MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GLADSTONE, MISSOURI
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009
7:30 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Carol Rudi
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith
Councilman Mark Revenaugh
Councilmember Carol Suter
Councilman Barry McCullough
City Manager Kirk Davis
Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson
City Counselor David Ramsay
Mayor Carol Rudi opened the Regular May 11, 2009, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers.
Item 2. on the Agenda. ROLL CALL
Mayor Carol Rudi noted that all City Council members were present.
Item 3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
Mayor Carol Rudi led the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.
Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR APRIL 27, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to approve the Regular April 27, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Item 5. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: designating May 2009, as YOUTH MONTH. Sponsored by the Northland Elks Lodge #2376.
Mayor Rudi read and presented a PROCLAMATION, designating May 2009, as YOUTH MONTH. Sponsored by the Northland Elks Lodge #2376 to Mr. Dean Gromer, of the Northland Elks Lodge #2376.
Mr. Gromer thanked the Mayor and Council, and also thanked everyone who attended the Elks breakfast. Mr. Gromer reported that the Elks raised $8,000 for scholarships again this year.
Item 6. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: recognizing May 17-23, 2009, as NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK.
Mayor Rudi read and presented a PROCLAMATION recognizing May 17-23, 2009, as NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK to Public Works Director Chuck Williams. Director Williams stated, on behalf of the Public Works staff, he wished to thank the Mayor and Council. Director Williams said he is prejudiced, but he does believe that Public Works is extremely important, and he also recognizes the fact that they cannot do their job without the assistance from all the other departments, City Manager Davis, and the City Council.
Item 7. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA.
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-09-37, authorizing execution of a contract with Miller Paving and Construction, LLC, in the total amount not to exceed $160,701.60 for the 2009 Curb and Sidewalk Program, Phase One. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-09-38, accepting a Temporary Construction Easement from a property owner in conjunction with the Northeast 61st Terrace Reconstruction Project. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-09-39, accepting a Temporary Construction Easement from a property owner in conjunction with the M-1 Bicycle Pedestrian Trail Project. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to adopt RESOLUTION R-09-40, authorizing acceptance of a proposal from Independent Salt Company for the purchase of snow removal salt. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.
There were no communications from the audience.
Item 9. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.
Councilman Barry McCullough had no comments at this time.
Councilmember Carol Suter had no comments at this time.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh stated he participated Saturday in the Atkins Johnson Farm Tour, and it was just amazing. There were re-enactors, and there were ladies dressed in period dresses, who knew a lot of the history, which made the farm area come alive. It was an interesting walk-through. It is fun to see what it looks like now, because by the time it is finished, it will look so much better. Councilman Revenaugh encouraged everyone who has not had the opportunity to visit the farm, to be sure to do so, when such a tour is again scheduled.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith stated he would defer to Mayor Rudi in regard to the Atkins Johnson event, and had no further comments at this time.
Mayor Carol Rudi reported that it was a great day at the Atkins Johnson Farm on Saturday. The committee worked very hard to put this event together, and it was a wonderful time. Committee members worked from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM that day, and there was also set-up and take-down before and after that. Mayor Rudi said City staff, Economic Development Administrator Melinda Mehaffy and Planning Specialist Chris Helmer, put in more hours than probably anyone, and Council thanks them heartily for their help. It is much like Art Springs, where Parks and Recreation Director Lillis and her department help so much. We could not do these things without our City staff. Mayor Rudi said she understands there were between 200 and 225 people who went through the farm. There were a number of memberships sold, and there was a really good pot of donations, which is very much appreciated. Mayor Rudi encouraged anyone who is not a member of Atkins Johnson Farm, to please see Ms. Mehaffy, Mr. Helmer or Friends of the Atkins Johnson Farm Committee Secretary Freddie Nichols after the meeting. It is really inexpensive; it starts at $10 for a membership. More money would be gladly accepted from corporations or larger donors. There will be more events in the future.
Mayor Rudi asked Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis to give a report on activities in the parks.
Parks and Recreation Director Lillis reported the triathlon with Hormel and Hy-Vee will be held this Saturday. Enrollment has more than doubled for this event; there are about 160 children enrolled, which is very exciting. The Northwinds Symphonic Band concert will be held at 5:30 PM, this Sunday, at the Gladstone Amphitheatre. The outdoor municipal pool will be opened on Saturday, May 23.
