INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City
of Columbia, Missouri, met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday,
June 16, 1997, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The
roll was taken with the following results: Council Members CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, and CROCKETT were present. The
City Manager, City Counselor, City Clerk, and various Department Heads were
also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the regular
meeting of June 2, 1997, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion
made by Mr. Campbell and a second by Ms. Coble.
APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Hindman noted that
a report would be added to the agenda under Section VIII.
Upon her request, Mr. Campbell
made the motion that Mrs. Crockett be allowed to abstain from voting on R91-97. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The agenda, as amended, including
the Consent Agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made
by Mr. Janku and a second by Mr. Campbell.
SPECIAL ITEMS
1. Presentation of
FY 1996 Audit.
John Forrester, Chairman
of the Finance Advisory Committee, commended the staff and Council for the
management of the City's financial resources. He said the Committee
was unanimously forwarding the 1996 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(the CAFR), and the single audit report and management letter to the Council
for filing. He said the auditing firm of Ernst and Young were of exceptional
quality. He explained that this company specializes in governmental
accounting and auditing. Regarding the CAFR, Mr. Forrester pointed
out that an unqualified opinion was issued, which is the best possible opinion
that a governmental unit can receive on its financial documents. Regarding
the single audit report, Mr. Forrester said it was noted that the City is
in compliance with Federal Financial Assistance Requirements. Normally
there would be some sort of exception expected, but in this case there had
been none discovered. Referring to the management letter, Mr. Forrester
reported that the Ernst and Young team reviewed the internal controls and
did not detect any material weaknesses or reportable conditions. Mr.
Forrester said the City's internal financial management is very effective.
Mayor Hindman thanked Mr.
Forrester and the Committee for their volunteer services. He noted
that the Committee is made up of highly competent, qualified people who donate
their time to serve.
2. Acknowledgment
of cash gifts for City park facilities.
Mayor Hindman acknowledged
two cash contributions to the City; one from NationsBank and the other from
the Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club. Tom Hoien of NationsBank presented
the City with a check for $10,000 for the renovation of the ballfield at
Douglass Park. Skip Walther of the Cosmopolitan Club presented the
City with a check in the amount of $15,266 to the Parks and Recreation Department
to offset the cost of a new playground at Cosmopolitan Park.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B151-97 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods Mill, Plat 1, and authorizing
payment
of costs above those to install a 6-inch main.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
project was in accordance with City policy wherein the City pays for the
extra diameter pipe required by the community, and the developer would pay
the entire cost of the water line needed for the subdivision. The City's
share of the cost is approximately $8,000.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B151-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B152-97 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main in Woods Mill, Plat 1, and authorizing
payment
of costs above those to install an 8-inch main.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted the cost to
the Water and Light fund for this project would be $3,700.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B152-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
(A) Construction
of a flood intake structure at Wetland Treatment Unit No. 3.
Item A was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Patterson displayed the
location of the flood intake structure on the overhead. The relief
structure would be constructed on the Perche Creek side of Wetland Unit No.
3. This consists of installing two 54-inch reinforced concrete pipes
with sluice gates, end sections, rip rap and other appurtenances necessary.
The bottoms of the wetland
cell were originally designed to withstand an uplift pressure equal to four
feet of water. Flood relief structures were built into the original
structures to allow water to enter the cells at the time the four foot differential
would be exceeded. Mr. Patterson said it was anticipated, through a
combination of retaining water in the cells by shutting the pumps off and
with the design flood inlet structure, that the differential could be maintained. However,
in 1995 staff found the river water, primarily as a result of the Perche
Creek, would rise at an exceedingly higher rate then could be placed in the
wetland cells. As a result, extensive damage occurred in some of the
units in the wetland cells.
Mr. Patterson said these
damaged units were in the process of being repaired through a FEMA grant. FEMA
has also approved funding for installation of additional flood relief structures. Mr.
