MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GLADSTONE, MISSOURI
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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
City Clerk Cathy Swenson
Item 2. on the Agenda. ROLL CALL
Mayor Carol Rudi opened the Regular September 28, 2009, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers, and 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 2009, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.
Councilman Barry McCullough moved to approve the Regular September 14, 2009, City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Councilman Mark Revenaugh 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)
Mayor Rudi explained to the audience that she and the other City Council members were using a new computer system for their meeting packets at this meeting. Instead of receiving 112 pages of paper in the mail this week, they received it electronically. Mayor Rudi said she is trying to read her agenda on the computer screen while paying attention to the audience. Mayor Rudi said she wished to apologize in advance if she should miss anything, and asked folks to bring it to her attention if she did.
Item 5. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: Recognizing Gladstone Resident Antoinette Lansangan for her outstanding performance as the recipient of several awards in the Pre-Teen Missouri Academic and Scholarship Program.
Mayor Rudi invited Ms. Antoinette Lansangan and her family to join her at the Council dais, where Mayor Rudi read and presented the proclamation to Ms. Lansangan.
Ms. Lansangan said the Pre-Teen Missouri Academic Scholarship Program was very fun, and she would recommend it for any girls who are smart and enjoy competing. Ms. Lansangan said it was fun to compete with girls who had her same knowledge and interests.
Mayor Rudi introduced Ms. Lansangan’s mother, Marie Lansangan, and her sister, Irene Lansangan.
Item 6. on the Agenda. PROCLAMATION: Recognizing National Codes Enforcement Month and the important role Code Compliance Officers play in our Community.
Mayor Rudi invited Building Official Alan Napoli to join her at the dais, where she read and presented the Proclamation to Mr. Napoli.
Mr. Napoli thanked Mayor Rudi and Council members.
Item 7. on the Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Carol Suter moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith 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-09-76, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Pyramid Excavation and Construction, Incorporated, for the Northeast 67th and North Indiana Drainage Improvements Project; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $4,750.00. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith 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-09-77, authorizing acceptance of work under contract with Clay County Sanitary and Ditching Service, Incorporated, for the Rock Creek Slope Stabilization North Park Project; and authorizing final payment in the amount of $500.00. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith 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-09-78, authorizing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $53,228.50 to the contract with Little Joe’s Asphalt, Incorporated, for the 2009 Mill and Overlay Program. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith 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 APPROVE A TEMPORARY CATERING LICENSE for Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria, 1611 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri, for a wedding reception event to be held October 10, 2009, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, in the Gladstone Community Center. Managing Officer: Maria Bernal. Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith 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).
REGULAR AGENDA
Item 8. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.
Clay County Sheriff Bob Boydston began by saying he is a resident of North Kansas City. Mr. Boydston thanked Mayor Rudi and City Council members for allowing him to speak this evening, and he said he wished to thank Madam Clerk, and the other City leaders and Directors in attendance. Sheriff Boydston said he comes every 12 years, asking for the same thing, and about 12 years ago, he appeared before this City Council, and he believes Mayor Pro Tem Smith was on the Council at that time. Sheriff Boydston stated he asks that the City Council deliberate and study the issue and consider an endorsement for Proposition “A”, that will be coming up at the November 3rd election, for consideration by all Clay Countians. This is the law enforcement sales tax that was passed in 1998, after Gladstone and every other municipality endorsed it. It has created an expanded, modern, state of the art detention facility for all of Clay County municipal agencies to use, besides the State’s courts. Because the County’s funding is primarily by sales tax, and with the economy that exists today, should this sales tax not be extended on November 3rd, the outcome will be catastrophic in law enforcement terms.
Sheriff Boydston stated that the professional career people in detention suggest that at least two floors of the detention facility would have to be closed. Sheriff Boydston said this does not mean that there would be less expenses, because as Sheriff, we are mandated in Missouri to receive any prisoner that is presented to us. What will happen is that there will be a huge transportation and housing concept, which will take place outside of the County. There will be no argument about their housing rates; it will be exorbitant. Most of the counties that take prisoners from other counties for overcrowding or other reasons, charge anywhere from $55 to $68 per night.
