INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City
of Columbia, Missouri met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday,
September 8, 1998, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The
roll was taken with the following results: Council members HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, and COFFMAN were present. The
City Manager, City Counselor, City Clerk, and various Department heads were
also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting
of August 17, 1998, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made
by Ms. Coble and a second by Mr. Coffman.
APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Hindman noted that
B294-98 would be added under Introductions.
The agenda, as amended, including
the Consent Agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made
by Mr. Campbell and a second by Mr. Janku.
SPECIAL ITEMS
None.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B252-98 Adopting
the FY 99 budget.
The bill was read by the
Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
staff is monitoring Council discussions resulting from the budget work sessions. He
said that an amendment sheet would be prepared for the Council to act upon
before the final budget is adopted.
Kathleen Cain, 603 Westwood,
Vice-Chair of the Community Services Advisory Commission, explained that
a process of consensus and public hearings is used when evaluating proposals
to allow for as much input as possible. This year, the Commission reviewed
proposals for 47 programs from 31 agencies in Columbia. If the 4 1/2%
increase in funding is authorized, $723,675 would be available for social
services and programs. Ms. Cain noted that the Council had received
the Commission's complete report and offered to go into any detail the Council
wished to hear about. She added that the Commission is in strong support
of the 4 1/2% increase.
Mayor Hindman noted that
the Council very much appreciates the hard work done by the Commission. He
said their work is very valuable for the community as well as for the Council.
Mr. Kruse asked how the Commission
arrives at a consensus. Ms. Cain said members read every proposal individually
to privately rank and rate. The proposals are then compiled in rank
order, and the Commission conducts hearings to deliberate the requests. She
reported there is a wide range of opinion on the Commission. Mr. Kruse
asked if the Commission votes on the proposals at some point. Ms. Cain
said they usually vote a number of times.
Ms. Coble said she felt the
lack of Council comments on the Commission's recommendations should be a
point of pride. She said there had been many, many years where there
were lots of questions and differences of opinion.
Suzanne Hughes, spoke on
behalf of First Night Columbia. She thanked the Council for their past
support of this program for the community, and urged their continued support. She
said among many other things, First Night wants to promote a safe environment
for the community's youth on that evening. Another value the group
seeks to promote is the renewed sense of community spirit which occurs by
involving the widest possible diversity in the event. Ms. Hughes explained
that one of their mission statements is to provide a safe, affordable, and
accessible New Year's Eve celebration for everyone. She reported this
organization would like to have the City as a partner in the process.
Mr. Janku noted that he had
attended last year's celebration and that it was very good. He asked
if First Night would be broadening the activities this year. Ms. Hughes
said they plan to broaden the scope of First Night because it is felt more
people would participate in the event if that occurred. She said they
want to appeal to the widest possible variety and interest of people.
Mr. Beck noted that the original
budget did not reflect a recommendation for First Night, which had been an
oversight. He said a funding recommendation of $7,500 is shown on the
amendment sheet.
Barbara Reid, 2409 Fleetwood,
Chair of the Citizens for a Safe Route B, said her family had moved to this
area six years ago because her husband could walk to work at Oakland Junior
High School, and Albert Oakland Park was nearby. She said her family
could essentially cross the road to Gerbes grocers and Wal-Mart. They
also thought they could easily bicycle to the downtown area. Ms. Reid
reported they have found accessing these places without a car to be extremely
difficult without adequate crosswalks, bicycle lanes, or sidewalks. She
said the difficulties would only magnify when Route B is expanded, despite
the City's addition of a sidewalk along the east side of the road. Ms.
Reid noted the sidewalk alone would not be enough to meet the needs of pedestrians,
bicyclists, and people using wheel chairs. She stated this is a high
traffic area for everyone.
In one week, Ms. Reid said
Citizens for a Safe Route B gathered over 500 signatures from residents of
the Route B area, employees of businesses on Route B, parents of students
at Blue Ridge Elementary, Lange Middle School, Oakland Junior High and Jefferson
Junior High Schools, and from tax payers of the Columbia area. This
organization would like for state officials to look into painting narrower
lanes and creating bicycle lanes as shoulders. They would also like
the City to consider options to route southbound traffic directly to eastbound
I-70 and Old 63. Ms. Reid said residents did not want five lanes of
traffic extended over the Business Loop bridge, but they do want pedestrian
and bicycle access over the bridge. Residents also want ADA compliant
crosswalks at all intersections accompanying the sidewalk. Lastly,
Ms. Reid said landscaping at the crosswalk islands and along the roadway
should also be provided as part of the project.