Patterson noted that these structures have been designed by the consultant
that worked on the original wetland units. The Department of Natural
Resources approved the design and authorized installation of the structures. The
cost is expected to be approximately $165,000 with FEMA paying 75%, SEMA
paying 10%, and the sewer utility paying about $38,000. The staff recommends
proceeding with construction and is prepared to call for bids on the project
if Council authorizes the project.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that staff be directed to proceed with the project. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(B) Construction
of Sewer District No. 142 (Anthony Street area) project.
Item B was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Patterson explained that
this sewer project runs along the south side of Anthony Street, between College
Avenue and William Street. The work being proposed will consist of
approximately 620 feet of eight-inch sanitary sewer line with four manholes. The
sewer line will replace a private common collector that currently serves
the 12 lots contained in the District.
Mr. Patterson explained that
the new sewer line has been designed to be located to the south of the existing
private common collector, and in such a manner as to minimize any damage
to shrubs and existing trees. The Sewer District was formed in response
to repeated stoppages of the private common collector which prompted the
Health Department to declare the line a public hazard. The line in
question has been clogged on 18 occasions in the past 23 years causing raw
sewage to surface into area structures. The most recent incident occurred
in April of 1996.
Mr. Patterson noted that
the Council passed an ordinance forming this sanitary sewer district on April
21, 1997. The estimated cost of construction is approximately $37,000,
and in accordance with the policy for private common collectors, the City
would share that cost equally with the property owners. On a square
foot basis, Mr. Patterson said the cost of the line would be 33.4 cents,
which would result in a maximum assessment to property owners of 16.7 cents
per square foot. The resulting assessments to properties range from
$1,400 to $1,900, with the sewer utility funding approximately $18,500 of
the overall project cost.
Mr. Patterson reported if
the Council's wish is to proceed with construction of the project, it will
be necessary to have another public hearing upon completion of the work to
determine whether there has been specific benefits accrued to the properties. Those
benefits might consist of the elimination of an identified health hazard
and the accompanying liability to the properties, the common cost of maintaining
the private common collector would be eliminated, and connection to a public
sewer line is considered an enhancement to the value of properties. Mr.
Patterson noted that later on the agenda this evening is an ordinance that
allows acquisition of necessary easements for this sewer district. He
said staff recommends approval of this ordinance if authorized to proceed
with the project.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that staff be directed to complete final plans and specifications for Sewer
District 142. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
B156-97 Amending
Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding sales of surplus property.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
bill amends the current ordinance in accordance with recent Council discussions
with staff. The amendment permits the City to negotiate the sale of
surplus property with adjoining property owners based upon fair market or
appraised value. This ordinance dictates that the Council will be consulted
before any negotiations of surplus City property occurs.
B156-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B128-97 Authorizing
the sale of several city-owned lots along Aztec Boulevard.
The bill was read by the
Clerk.
Mr. Beck pointed out that
this ordinance involves nine lots in the Indian Hills subdivision. With
the passage of the previous ordinance, the sale of these lots could be negotiated
with the abutting property owners. The staff recommends passage of
the ordinance.
Mayor Hindman asked whether
the bids would be presented to the Council for approval, or if this was the
last the Council would see of this issue. Mr. Beck said this would
be the last the Council would see, but the policy would be to give the abutting
property owners an opportunity to purchase the lots at the fair market value. He
said if there were no offers, the lots would go out to bid. Mr. Beck
doubted bids would be accepted for less than the appraised value.
Mrs. Crockett asked if the
abutting property owners would be notified of the pending sale. Mr.
Beck said they would be.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that B128-97 be amended per the amendment sheet. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
B128-97, as amended, was
read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B140-97 Authorizing
land acquisition for the Sewer District No. 142 (Anthony Street area)
project.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
bill authorizes the acquisition of the right-of-way for the sewer district
project.
B140-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B150-97 Amending
Chapter 27 of the City Code regarding water rates at Columbia Regional
Airport.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
amendment would increase water costs to Airport customers and the City. Consolidated
Water District No. 1 had given the City notice regarding their increased
rates, which is approximately 19%.
Mayor Hindman noted that
the increase would actually just be passing the City's cost along to customers.
