MINUTES

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

GLADSTONE, MISSOURI

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2010

ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

6:00 PM

Mayor Les Smith opened the City Council Meeting to adjourn to a Closed Executive Session on November 29, 2010, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough 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 610.021(3) for Personnel Discussion. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded.

Roll Call Vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough, and Mayor Les Smith. (3-0)

Councilman Mark Revenaugh was absent from the vote, but was present at the Closed Executive Session. Councilman Carol Rudi was absent from the meeting.

Mayor Les Smith recessed the Closed Executive Session to go into the Regular City Council meeting.

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 PM

PRESENT: Mayor Les Smith

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough

Councilman Mark Revenaugh

Councilmember Carol Suter

City Manager Kirk Davis

Assistant City Manager Scott Wingerson

Interim City Counselor Chris Williams

City Clerk Cathy Swenson

ABSENT: Councilman Carol Rudi

Item 2. on the Agenda. ROLL CALL

Mayor Les Smith opened the Regular November 29, 2010, City Council Meeting at 7:30 PM in the Gladstone City Council Chambers, and noted that all Council members were present, except Councilman Carol Rudi, who was ill.

Item 3. on the Agenda. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

Mayor Les Smith introduced Boy Scout Zach Adams and his father Tim Adams, of Troop 354, sponsored by the United Methodist Church. Mayor Smith invited Zach Adams to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, in which all joined.

Mayor Smith offered “good job” to Zach, and invited him to tell a little bit about himself.

Zach said he was a 6^th grade student at Antioch Middle School.

Mayor Smith thanked Zach and his father for attending the meeting this evening.

Mayor Smith introduced Nick Cain, and Mari Grelinger, from St. Pius X High School, where they are Debate Team students, and thanked them for being present this evening.

Item 4. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR NOVEMBER 8, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to approve the Regular November 8, 2010, City Council meeting minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0).

Item 5. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 15, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CONVENING A CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION.

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough moved to approve the November 15, 2010, City Council Meeting Minutes Convening a Closed Executive Session. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0).

REGULAR AGENDA.

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

David Smith, 3301 NE 68 Terrace, stated David Bennett, Gary Lint and Mike Rider were with him this evening. Mr. Smith said he was a member of the Friends of the Atkins Johnson Farm. If he had said that two years ago, he would have had to explain where it was and what it was. Today, when he says that, before he can say anything else, people tell him how nice the house and cemetery look. Mr. Smith thanked the City Council for making the transition possible. Mr. Smith continued by saying a few weeks ago, Gladstone Public Works employees did some work at the cemetery, and cleaned up the tree lines, cut brush and trees, and turned what looked like a good place to dump stuff into what looks like a well maintained historic cemetery. Mr. Smith said he would like to thank them for a well-done, professional job.

Mayor Smith invited Economic Development Coordinator Melinda Mehaffy to join Mr. Smith, to share some good news received today about more work at the cemetery.

Ms. Mehaffy reported that excellent news was received today. Suher Industries, which is a company from Parsons, Kansas, who does mausoleum work, and works closely with White Chapel Cemetery, has agreed to help with the restoration work at the cemetery. They will be raising between eight and ten stones, leveling those stones, shoring up the foundation, putting in pins, and putting down new sealant on the stones. Ms. Mehaffy said we will see most of our headstones back in working order, and she is very pleased with that, because there is a Civil War veteran’s headstone that is being repaired, and one of the oldest stones that is being repaired is from 1886. The work is being done for about one third of the price that they had originally bid, and they will work with the City for a Gladstone Economic Betterment Council donation for the remainder. Ms. Mehaffy said she was very pleased with this.

Mayor Smith said to Mr. Smith and the gentlemen with him that the City Council appreciates his comments and those will be passed along. There are a number of volunteers in the community, such as these gentlemen, who have a real passion for what is going on at Atkins-Johnson Farm, and who have participated and donated their own time and efforts, and they are all very much appreciated.

Dean Merkel, 7244 North Norton, began by saying he lives in the Stonebrook subdivision, and introduced his wife, Karen. Mr. Merkel said they sent a letter to the City, and spoke to the City Engineer earlier this evening. Mr. Merkel said there were two things he wanted to talk about, and one of them is a single trash/recycling provider for Gladstone. Our streets are getting beat up with the trucks, and now that recycling has been added, there are more and more trucks coming into our City. Everyday, there is trash sitting out, and it is getting rough on our streets and is a safety issue. Mr. Merkel said he did not care which vendor the City used, but a single vendor would be great.

