and sewer treatment needs in the community. Mr. Gallagher said white roofs reflect more heat. The roof on the building now is worn out and is a dark color, and this proposed roof will reflect ten percent more energy back up into the air, rather than brought into the building to be cooled. All the interior lights will be retrofitted to the new bulbs, and light sensors will be used to identify how much light is coming into the building, and the lights are dimmed when there is enough daylight to support the activities. Mr. Gallagher said the heat generated by refrigeration equipment is captured and used to heat water both in the deli and other parts of the building, so we are not releasing that into the air, and we are not generating new energy to heat the water – we are taking what is already in the building. The central energy management system allows Walmart to monitor the entire operation from Bentonville, Arkansas 24 hours per day, all year long, and frequently they call the store to tell them there is a refrigerator out, before the refrigerator people know in the store that it is not working – alarms go off and people get calls. The pedestrian space in front will be helpful, and the colors and forms are much more friendly. Mr. Gallagher thanked the Mayor and Council and said he would be happy to answer any questions.
Councilman Rudi asked if this is the same prototype that is being built in Springfield, Missouri?
Mr. Gallagher replied he was not working on a project in Springfield, so he did not know what they are doing there, but he knows that this is the format that all the stores are going to, beginning this year. Mr. Gallagher said he is really excited to be doing this, and he goes all over the country, from the state of Washington to the state of Florida, doing these projects, and he encounters a lot of municipal governments. Mr. Gallagher said it was really a pleasure to work with Gladstone’s staff and Gladstone really is an All American City, and he is pleased to be here, and this is the place selected to build one of the first Walmarts of its kind. Mr. Gallagher said he is excited to see this project built, because they have never built one yet.
Councilman Smith jokingly said he has never been so excited to be a guinea pig before! Councilman Smith inquired into the reflective white membrane roof, by asking what is the difference between it and an aluminum roof, and which is more efficient?
Mr. Gallagher replied he was not too familiar with aluminized surfaces, but a roof’s primary purpose is to keep water out of the building, and he is not sure how aluminum would perform in an environment like this where there may be hail and other things hitting the roof. Mr. Gallagher said they do the best they can with reflecting heat, but that is not their primary focus; they are more concerned how the roof will protect the contents of the building and the people inside.
Councilman Smith said some of the sustainability materials he has read have said an aluminum roof reflects more than a white roof.
Mr. Gallagher said that Walmart is constantly experimenting with different ideas. There are two stores, one is in Aurora, Colorado, and the other is in McKinney, Texas, which are experimental stores and they are constantly going into them and doing new things. The have tried new pavement, new lights, and all kinds of things. Some of them work and some don’t. Mr. Gallagher said he is guessing that Walmart has experimented with all of these different products. Walmart regularly has seminars in Bentonville for other retailers in order to teach them what Walmart is doing and how they could do it in their stores.
Councilman Smith said the plans look very good and told Mr. Gallagher “good work”.
Comments from those in Favor or in Opposition to the application.
There were no comments from the audience.
Mayor Revenaugh closed the Public Hearing.
Item 12a. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 08-26, amending Ordinance No. 3.973 and being an Ordinance relating to Zoning Ordinance Regulations and the establishment of Use Districts within the City of Gladstone, Missouri. Applicant/Owner: Shannon Letts/Walmart Real Estate Business Trust. File Number: 1324/1325
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to place Bill 08-26 on its First Reading. 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 08-26, waive the rule, and place the Bill on its Second and Final reading. 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilman Wayne Beer moved to accept the Second and Final reading of Bill 08-26 and enact the Bill as Ordinance #4.084. Councilmember 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 12b. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 08-27, approving a Site Plan Revision for property legally described as; lot 1 and 2, Walton’s Addition, on property commonly known as Walmart. Applicant/Owner: Shannon Letts/Walmart Real Estate Business Trust File Number: 1324/1325
Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi moved to place Bill 08-27 on its First Reading. Councilman Les Smith 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 08-27, waive the rule, and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Councilman Les Smith seconded. 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 08-27 and enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.085. Councilman Les Smith seconded.
Mayor Pro Tem Rudi said that she appreciated the way that Walmart worked with the neighbors, listened to their concerns, and has taken those concerns into consideration. It is nice to have a packet come to Council that is as complete as this. Walmart has done its homework ahead of time, otherwise we could be here all night long, trying to work out details that have already been worked out. Mayor Pro Tem Rudi thanked Walmart.
Councilmember Suter said kudos to everyone involved. This is one of the best “win wins” that she has seen since she has been on the Planning Commission, even before City Council. Councilmember Suter said that she really appreciated the Planning Commission Hearing on this and that the number of neighbors that showed up to get their questions answered was really appreciated. Councilmember Suter said this hits close to home as she lives in that neighborhood, and she was glad to see issues addressed. It is rare for us to have this opportunity to see a business grow in a way that has this little of a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood. We are delighted to be part of a new prototype for Walmart and delighted to have Walmart continue to be a good corporate citizen in Gladstone.