B150-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B155-97 Authorizing
an agreement with the Department of Transportation for improvements
at
Columbia
Terminal's crossing at Route HH, and appropriating funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this agreement
was good news for the COLT crossing at Route HH. He said a new signal
with gates will be installed. The estimated cost is about $90,000 and,
since Route HH is a state highway, the cost of the improvement will be reimbursed
by the Department of Transportation.
B155-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B158-97 Granting
a variance regarding lot frontage for Lot 22 of West Creek, Plat 1.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
variance had been recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission
on a 9-0 vote. He said a letter had been received from the attorney
explaining that this variance would settle a law suit pertaining to access
on a shared driveway.
Tom Schneider, an attorney
with offices at 11 N. Seventh Street, offered to answer any questions pertaining
to the issue.
Mr. Campbell said this type
of situation created his opposition to tier lots. He said it was also
the reason the Council should continue to oppose tier lots.
B158-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B159-97 Vacating
a public alley east of Fifth Street between Locust Street and Cherry
Street.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
vacation would allow for the construction of the Health Adventure Center,
a museum/educational facility. He said the remaining part of the alley
to the east has already been vacated for the new garage.
B159-97 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B160-97 Authorizing
application for Federal Transit Administration funding.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
City anticipates receiving approximately $237,000 in operating subsidy from
a transit grant. He said this bill would authorize that application. He
noted funding would be a 50% match with a cap on it, which meant that the
City would not receive a grant that pays the total 50% operating subsidy
which comes from the general fund. Mr. Beck said transportation sales
tax money is used for that. He noted that the other portion dealing
with capital projects was an 80% match, with the City needing to come up
with 20%.
Mr. Beck reported all that
was required this evening was the second reading of the bill and explained
that the public hearing notice required a 30 day advertising period. The
hearing would take place at the next regular Council meeting.
Mr. Janku noted the increase
in bus ridership since last year.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following bills were
given second reading and the resolutions were read by the Clerk.
B153-97 Accepting
water utility conveyances, engineer's report and authorizing payment
of
differential
costs for a 6-inch water main along Green Valley Drive.
B154-97 Accepting
utility conveyances.
B157-97 Approving
the final plat of Derby Ridge, Plat 5.
B161-97 Calling
for bids for construction of sanitary sewers in Sewer District 136 (Olive
Street).
B162-97 Authorizing
land acquisition for construction of sanitary sewers in Sewer District 138
(Route
B/Waco Road).
R89-97 Authorizing
application for FHA and FTA planning grants for FY 1998.
R90-97 Setting
a public hearing regarding second phase of improvements at Rock Quarry Park.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R91-97 Approving
the preliminary plat of Belmont Village, Plat 4.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
plat is in the northeast part of the community and would create 31 new R-1
lots. The Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the staff recommended
approval.
The vote on R91-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. ABSTAINING: CROCKETT. Resolution
declared adopted, reading as follows:
R92-97 Authorizing
an amendment to the interconnection agreement with Union Electric.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
agreement would cap the payment amount on short-term and unfirm power. He
said it would not increase the City's cost of power.
Mr. Campbell asked about
the term capacity cost cap. Mr. Powell said it was a limit on the dollar
per kilowatt per month that could be charged to the City if a price was negotiated. He
said the current price is negotiated and settled in a letter of agreement. The
contractual price that went into effect June 1st exceeds the previous cap
in the 1988 agreement. Mr. Campbell asked what the 15 cents per day
was referring to. Mr. Powell said it meant 15 cents per kilowatt per
day.
Upon his request, Mr. Janku
made the motion that Mr. Coffman be allowed to abstain from voting on R92-97. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The vote on R92-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. ABSTAINING: COFFMAN. Resolution
declared adopted, reading as follows:
R93-97 Authorizing
an agreement with University for July 4 activities.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted this is an
annual agreement with the University wherein the City provides insurance
coverage for the 4th of July activities. He said the event is co-sponsored
by KMIZ and the Cosmopolitan Club. Mr. Beck explained that the cost
to the City was about $1,600 and was included in the budget.