Mr. Merkel said the other issue he wished to discuss is a safety issue, which is old Antioch Road, by St. Andrew’s Church, by the (White Chapel) cemetery. It is a very dangerous road, with a drainage ditch on the west side of the road. There is getting to be more traffic and homes in that area, there is also a poor intersection at that spot. When cars go driving out, it is a dangerous area. The City Engineer said there is already something in the works for both of these issues.

Mayor Smith said Mr. Merkel probably saw all the Council members nodding their heads regarding the single source hauler, and he knows where the City is on that issue. Regarding old Antioch Road, there are issues there, and the City is working on some things for that area. Mayor Smith said he also wanted to apologize to Mr. Merkel, because having been told right before the meeting that Mr. Merkel was present, Council members and staff discussed who responded to these folks, and he is not sure that the proper written response from as many people as Council had anticipated would have responded, actually happened, because each person thought the other had done it. Mayor Smith apologized to Mr. Merkel, if he did not receive an adequate response.

Mr. Merkel replied that he and his wife had already planned to be at this City Council meeting.

Mayor Smith asked City Manager Kirk Davis to respond to these issues.

City Manager Davis suggested that Public Works Director Tim Nebergall would be able to share with the City Council what he discussed with Mr. and Mrs. Merkel.

Public Works Director Tim Nebergall began by saying he advised Mr. and Mrs. Merkel that the single source hauler issue had been discussed at the City Council’s recent goal setting meeting, and the City Council directed staff to move forward with single source hauling, which will include recycling. The City’s two-year notice to the City’s licensed trash haulers expires the end of August 2011, so we would need to have a contract in place with a single source hauler by that date. Director Nebergall said he is not certain when the implementation date would be; however, we need to have a contract in place by the end of August 2011.

Public Works Director Nebergall continued by saying in regard to the old Antioch Road curve, the Capital Improvements Program Committee and City Council funded a $170,000 project there at the curve. This does not fix everything; however, the goal is to keep people from going off the road into the ditch. The road, in that area, is super elevated, and it gets slick in the wintertime, and people find themselves at the bottom of the ditch. Director Nebergall reported that the Transportation Enhancement Committee recently had a call for projects, and one of the projects we submitted was a trail on old Antioch Road. That trail would serve two purposes – one the trail, and the other is curb and gutter on that section of Antioch Road, so staff is looking at some other options to improve this area.

Mayor Smith commented that regarding the awkward intersection, we have the realignment of Pleasant Valley Road, which will be discussed later as part of the Atkins Johnson land project. With this project, the Pleasant Valley Road connection would be further to the north, up the hill on old Antioch Road, which will alleviate a lot of traffic concerns. The long-term goal is to alleviate that much traffic in that area all together.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh inquired into the 76^th and North Broadway project, and asked if money has been set aside for that area, where there is a bad dip, and police are there every winter.

City Manager Davis replied that is included in the Bond issue, that the City Council approved. That project is designed, and construction will begin in the spring.

Councilman Revenaugh asked if Kansas City has already done their share of the project.

City Manager Davis replied, no, but our City will do its share, and we will do some work in Kansas City to taper into our area, but Kansas City probably has some work they will want to do, north of our project; they have put an overlay or a cap down. Our project will be different from their project. City Manager Davis said that the City Council will recall that they just issued Bonds for 76^th Street and for Broadway. The projects we have always talked about are Pleasant Valley Road, Old Pike Road, and old Antioch Road, which is our next highest priority short of the 68^th Street extension. If the Road District financial issue works out, that is a potential.

Mayor Smith suggested as we get to that point, especially with the single source haulers issue, there might need to be some legwork done with some of the neighborhoods. The Merkels would be great folks to have on our side for this, so we need to keep in touch with them.

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

Councilmember Carol Suter said the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting event was held recently, and one of the charities that receives contributions from the fund raising that is attached to that, is the Northland Christmas Store. Councilmember Suter said there was recent media coverage about that organization, and they are in very dire straits this year with a real shortfall of income. So often, when we think about needs in urban areas, we always think about the downtown urban core, and lots of times the needs of communities like the Northland are hidden; we don’t see them so much, because people are not out on the streets. They are expecting to serve more than 1,000 families, who have needs for food and gifts for their children. Councilmember Suter encouraged anyone who is thinking about what they would like to do at the end of year, to consider this; the Northland Christmas Store has extended their fundraising window for this Christmas, through January. There are opportunities to contribute and help them find resources for more food and gifts for community families in need.