Ms. Reid explained that Vicky
Riback Wilson had called the state engineers and asked about these provisions,
and had been told this is an industrial area. Ms. Reid objected to
this classification. She said this is a mixed residential area, and
the arterial road into the surrounding neighborhoods should reflect that. She
noted this project presents the opportunity to change the north side's industrial
image. Ms. Reid suggested that undergrounding the utilities could provide
a better image for business owners and increase property values for residents.
Ms. Reid stated that Route
B currently divides the east and west side neighborhoods, and the Business
Loop bridge divides the whole north side of the City from downtown. She
said that could change with an accessible Route B plan. She asked that
the Council investigate road alternatives with MODOT, bringing this group's
suggestions to the table. They wanted the Council to ask for a staff
report on how much the improvements would cost, taking into consideration
the funding which may be available from ISTEA, TEA-21, CDBG funds and other
sources. In addition, Ms. Reid stated the group requests that the Council
provide a public hearing with City and state officials, and that funds be
set aside (by the City as well as by the state) for the additional improvements.
Ms. Reid gave the 500 signature
petition to the City Clerk for distribution to the Council.
Mr. Kruse thanked Ms. Reid
for her very important work on the project.
Mayor Hindman said a request
had been made at the last meeting that a resolution be prepared stating the
Council's wishes to have the improvements made. He said the resolution
would be presented to the Council for adoption, and the City would be making
efforts to work with the Highway Department. As far as a budget item
for this year, Mayor Hindman said the City would probably not be in a position
to pursue any of the improvements at this point. He said the Council
would certainly be working with the staff to examine alternative funding
sources.
Keith McFeeny, 2601 Northridge,
explained that he bikes and walks many times to work. He also explained
that he is the UPS man that delivers to the entire northeast section of Columbia. He
said his job probably puts him on Route B more than anyone else in the city. He
urged the Council to work at encouraging the state not to leave out the safety
precautions. He said Waco Road needs traffic signals, and signals should
also be provided at the major corporations along Route B. Mr. McFeeny
felt that sidewalks should be constructed on both sides of Route B. He
encouraged that any new construction or road improvement include sidewalks
on both sides. He also thought ADA crosswalks were needed at the three
major intersections; Brown Station, Vandiver, and White Gate Drive. Mr.
McFeeny said he did not want to see the project end where it crosses Business
Loop 70. He said the traffic could be routed very easily out of the
Ammonette area down to the Business Loop, especially the traffic going to
the University, and make a double left turn lane onto College off of Business
Loop 70. He said that would alleviate an enormous amount of traffic
through the Benton Stephens area. Mr. McFeeny reported he had drawings
he could share with the Council.
Jay Hasheider, 1403 Windsor,
spoke in concern with the Benton Stephens Neighborhood, which would be impacted
by the Route B project. He said these residents are relying on the
Council to help them make the project the best one for Columbia. The
main concern expressed by the residents is that an expanded roadway would
increase the traffic volumes. As part of the neighborhood's revitalization
strategy, they are trying to attract families as first time home buyers with
young kids. He said that would not mix well with increased traffic. Mr.
Hasheider said if there was anything their group could do to participate,
they would be more than happy to do so with the planning part of the project.
John Clark, 403 N. Ninth
Street, President of the North Central Neighborhood Association, said their
association voted to participate in the formation of Citizens for a Safe
Route B. He said they are supportive of this group's agenda and the
concerns raised this evening. Mr. Clark said since there is apparently
plenty of federal and state safety money that can be accessed, he would encourage
the Council to appropriate whatever minor funds are needed, and direct the
various planning bodies and departments to learn how to access the money
very rapidly. He said the Association is particularly interested in
the developments on Route B because of the crosswalk issues. Mr. Clark
had heard one of the highway engineers say that to move large volumes of
traffic on a five lane Route B, 12-foot lanes would be necessary. He
disagreed with this statement and reported there is a lot of data suggesting
that probably is not true. He said figures show that narrower lanes
can actually move a lot more traffic safely. He noted it may go a little
slower, but the total volume of traffic moved for a period of time will be
higher. Mr. Clark said the Association is particularly interested in
supporting both the Citizens for a Safe Route B and the Benton-Stephens Neighborhood
Association in their concerns about where the traffic goes once it arrives
at the bridge. They saw the possibility of two lanes dropping off to
the right to take traffic west. He said there is a tremendous amount
of economic development going on in northeast Columbia, and the area would
continue to grow. He felt a lot could be done this year that would
not affect this budget a great deal.