Mayor Rudi reported that the Household Hazardous Waste event will be held from 8:00 AM to Noon, on June 6, at Happy Rock Park. Public Works Director Williams can assist anyone who might have questions. If anyone has questions on what they may bring, they may check the City’s website or with City staff.
Mayor Rudi stated that Gladstone resident, Chris Yannitelli, would have her garden included in the Briar Cliff Garden Tour, which will be held June 6. Information on this event can be found from Chris Yannitelli. The website address for this event is www.GardensatBriarCliff.org.
Item 9a. on the Agenda. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to appoint the following people to Boards and Commissions:
Kathy Timmerman, to the Code Board of Appeals, to fill the Electrician position, with a term to expire December of 2011.
Julie Conn, to the Environmental Management Advisory Committee, with a term to expire December 2009.
Mary Cross, to the Gladstone Neighborhood Commission, with a term to expire December 2010.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.
Mayor Rudi remarked that these are all very good people.
The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Mayor Rudi appointed the Council liaisons to the Boards and Commissions as follows:
Councilman Mark Revenaugh – Capital Improvements Program Committee, Code Board of Appeals, Environmental Management Advisory Committee, and the Gladstone Economic Betterment Council.
Councilmember Carol Suter – Board of Zoning Adjustment, Industrial Development Authority, and the Telecommunications Advisory Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith – Tax Increment Financing Commission, Neighborhood Commission, and the Gladstone Special Road District No. 3.
Councilman Barry McCullough – Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Community Development Corporation Board.
Mayor Carol Rudi – Arts Commission, Planning Commission, and Capital Improvements Program Committee.
Item 9b. on the Agenda. SPECIAL PRESENTATION.
Mayor Rudi invited Chris Yannitelli to join her at the dais to help make the presentations.
Ms. Yannitelli said the certificates of appreciation that were to be presented this evening were for people who have supported the Arts in Gladstone, and their support is very much appreciated, as is the support of the City Council. Without City Council including Art Springs in Gladstone in the City’s budget, it would not exist. Ms. Yannitelli thanked the Mayor and City Council. Ms. Yannitelli said she found three quotes that are so appropriate for people who have supported the Arts and Art Springs in Gladstone. The quotes are as follows:
“All art requires courage.”
“An artist never really finishes his or her work – they just put it on hold for awhile.”
“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art.”
Ms. Yannitelli said so many of our patrons are good in business and support the arts, and that in itself is an Art. Ms. Yannitelli said we cannot thank you enough. Ms. Yannitelli presented the Certificates of Appreciation as follows:
Gladstone Hy-Vee – the certificate was received by Steve Bindseil, who stated he was happy to accept this on behalf of the employees of Gladstone Hy-Vee, and he is proud to be a supporter of anything that goes on in our community, and he is proud to be a part of Art Springs in Gladstone. Mr. Bindseil expressed his thanks for the certificate.
Ms. Yannitelli thanked Mr. Bindseil and said Hy-Vee helped tremendously with advertising and with the receptions, that are always a wonderful success.
DST Systems, Inc. – the certificate was received by Rachel Pacubas, who said she is a DST employee and is glad to be on the Art Springs in Gladstone Committee.
Ms. Yannitelli thanked Ms. Pacubas, and said she coordinated the Sponsorship Committee, so she was instrumental in helping to get the patrons for the Arts and was certainly instrumental in getting the DST Systems, Inc. to join in assisting.
Gladstone Fast Signs – Diane and Greg Kruse received the certificate.
Ms. Yannitelli thanked Mr. and Mrs. Kruse and said they have really helped in sponsoring first, second and third place awards for the artists, and they do that in honor of the Ryan Kruse Foundation, which is so appreciated. Fast Signs also prepare the signs that are used.
Ms. Kruse said they are honored to help; as they were thinking about a memorial for their son, the Art Springs in Gladstone seemed perfect, and they hope to be a part of this effort for a long time.
Mayor Rudi asked Mayor Pro Tem Smith to join them for the last presentation.
Ms. Yannitelli said the last presentation was to Carmelina Smith, who has been a long time supporter of Gladstone, and who helped so much in putting together the information and knowing the history of Gladstone. Ms. Smith is very active in the community and is a long time supporter of the Arts. Ms. Yannitelli thanked Carmelina Smith, said she is Les Smith’s mother.