The vote on R93-97 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
The following bills were introduced by the Mayor, unless otherwise indicated, and all were given first reading:
B163-97 Amending
Chapter 14 of the City Code to prohibit parking on both sides of Silvey
Street
between
Broadway and Worley.
B164-97 Amending
Chapter 14 of the City Code to prohibit parking of certain trucks on Loch
Lane.
INTRODUCED
BY CAMPBELL
B165-97 Amending
Chapter 18 of the City Code regarding police pension benefits.
B166-97 Authorizing
an agreement with Gary Pauley to use a private highway-rail crossing on
Columbia
Terminal right-of-way.
B167-97 Accepting
water and utility conveyances.
B168-97 Rezoning
from R-3 to C-3 property on the east side of Moss Street between McAlester
and
Gordon
streets.
B169-97 Rezoning
from O-1 to C-P property on the north side of West Ash Street across from
Heather
Lane.
B170-97 Rezoning
from R-3 to C-P property on the southwest corner of Wilson Avenue and Lee
Street.
B171-97 Establishing
permanent zoning on recently annexed property on the southern edge of
Nifong
Park.
B172-97 Approving
a replat of Avalon, Plat 1-A.
B173-97 Approving
the final plat of Richland Heights, Plat 2.
B174-97 Vacating
a sanitary sewer easement in Richland Heights, Plat 2.
B175-97 Approving
the final plat of Limerick Heights Commercial Subdivision, Plat 2-C.
B176-97 Vacating
various easements in Avalon Subdivision.
B177-97 Authorizing
an amendment to the agreement with the Department of Health for
comprehensive
family planning, and appropriating funds.
B178-97 Authorizing
a lease agreement with Health Adventure Center.
B179-97 Authorizing
City staff to construct improvements at Rock Quarry Park.
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
(A) Homeowner Assistance
Program.
Mr. Beck said that the Council
requested this report regarding the Homeowners Assistance Program. The
report contained suggested Council actions as well.
Mr. Campbell thought the
staff suggestions were good. He said the Council previously discussed
establishing some type of priority and Mr. Campbell suggested that two-thirds
of the funds should be allocated to the specific target area, which is the
older part of the community, and one-third of the funds should be allocated
to the other locations within the eligibility area. Mayor Hindman asked
if Mr. Campbell was referring to a long-term policy. Mr. Campbell said
he was. Mr. Janku assumed a map would be created that would clearly
define these areas. Mr. Campbell agreed. Mr. Janku said he found
the range to be acceptable.
Regarding the housing types,
Mr. Janku said single family and condominium housing was acceptable, but
he had a couple of concerns about duplex housing being funded through this
program. One reason was the paper work requirement and problems associated
with tracking to whom the duplex was being leased. Another concern
was the possibility of having a sprawl of duplex developments. Mr.
Janku was also troubled about someone of low income trying to manage, rent,
and maintain property. He said when something goes wrong and money
was needed for repairs or maintenance, the homeowner may not be able to afford
it. For those reasons, Mr. Janku requested that duplexes be excluded
from the list for eligibility.
In the list of housing types,
Mayor Hindman noted staff's survey list contained such things as single family
attached or detached townhouses. He asked if Mr. Janku had a problem
with these homes being eligible for funding. Mr. Janku said townhouses
were within the concept of single family housing, whether it be attached
or detached. He also did not have an objection with new and existing
homes.
Ms. Coble agreed with Mr.
Janku's assessment and would also like to see duplexes excluded.
Mayor Hindman was sensing
that the Council wished to have a resolution prepared setting forth the policy
outlined, which would include virtually any kind of single family housing
with the exception of duplexes.
Mr. Hancock was under the
impression that staff was to come back to the Council with a set of guidelines
and continue moving with the program under those guidelines, and then at
a later date introduce a policy resolution to set the guidelines. He
would like to move forward as soon as additional funds are transferred into
the program, assuming the Council approves it, with the guidelines that have
been discussed tonight. He said there are some who have been waiting
in the wings for a couple of weeks now for a decision. Mr. Hancock
hoped to submit the policy resolution for Council approval within the next
meeting or two.