Councilman Smith said that this is huge for our local economy. Walmart has been a good corporate citizen for many years; a lot of us can remember when they were at 65th and Prospect and left that space vacant for many years. We have run the gamut of rumors for the existing location, none of which were pleasant. Other local businesses have adapted to Walmart being in town, and adapted very well. Councilman Smith agreed with Councilmember Suter in that this is a “win-win” for our community. Councilman Smith extended appreciation to staff for carrying resident concerns forward and to Walmart for their response to those concerns.
Councilman Smith said when you have lived in a community your whole life, you have folks that you have known since diapers, and a couple of them live behind Walmart. Councilman Smith said if Walmart thinks they have daily inspections by contractors, he assures them that one lady who lives directly behind Walmart is going to probably inspect it two or three times a day. The main concern coming from her house is the erosion and run off during construction, and he would really appreciate Walmart staying on top of that the best they can and knows that they will. Councilman Smith said thank you to Walmart for being willing to reinvest in our community and thanked staff for playing the role they did. Councilman Smith said we have known about this for a while, and it was very tight-lipped, but it was tight-lipped for a reason and as Mayor last year, he knows that those were ongoing deliberations, and staff handled it very well and should be proud.
Councilman Beer thanked Walmart for their efforts in working with our City staff. Councilman Beer stated that our City staff is good to work with, we know that, and that has been one of our goals for a long time; we wanted a city that can be a partner in a development, as opposed to an obstacle. We believe that instead of being an obstacle we get better projects as a result. Councilman Beer said that we appreciate Gladstone Walmart’s corporate activities, and its charitabilities. It may not be known to everyone in this world that Walmart does provide a lot of charitable goods and projects, as they also have to our City. Councilman Beer said that in recent years, Walmart has been much more active in its corporate activities in Gladstone, and it is certainly appreciated. Councilman Beer commended Walmart on its sustainability efforts.
Mayor Revenaugh said that it is not a secret that there was a no small amount of anxiety amongst the Council and the staff when we first found out that Walmart was evaluating its options with respect to the Gladstone location, and he thinks it is important for the public to know just how important Walmart is to our community. If Walmart had decided to go the other way, then it would have adversely affected our City’s budget in ways that we don’t want to think about. Mayor Revenaugh welcomed Walmart and said that our City is extremely pleased that Walmart decided to stay in our community, and that he looks forward to a long mutual partnership.
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 13. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 08-28, providing for the assessment of additional court costs by the Gladstone Municipal Court for the Inmate Security Fund pursuant to Section 488.5026 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to place Bill 08-28 on its First Reading. Mayor Pro Tem 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 08-28, waive the rule, and place the Bill on its Second and Final reading. Mayor Pro Tem 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). The Clerk read the Bill.
Council member Carol Suter moved to accept the Second and Final reading of Bill 08-28 and enact the Bill as Ordinance #4.086. Mayor Pro Tem Carol Rudi 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.
Councilman Les Smith said that he serves on Gladstone’s Neighborhood Commission, (GNC) and that a board member approached them from Northland Neighborhoods Inc., (NNI) about an advisors member swap - the thought being that a board member from NNI could serve as an advisor on Gladstone’s Neighborhood Commission and someone from the City of Gladstone could serve as an advisor, or a permanent board member on NNI’s board. The suggestion has been that the chair of NNI, Mary Jo Burton, serve on the GNC and that Public Information Officer Richard King serve on NNI’s board. The only Council action that would be necessary would be to ratify Mary Jo Burton’s appointment as an advisor to Gladstone’s Neighborhood Commission.
Councilman Smith moved to ratify Mary Jo Burton’s appointment as an advisor to Gladstone’s Neighborhood Commission. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded.
Mayor Revenaugh asked if this has been discussed with Mr. King.
Councilman Smith said that he believed it has been and that City Manager Davis signed off on it earlier this evening.
City Manager Davis confirmed that he had talked to Mr. King when the idea was first brought up. NNI asked if Mr. King would be interested in doing this, and at that point and time, he said he would be happy to do it. City Manager Davis said that he hadn’t heard anything in a while and wasn’t sure if it was still moving forward or not.
Councilman Smith said that it was moving forward and that Mary Jo Burton is very excited to do it, and when she runs into some of the other folks, they ask if it’s been done yet.
Mayor Revenaugh asked if Mary Jo Burton’s capacity would be advisor to the Gladstone Neighborhood Commission.
Councilman Smith said yes.
Mayor Revenaugh said that it has been moved and seconded to accept Mary Jo Burton as an advisor to the Gladstone Neighborhood Commission. 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 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 October 13, 2008, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Revenaugh adjourned the regular meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
______________________________
Cathy Swenson, City Clerk
Approved as submitted: ___
Approved as corrected/amended: ___
______________________________
Mayor Mark S. Revenaugh