Ms. Smith expressed her thanks and said she was very happy to receive this honor, and she very much enjoys helping with the Arts.
Applause followed each presentation. Following the presentations, a group photo was taken.
Mayor Rudi said this is a pretty neat night! We have the Smith family involved, the Gromer family, who have been involved in Gladstone for a long time, and we recognized a lot of people here this evening. Mayor Rudi recognized George Campbell, who served on the Art Springs Committee, and thanked him for his service and for attending this meeting.
Ms. Yannitelli said Art Springs or any of the art events could not have happened without the assistance of Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis.
Mayor Rudi introduced Mrs. Les Smith and her son Sam, and she thanked them for attending this meeting. Mayor Rudi recognized Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Freddie Nichols, and Everett Jones, who ran for City Council and just graduated from the Future Leaders Academy.
Item 10. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Kirk Davis said he would like to include Public Information Officer Richard King as a staff member who worked all day at the Atkins Johnson Farm event. The event was very nice.
Mayor Rudi thanked Mr. Davis and apologized to Mr. King for not mentioning his assistance with the Atkins Johnson Farm event.
Item 11. on the Agenda. PUBLIC HEARING: for consideration of an Ordinance amending Sections of the Gladstone Code of Ordinances relating to the regulation of signage employing digital electronic technology, including monument signs.
Mayor Rudi opened the Public Hearing, and said comments will be heard from staff, and then from those in Favor of this issue, and finally from those in Opposition to this issue.
Planning Specialist Chris Helmer began by saying this issue has been one that has been a part of an ongoing discussion for some time. Over the course of this past year, the Planning Commission and City Council have received numerous informational packets on revisions that have occurred to the proposed Ordinance that Council received in their packets. Numerous Study Sessions have been held to allow an opportunity for discussion and to seek conceptually what the Ordinance is specifically addressing. In addition to the informational packets, as well as Open Study Session discussions, the City Council did appoint a Sign Code Steering Committee to specifically address topics of discussion that come about with reader board technology, as well as with overall monument sign design. That committee met at least six times in the morning here at City Hall. It is a comprehensive group of individuals, with representation from the Planning Commission, the City Council, and the business community. They had detailed discussions on what potential amendments or additional regulations the Planning Commission and City Council should consider.
Mr. Helmer continued by saying he wrote down a number of key points that have been the highlights of discussions with the model Ordinance that City Council is being asked to take final action upon this evening. Mr. Helmer said he already mentioned the regulations on reader board technology. Some of that regulation is specifically on the length of time that an advertisement can be displayed, as well as the overall percentage of sign copy. Related to the Ordinance are monument sign landscaping improvements, that would be incorporated around new monument signs, as well as the use of natural building materials with monument signs, and looking at and continuing discussions of the City Council’s stated goal on looking at energy conservation measures that are in support of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
There was no one to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to this issue.
Mayor Rudi closed the Public Hearing.
Item 12. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 09-13, amending sections of the Gladstone Code of Ordinances relating to the regulation of signage employing digital electronic technology, including monument signs.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to place Bill 09-13 on its First Reading. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0). The Clerk read the Bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 09-13, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi.
(5-0). The Clerk read the Bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 09-13 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance #4.105. Councilman Barry McCullough seconded.
Roll call vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Item 13. on the Agenda. OTHER BUSINESS.
Mayor Rudi reported that Larry Newport drove the bus for the Atkins Johnson Farm tours. Normally, he is a City bus driver for Senior group activities for the City of Gladstone, and we pay him to do that. Mayor Rudi said Mr. Newport volunteered his time for this event, which is very much appreciated, and she thanked Mr. Newport, which was followed by applause from the audience.
Item 14. on the Agenda. QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWS MEDIA.
There were no questions from the News Media.
Item 15. on the Agenda. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business to come before the May 11, 2009, Regular City Council meeting, Mayor Carol Rudi 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. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded.
Roll call vote: All “aye” – Councilman Barry McCullough, Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith, and Mayor Carol Rudi. (5-0).
Respectfully submitted:
______________________________
Cathy Swenson, City Clerk
Approved as submitted: ___
Approved as corrected/amended: ___
______________________________
Mayor Carol A. Rudi