Mayor Hindman said he was
sure the Council wanted him to proceed.
Mr. Janku asked if the $64,000
would be enough funding for 30 or more units this year. Mr. Hancock
said it could be.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the staff be directed to prepare a policy resolution along the lines
of the provisions previously discussed. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Coble and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(B) Homeowners Request
to Remove Class II Route (Bicycle Lane) on Forum.
Mr. Kruse said the homeowner
had a valid request. Mr. Kruse had been under the impression when it
had been discussed previously by the Council that the lanes would extend
all the way to Mill Creek, but for some reason it did not occur to him that
there were some houses that would be affected. He thought the request
was appropriate and suggested that the Class II lanes be removed.
Mr. Kruse made the motion
that the staff be directed to prepare an ordinance to add parking to this
section of Forum Boulevard, and to prepare a resolution removing the Class
II bicycle route (in front of the three homes on the west side of Forum just
north of Mill Creek). He asked that this portion be designated a Class
III Route. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
(C) Status of Coal
Supply and Coal Bids for the Municipal Power Plant.
Mr. Beck said the report
indicates that the bid recommended for approval amounts to an approximate
$2.5 million three year coal contract. Mr. Beck noted it would save
the City about $100,000 per year when compared to the current contract. Staff
would also be installing a shaker at the Power Plant that has a payoff of
less than five years. He said the intent was to award the three year
bid for the coal and to install the shaker at the Power Plant. He noted
that the coal supplier was planning to use the City's short line railroad
for the next three years.
(D) Cost of Undergrounding
Power Lines, Kavanaugh Easement.
Mr. Beck said the Water and
Light Department conferred with the Public Works Department regarding the
question on the sidewalk easement. He said in his opinion it had been
accurately reported that there was no certainty where the sidewalk would
be.
Having made the suggestion
of a possible sidewalk easement, Mr. Janku said he would withdraw his suggestion
given the complications it causes, but thought the City should be open to
the idea of having a sidewalk on the other side of the street. Mr.
Janku did not want to consider the sidewalk easement as part of this project.
(E) Intra-Departmental
Transfer of Funds Request.
Report accepted.
(F) Community Garden
Site, Clinton Street.
Mr. Beck forwarded to the
Council a letter from a resident in the area who had concerns regarding the
Clinton Street garden site, in addition to the report from the City staff. Referring
to the staff report, Mr. Beck pointed out significant issues that need to
be addressed in an agreement with the Community Garden Coalition. He
said the Coalition is going to meet later in the week and had asked that
this issue be delayed until after that meeting.
Mr. Janku said when this
process was initiated, the Council thought the issue might be resolved in
time for this summer's planting season. This does not seem to be the
case. He said there was obviously a lot of interest for a community
garden in this area. Mr. Janku thought perhaps a better location might
be found. He suggested Again Park as it is in the area and contains
more open space and is easily accessible.
Ms. Coble reported she had
been contacted by people wanting to make donations to the Community Garden
Coalition to help pay for the spigot installation after the water main is
laid. She thought if the issue is resolved soon, the residents might
well be able to proceed and get some planting done yet this season. Ms.
Coble did not see a problem with investigating Again Street Park as another
spot for gardens.
(G) MKT Trail Head
Committee Report.
Mr. Beck said this is a report
from Mr. Ott, Chair of the Trail Head Committee, with recommendations concerning
the MKT Trail Head. Mr. Beck briefly discussed the report with Mr.
Patterson and they had concerns regarding the removal of an old brick structure
on the property.
Mr. Patterson said problems
could be encountered if the staff did any major excavating in the area. He
said the building could be taken down to ground level, but the disturbance
of the soil underneath would trigger subsurface investigations and this could
become a very lengthy and expensive process. Mayor Hindman did not
think the Committee was asking for anything more than taking the building
down to the ground. He thought the basic idea was to get the area cleaned
up so it will look better. He asked if that made a difference -- if
the ground under the building was not disturbed. Mr. Patterson said
from an environmental assessment, it would make a lot of difference. He
asked if it was the Council's desire that staff should obtain a cost estimate
to have this work contracted out. He said staff needed a specific direction
on the removal of the building. Mr. Patterson said on a project such
as this, staff would generally prepare bid documents for removal of the building
to whatever extent the Council wanted to have it removed. He said the
work would be done under the City's inspection.