Sheriff Boydston said he is trying to get the word out, as he did in 1998, and he knows that Gladstone citizens look to the City Council for opinions and leadership, and he hopes that City Council members will study the issue. Sheriff Boydston said he would be available for questions at this meeting, and also at any other time. There will be an oversight committee appointed upon the passage of this renewal. Sheriff Boydston said he suggested this in 1998; however, it was not done, but he will have a little bit more time in office this time to do just that. The citizens will have a say into the validity of expenses that might be debated. Essentially, it is to fund the Clay County Detention Center through staffing, maintenance and any other operational cost – nothing else. It does not buy the Sheriff a new car, or support patrol units, or support the efforts in school resource deputy programs – it is strictly for the detention center. Sheriff Boydston said he would respectfully ask that the Gladstone City Council consider this, and issue an endorsement when the Council feels it is proper. Sheriff Boydston thanked the Mayor and Council for their consideration.
Mayor Rudi inquired into the rate of the sales tax.
Sheriff Boydston replied the rate is 1/8th of one cent, and the County Commissioners, appropriately, he thinks, put a 12 year sunset on the tax, which is just what is now finishing. The sales tax will actually expire in the summer of next year; however, funds after the last bond payment is made in May, will essentially deplete all funds. The career professionals in detention are preparing a “dooms day” budget that would close at least two floors at that time.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith stated this is a renewal; it is not a new tax. Sheriff Boydston did not get a new car, but he did get a new van that is being used to transport prisoners from the communities to the County. Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked Sheriff Boydston if that was correct.
Sheriff Boydston agreed that was correct.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith said Council members have a report before them that says our City’s Public Safety Department is lacking in manpower. Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked Public Safety Director Mike Hasty if it takes about an hour or one and one half hours for our City to transport a prisoner from Gladstone, go through the booking process and return.
Director Hasty agreed that was correct.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith said that is significant to us, as well as the housing costs, and especially if we need to take prisoners any distance, so there is an impact to our law enforcement operation. Mayor Pro Tem Smith said he believed 12 years ago this sales tax was a good idea, and he is really happy to see Sheriff Boydston here supporting the issue, and he believes that Sheriff Boydston is taking his responsibility for law enforcement seriously, and he is glad to see he is the one here asking for our City’s endorsement.
Sheriff Boydston thanked Mayor Pro Tem Smith for his comments, and he thanked the Mayor and Council, and said that if any questions should come up later, he and Chief Hasty are in contact almost weekly about other issues, or he will communicate directly to Council any answers they would like to have.
Item 9. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL.
Councilman Barry McCullough invited everyone to an exciting event this weekend called Gladfest, and said he hoped everyone in the audience would be able to attend.
Councilmember Carol Suter stated she just came back to town from her vacation and it does her heart good to see all of the activity going on in Gladstone in terms of investment in infrastructure with sidewalks and trails going in, and bus stops being built, and pedestrian cross walks. The Walmart project is underway and Quik Trip’s new driveway is completed. It is encouraging, even in a recession, to see businesses who understand how to invest for the future, which bodes well for Gladstone. It is also great to see the investments that the citizens’ tax money is going for, both locally and nationally, as Broadway is being repaved with some federal funds.
Councilmember Suter said she wished to express her appreciation to Public Safety. Two weeks ago Council heard from a neighborhood having problems with speeding, and she is very impressed with a report that summarized all the activities that have happened, and how thoroughly our Public Safety Department has responded, investigated, and provided numerous methods to reduce the problem, and to meet with the neighborhood and really have strong communication. Councilmember Suter said these are all elements of what makes Gladstone an All America City. Councilmember Suter offered kudos to the Public Safety Department, and said she trusts that the neighborhood is impressed as well with the effort the Department has done.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh had no comments at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith said he wished to “piggyback” on Councilmember Suter’s comments and acknowledge that Officer Buck, who is here with us this evening, prepared a majority of the report, which is very thorough. Mayor Pro Tem Smith offered “good job” on the thoroughness of the report.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith mentioned there might have been someone from the audience who wished to speak, but who had left the room for the moment.