Mayor Smith said that Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund contributions may be made directly to our City Hall. Recreation Supervisor Tina Spallo has agreed to accept any contributions, and if one wishes to earmark their contribution to go 100 percent to the Northland Christmas Store, that can certainly be done.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh had no comments at this time.

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough had no comments at this time.

Mayor Les Smith thanked Councilmember Suter for discussing the fund raising part of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting event. Mayor Smith asked City Manager Davis to carry back his thanks and appreciation to those members of City staff, who helped with the logistics of this event. Mayor Smith thanked Recreation Supervisor Tina Spallo, who was present in the audience. It was a great event, and there were some great corporate sponsors, who stepped forward. Gladstone Hy-Vee, through their sponsorship of the Scarecrow 5K Run, presented a check for about $6,000. Antioch Bible Baptist Church presented a check for $2,500. Commerce Bank and First Bank of Missouri both contributed $1,500. Gladstone Bowl and other small businesses also contributed. All of this is very much appreciated. It was a good time that evening. Chris Ketz, Channel 9 News, served as the emcee, and gave the City a great plug the following morning on his news show. This is all good for the community of Gladstone. Mayor Smith thanked everyone who helped with this event.

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

City Manager Kirk Davis had no comments at this time.

Item 9. on the Agenda. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 2010, FINANCIAL REPORT.

Councilmember Carol Suter moved to approve the OCTOBER 2010, FINANCIAL REPORT. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0).

Item 10. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 10-42, authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) for federal funds relating to the construction of a bicycle/pedestrian trail along Shoal Creek.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to place Bill 10-42 on its First Reading. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 10-42, 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 Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Councilman Mark Revenaugh moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 10-42 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.171. Councilmember Carol Suter seconded.

Roll call vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh,

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0)

Item 11. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 10-43, authorizing the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Kansas City, Missouri for construction of a bicycle/pedestrian trail along Shoal Creek.

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough moved to place Bill 10-43 on its First Reading. Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 10-43, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough moved to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 10-43 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.172. Councilman Mark Revenaugh seconded.

Roll call vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh,

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0)

Item 12. on the Agenda. FIRST READING BILL 10-44, providing that a Primary Election shall not be held, and calling a General Election for the election of two positions to the Gladstone City Council on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, describing the form of the ballot, and directing the City Clerk to submit certification of such election to the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners pursuant to RSMo 115.125.

Councilmember Carol Suter moved to place Bill 10-44 on its First Reading. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Councilmember Carol Suter moved to accept the First Reading of Bill 10-44, Waive the Rule and place the Bill on its Second and Final Reading. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough seconded. The vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh, Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0). The Clerk read the Bill.

Councilmember Carol Suter to accept the Second and Final Reading of Bill 10-44 and to enact the Bill as Ordinance 4.173. Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough seconded.

Roll call vote: All “aye” – Councilmember Carol Suter, Councilman Mark Revenaugh,

Mayor Pro Tem Barry McCullough and Mayor Les Smith. (4-0)

Item 13. on the Agenda. Other Business.

Mayor Smith noted that the Gladstone Dispatch newspaper is back, and he hoped everyone found one in their driveways. It is a work in progress, as they say. Mayor Smith suggested to the Scouts, folks working with the Atkins Johnson Farm and cemetery, and the schools that the Gladstone Dispatch is looking for information, human-interest stories, and events to be funneled to them. Mayor Smith asked people to please send any information the newspaper might have an interest in for our community, and they might write about it. They are very interested in making this a true community newspaper.

Item 14. on the Agenda. Questions from the News Media.

There were no News Media present.

Item 15. on the Agenda. Adjournment.

There being no further business to come before the November 29, 2010, Gladstone Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Les Smith adjourned the regular meeting. Mayor Smith invited anyone who would like to stay for the conclusion of the Open Study Session that began at 6:30 PM, to do so.

Respectfully submitted:

______________________________

Cathy Swenson, City Clerk

Approved as submitted: ___

Approved as corrected/amended: ___

______________________________

Mayor Les Smith