Mr. Beck said removal of
the building could be bid through the Purchasing Department. He suggested
that legislation be brought back to the next meeting which would authorize
the Purchasing Agent to call for bids. Mayor Hindman did not think
there would be a great deal of work required in taking the building down. Mr.
Kruse thought someone might be interested in recycling the bricks. Mr.
Beck said he would look into it, but thought the Public Works Department
was currently in the middle of the street maintenance program. He said
a report and some legislation would be brought back.
(H) Cooperative
Land Use Planning.
Mayor Hindman explained that
the Council received a letter from the County Commission regarding suggestions
for cooperative land use planning in the area immediately surrounding the
Columbia Regional Airport. He pointed out that the land was in the
county and the Commission would ultimately make the decision on the zoning
and use of it, but have offered to include the Council's input.
Mr. Janku stated he is willing
to delegate to the Mayor the responsibility and authority to work with the
County Commission on this issue. Mr. Janku reported the only suggestion
he would offer is perhaps a slight change in the make-up of the committee's
proposed membership.
Mr. Campbell seconded Mr.
Janku's suggestion. He said the Council had discussed this issue briefly
at the pre-Council dinner and thought the ideas expressed had been well taken. Mr.
Campbell said if the Mayor wanted to carry those ideas forward, he would
be very supportive.
Mr. Kruse said the Council
appreciated the opportunity to have input into the planning process. He
noted the letter from the Commission listed six areas for review and suggested
that a seventh be added -- a broader review of the impact of development
around the airport regarding urban sprawl.
Mayor Hindman said he would
be glad to discuss these suggestions if that was the sense of the Council.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that Mayor Hindman be delegated and authorized to work with the County Commission
on the issue of land use planning. The motion was seconded by Mr. Campbell
and approved unanimously by voice vote.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Upon receiving the majority
vote of the Council, the following individuals were appointed to the following
Boards and Commissions:
LIBRARY BOARD
Bartlett, Beatrice C., 1627 Wilson, Ward 6 -
term to expire 6/30/00
Dragich, Martha J., 112 W. Burnam Road, Ward
5 - term to expire 6/30/00
Galenes, Alex A., 2718 Cimarron Drive, Ward
5 - term to expire 6/30/00
BOARD OF MECHANICAL EXAMINERS
Kidwell, Dennis L., 1105 Bob-O-Link, Ward 6
- term to expire 6/17/00
Reed, Jimmy D., 1905 W. Rollins, Ward 4 - term
to expire 6/17/00
PLUMBING CODE COMMISSION
Clithero, Philip J., 4208 S. Wappel, Ward 4
- term to expire 5/31/99
RAILROAD ADVISORY BOARD
Edwards, Nylen W., 1113 Doral Drive, Ward 5
- term to expire 7/15/01
Wulff, Harry J., 605 Rockhill Road, Ward 6 -
term to expire 7/15/01
WATER & LIGHT ADVISORY BOARD
Wollersheim, David E., Box 350, Ward 2 - term
to expire 6/30/01
CULTURAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC
ART
Larson, Sidney, 1408 Whitburn, Ward 5 - term
to expire 7/1/98 (Artist)
Odneal, Jean A., 1100 S. Rangeline, County -
term to expire 7/1/98 (Artist)
Glenn, Peggy J., 2019 Crestridge, Ward 4 - term
to expire 7/1/98 (Business)
COMMENTS OF COUNCIL, STAFF AND PUBLIC
Mrs. Crockett voiced a concern
about Wyatt Lane and Thompson Road. She said the County had just recently
paved this area and residents felt there should be a four-way stop at this
location as drivers tend to sail through the intersection since the paving. She
said the residents have contacted the County and the City regarding the situation,
but nobody is sure where the responsibility lies.