Mayor Rudi said she would allow them the opportunity to speak later in the agenda.
Mayor Carol Rudi asked Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis to report on the events coming up in the parks.
Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Lillis began by saying one activity associated with Gladfest that she has not heard mentioned is the Gladstone 5K Run, which is the single biggest fund raiser for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree program. The 5K Run will be held Sunday morning at 7:30 AM. One-mile walkers are welcome, as are people who would like to do a 5K. Director Lillis asked if anyone is interested in this event, to please see her after the meeting, and she would be happy to provide some forms.
Director Lillis reported this past weekend the City hosted the UMKC School of Music brass ensemble. It was very beautiful music with a light crowd. On October 11, the Northwinds Jazz ensemble will be hosted at 3:00 PM at Oak Grove Park. It will be another good event. Staff is trying to get some music events in the park, and some concerts. It is a very nice opportunity for a free concert.
Mayor Rudi acknowledged a member of the audience, and asked if they wished to address the Council.
Mitz Kretchner, 6106 North Michigan, said at the last meeting she and a group of neighbors had addressed the speeders on North Michigan. Ms. Kretchner said she did find some more people on North Euclid, and she asked them to address the Council.
Arturo Hernandez, 5912 North Euclid Avenue, said he has also been having similar problems with speeding. He attended a neighborhood watch program, Thursday, at Englewood Church, where they did address the issue. He has noticed a policeman parking where Englewood starts down from Garfield where it turns into Euclid. He has been watching the police there, but he would like to know if there could be a four way stop sign at the bottom of the hill and by the park. There is a two way stop there now, but he wonders if it would be possible for it to be made a four way stop. That would get the speed down a little bit.
Mayor Rudi asked Mr. Hernandez to provide his contact information to staff before he leaves, so they may reply with the information. Studies and so forth must first be conducted.
Don Faudel, 6209 North Michigan, said he was at the last meeting, when he and his neighbors addressed the City Council. Mr. Faudel said as a wrap up on what he has seen, on a couple of mornings he has noticed a police officer standing in front of his house - no police car present, which tremendously helps. However, if the officer is just standing there, it makes it hard for them to be seen. Mr. Faudel said the officer told him she had lots of customers. Mr. Faudel said in some ways this is working. They did move the Robo Cop from the neighborhood. That slowed the speeders down, because it had the red and blue lights flashing, and red sign that said you are going too fast – slow down. Of course, some people will see that and will not care, but if they see a squad car sitting there, that is different; they slow down. Mr. Faudel said the neighborhood is still having some problems. Things are better. The more police presence that is there, sporadically, will definitely help. Mr. Faudel said he would like to read the report.
Mayor Rudi said staff will be sure to get that information to him.
Item 10. on the Agenda. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER.
City Manager Kirk Davis stated this next weekend is Gladfest weekend. On Friday afternoon, access to City Hall will be very difficult, so City Hall is typically closed at noon. Many City employees are involved with the festival and will be working outside with the festival, and employees will be working inside, but the public access is no longer available.
Item 11. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 09-28, establishing a "Farmers’ Market” within the City of Gladstone, to be administered by the Director of Community Development.
Councilman Barry McCullough moved to place Bill 09-28 on its First Reading. Councilmember Carol Suter 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.
Councilman Barry McCullough moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 09-28, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Councilmember Carol Suter 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.
Councilman Barry McCullough moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 09-28 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.119. 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).
Item 12. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 09-29, approving an Interlocal Agreement by and between the Cities of Gladstone, Belton, Harrisonville, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Raytown, Sugar Creek and Wood Heights, Missouri to facilitate the implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith moved to place Bill 09-29 on its First Reading. Councilman Mark Revenaugh 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 09-29, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked for an explanation of this action for the Audience.
Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson stated this is a complex federal program. It basically says that Gladstone has stepped up to be a leader in neighborhood stabilization. It has to do with the stabilization of property maintenance and foreclosed homes, and gives the region some more resources to battle those issues in the cities cited in the Bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Smith said the overall intent is, with the grant, to help protect the integrity of the neighborhoods from those properties that are left abandoned, foreclosed on, and so forth. It is really a neighborhood issue as well.
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 09-29 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.120. Councilman Mark Revenaugh 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. FIRST READING BILL 09-30, amending Title IX of the City Code by repealing certain provisions contained therein and enacting in lieu thereof new City Code provisions designated as Title IX relating to the construction and maintenance of structures and property within the city and designated as the “Building and Construction Ordinance” of the City of Gladstone, Missouri.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to place Bill 09-30 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.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 09-30, 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.
Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 09-30 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.121. 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 14. on the Agenda. OTHER BUSINESS.
Public Safety Director Mike Hasty began by saying at the last City Council meeting, Council members directed staff to study a problem that had been brought forward by citizens in the 6100 block of North Michigan concerning speeding. Director Hasty said Sergeant Buck, who supervises our traffic unit, in collaboration with the City Engineer, Mr. Nebergall, has worked on this issue and is present to give a report to the City Council.
Sergeant Kenneth Buck stated he met with two of the residents, one of whom was the lady who spoke earlier this evening, and another gentleman regarding the concerns and the issues. Public Safety staff has addressed those concerns and will continue to address them. One of the main problems was a young man who was speeding in a pick up truck through the area. That gentleman was identified, staff contacted him and the concerns were explained to him, and he was advised of the consequences if he continued his style of driving. This should take care of a lot of the problem in this area. There is no 100 percent solution to this problem. It is a give and take. If staff does one thing, it takes away from something else. It is felt the best move at this point is continued enforcement. Sergeant Buck said officers will continue to monitor the area, and he received word from Public Works Director Williams this evening that the speed survey has been completed.
Sergeant Buck pointed out that the one gentleman said the trailer was removed. That was done to obtain an accurate speed survey. The trailer would have slowed the drivers down, which is why it was taken away. Sergeant Buck said he believed that about 85 percent of the time vehicles were traveling about 29 miles per hour. A frequent violator was identified, and that will be addressed. Sergeant Buck has asked the neighbors to give him the information on the frequent speeders if it should occur again, and the traffic unit will attempt to contact those individuals about their driving behavior. Sergeant Buck reported that he worked with the Public Works Department City Engineer Tim Nebergall, and Director Chuck Williams, who have done an analysis of this area, and the approach will be to try different steps, one thing at a time, to see what works. Some things are practical and some things are not. More speed limit signs are needed; there was only one speed limit sign between Englewood Road and Shady Lane on North Michigan.
Sergeant Buck said the area will continue to be monitored, and officers will continue to be in contact with the residents, and staff will do what they can to correct the problem. Sergeant Buck said in regard to the gentleman who spoke about North Euclid, he received a call last week from a gentleman named David Perrien, so officers are already working in that area. It is in the same basic area, so a traffic count will be done there. The area will be saturated with officers, and the speed trailer will be placed there. Sergeant Buck said he would remain after the meeting to speak to anyone who might have questions or concerns.
Carrie Baker, 6203 North Michigan, said there is an elementary school one block up from there. There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood who walk to and from school, so we are not only dealing with the 25 miles per hour speed limit, there are a ton of violators of the school zone, which is 20 miles per hour. That is a huge concern of the people in the neighborhood, as they have children who go to the school.
Mayor Rudi asked Ms. Baker to talk to Sergeant Buck, and if she should need him, someone can get a message to him, and try to get this worked out that way, because at this point, there is not much more Council can do other than ask the Public Safety Department to help the neighbors. Mayor Rudi suggested that if any of the residents have concerns, to please talk to Sergeant Buck.
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 September 28, 2009, Regular City Council meeting, Mayor Carol Rudi adjourned the Regular meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
______________________________
Cathy Swenson, City Clerk
Approved as submitted: ___
Approved as corrected/amended: ___
______________________________
Mayor Pro Tem Les Smith