Mr. Campbell called attention
to the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens. He said it was an absolutely
beautiful spot and did not think many people knew about it. He complimented
Dick Green and his staff on the design and maintenance of it.
Mr. Kruse asked about the
actual increase in bus ridership as he had been hearing conflicting numbers. He
asked specifically about the total increase in ridership since the route
changes took effect. Mr. Patterson indicated an update would be provided
to the Council. He said it amounts to an increase of 21% last year,
and about 14% the year before. He said those were the two years that
reflected the major changes made in the system. Mr. Kruse said the
progress should be emphasized. He continues to receive comments from
people in the Fifth Ward about empty buses. He thought these comments
were directed at the yellow route that runs up and down Forum. Mr.
Patterson said staff had been working on reports regarding some route questions
by the Council. He said staff hoped to have those counts by next month. Mr.
Kruse said he knew there was a marketing plan to promote ridership and that
parts of it had been implemented. He asked whether staff was still
waiting until all of the buses and shelters are operational before implementing
the marketing plan completely. Mr. Patterson felt a better job of marketing
is being done, but it probably is not as aggressive as it should be. He
said several thousand dollars a year is spent on advertisements and promotion
of the bus system. He said one delay had been getting the new buses
in. Mr. Patterson hoped to see a more visible marketing effort within
the next six months. Mr. Kruse encouraged some site specific marketing,
like door-to-door in apartment complexes.
Mr. Coffman agreed with Mr.
Kruse's comments about marketing. He thought the students were an untapped
market and the best time to target this group would be at the onset of the
school year before transportation habits are established.
Mr. Coffman had been contacted
by the Missouri Environmental Fund and was asked about the City's work place
charitable giving program. He wondered if the City had looked into
a policy where many different charitable programs could be given as options
instead of just the United Way program. Mr. Beck said a report had
been prepared earlier for the Council and he would see to it that Mr. Coffman
received a copy. Mr. Janku said that had been received a few years
back. Mayor Hindman thought this was being investigated and staff was
looking into some cases. He said there was the contention that the
City had to provide options because there had been some cases establishing
that if one company was allowed to seek charitable contributions, that options
would have to be open to all. Mr. Boeckmann had a vague recollection
of this discussion and thought someone was going to give him some cases to
review, which he never received. Mayor Hindman thought perhaps he was
the "someone". He said he will try to find the cases and get them to
Mr. Boeckmann so background information will be available when discussing
this issue. Mr. Coffman said it was his hope it could be open to all
companies, and that it would also be very permissive and not in any way implied
to be mandatory. Mr. Beck noted that City employees had been polled
and they had not been in favor of it. Mr. Kruse said that had been
three or four years ago. Mr. Coffman said he was just suggesting that
the City look into a policy where any number of programs could be offered
as alternatives.
Regarding the Audubon/Stadium
intersection, Mr. Coffman said the Council heard from the developer about
what would be donated, and he wanted to check with the staff to ensure that
whatever preparations to be done by the City has been determined so that
the intersection could be accomplished with all deliberate speed. He
remembered the Theatre saying they wanted to be ready by the first of the
year. Mr. Patterson said nothing had been received from the developer
since that last conversation. He presumed there would be some kind
of agreement brought to the Council to bind the developer to what had been
stated regarding donations. Currently, staff is proceeding based on
comments from the developer at that meeting. Mr. Patterson said he
would follow-up on it.
Regarding the intersection,
Mr. Janku asked if the staff had looked into the site at all in terms of
what might need to be done as far as any utility relocations so the various
City departments could be planning. Mr. Patterson said they had not. He
said typically, staff would presume the developer would hire the engineer
to make the design and that would determine any utility relocations, lane
widening, and complete geometrics of the intersection. Based on that
design, it would be submitted to the Department of Transportation for their
review and approval. He said the City would not be physically involved
in that stage, the developer and engineer would be responsible for those
types of determinations. Mr. Janku was concerned about the time it
would take to get through all of the hoops before, for example, Water and
Light would know that a water line needed to be relocated. He said
at that point it would be too late. He thought the staff should have
at least a rough idea as to what might be involved. Mr. Patterson said
Water and Light may wish to address the issue, but, for the most part, utilities
do not move actual facilities until there is a determination that this is
required. He said all of that information should be gathered in the
preliminary design stage.
Ms. Coble said she had received
several calls about the possible need for a four-way stop at Ridgeway and
Donnelly. She said there were a lot of children in the neighborhood
and, with school being out, a lot of kids were riding their bikes. She
said it was a convenient and apparently speedy cut through for many.
Regarding stop signs, Mr.
Janku brought up Derby Ridge at Smiley Lane. He said the street connection
had been made on one side and he thought the second side would soon be completed. He
said a lot more traffic would be flowing through the intersection, from north
to south, and there would be the second school opening and Spencer's Crest
going in. Given all of the traffic and school children going through
the intersection, he did not think the City should wait for a traffic count
to justify signage. He thought it was appropriate to examine the necessity
for a four-way stop and hopefully have it installed before the school year
starts.
Mr. Janku was pleased the
City received the donation from NationsBank for Douglass Park. Previously,
the Council heard suggestions from Mr. Whitlock about enhancing participation
in certain sports, including soccer, among minority youth. Mr. Janku
did not think there was a soccer field in the central city and thought, particularly
with the additional funds, the City may want to look at putting up goal posts
at the new field and possibly have a soccer facility people could use. He
asked the staff to look into the possibility and report back.
Since Wendy's has closed
at Ninth and Elm, Mr. Janku said there was no restriction in terms of parking
and other activities. Until the building is sold, he asked if the City
could consider renting it to use for short-term parking. Mr Beck said
the staff is presently looking into the situation.
Mayor Hindman said there
had been a lot of discussions regarding four-way stops and questioned whether
or not the City should be looking at some sort of traffic calming approaches
to some of the situations, instead of having four-way stops all over town. He
understood these devices had been used very effectively in a good number
of locations. Mayor Hindman suggested staff look into some alternatives. Mr.
Patterson agreed and said staff received approval for the first study on
Lynnwood for traffic calming. He pointed out that the City does not
typically make traffic counts for four-way stops during the summer months
because of the influence of schools. Mr. Patterson did not expect to
have reports back until after the new school year begins.
Mr. Janku asked if projections
could be made. Mr. Patterson said the Council at any time could direct
staff to install a four-way stop in a location where it does not meet traffic
warrants. He said the City could not make legitimate projections and,
based on the counts last year, did not think there was any way those warrants
would be met. He reiterated that staff could install unwarranted signals
and stop signs upon the direction of the Council. Mr. Janku knew projections
had been provided in the past and thought it would be interesting to see
what the warrants are.
Regarding Oakland Road, going
north from Smiley Lane to the 63 intersection, Mrs. Crockett said it was
an unimproved street and 18-wheel trucks were using it as a short-cut to
763. She asked about signage prohibiting trucks on this road. Mr.
Patterson said the Council would have to pass an ordinance prohibiting it
and then the Police could enforce it. He said it was a collector street
for the purpose of providing more than just residential traffic, but it was
the prerogative of the Council to restrict traffic on any street. Mr.
Patterson said staff could prepare an ordinance for the Council to discuss. He
said when this is done, typically everyone in the area is notified to provide
an opportunity for comment. Mrs. Crockett asked that an ordinance be
prepared. Mr. Beck asked if she wanted all trucks restricted or trucks
over a certain size. Mr. Patterson said staff would bring back alternatives.
Paul Albert, 2703 Parker,
spoke about insulation versus tree planting. He said builders need
to thoroughly insulate at the time of construction.
Waldo Palmer, 414 Alexander,
asked if the lots in Indian Hills the City was going to sell were zoned R-1. Mr.
Janku replied that the Council had rezoned them to R-1. Mr. Palmer
asked if there were sanitary sewers in front of each of the lots. Mr.
Beck thought there was, but suggested that Mr. Palmer check with Public Works
to make certain.
The meeting adjourned at
8:50 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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