Janet Jackson, Sylvan Lane,
spoke as a parent with a child who rides his bicycle on Paris Road. She
said it is marked as a bicycle route, but at the bridge it is very difficult
to get through the area if there is a pedestrian or a bicyclist there. She
said drivers become irritated and her son has been shouted at for riding
a bicycle on this road. Ms. Jackson reported on ne instance in which
someone had hit her son with a rod. She said people should be able
to walk down the street and ride their bicycles without fearing for their
safety.
Mrs. Crockett commented that
25 years ago one could see vehicles in the area with bumper stickers reading "pray
for me, I travel Route B". She said the vehicular traffic has decreased
to some degree, but the pedestrian traffic has increased drastically. She
said it is almost to the point where the pedestrians, bicyclists, and wheelchairs
needed bumper stickers reading the same. Mrs. Crockett said it is very
difficult to get across the bridges, and almost impossible to get across
the one on the Business Loop.
Mayor Hindman continued the
public hearing to the September 21, 1998, meeting.
Mr. Janku said that he has
ridden his bicycle along Route B and found it to be quite intimidating. He
said the situation needs to be addressed in a comprehensive manner as this
project moves forward. He said there are many issues, such as the future
improvements to the interchanges, that are really outside the scope of the
present state improvements. Mr. Janku stated the priorities of the
City need to be brought to the state's attention. He reported the City
should begin working with the state to develop the plans.
Mayor Hindman said he is
in agreement with that suggestion. To him, a complete project involves
the landscaping, sidewalks on both sides if possible, and safe crosswalks. He
is pleased the City decided to build a sidewalk at this location, and this
had occurred before they began to get public pressure. Mayor Hindman
understood the bridge over 70 would have pedestrian facilities on it paid
for by the Highway Department. He noted that is a very progressive
move on the state's part.
B255-98 Authorizing
construction of an 8-inch water main to serve Stoneridge Estates, Plats
1 & 2;
providing
payment for differential costs; appropriating funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
proposal is in accordance with the Council's adopted policy wherein the 1,670
feet of oversized water line would be constructed, and the City's share of
the cost for oversizing would be $7,064. Payment for the project would
come from the Water and Light fund.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B255-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B256-98 Authorizing
construction of an 8-inch water main to serve Garden City, Plat 8;
providing
payment
for differential costs; appropriating funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this project
is 495 feet with the cost to the Water and Light fund being $1,737.35.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B256-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
R181-98 Approving
the FY99 CDBG budget and action plan.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
City is expecting to receive an estimated $1 million in CDBG funding for
1999. He made note of a policy resolution which gives guidance to the
Commission, the staff, and the Council as to how to spend the money from
year to year. Mr. Hancock displayed an overhead outlining the requests
and the recommendations that have been made by both the Commission and the
staff. He noted the differences in the recommendations. Mr. Beck
pointed out that the Council would make the final determination as to how
the funds will be allocated. After Council approval, the plan will
be submitted to HUD.
Mr. Campbell asked under
what category in the budget the COLT request was allocated to. Mr.
Hancock said it would have been considered a neighborhood improvement, which
includes projects on City right-of-way or property under contracted City
control. Mr. Hancock stated the community facility classification is
described as agency assistance for capital projects. Mr. Campbell asked
which of those were on the staff side. Mr. Hancock said that would
be Services for Independent Living and the Housing Authority assistance. Mr.
Campbell asked about community facilities on the Commission recommendations. Mr.
Hancock said the Senior Center request had not been considered on either
because it had been withdrawn. He reported the requests submitted by
the Food Bank, the Housing Authority, the neighborhood marker project, and
Services for Independent Living were included under community facilities. Mr.
Campbell questioned the markers being put under community facilities. Mr.
Hancock explained that the policy resolution defines it as projects undertaken
by neighborhood organizations or non-profit organizations.
Mr. Janku asked if the $1
million in CDBG funding had been an estimate. Mr. Hancock explained
that staff has estimated that amount for the last three years, and had received
a little more than that each year. He did note that the funding has
been decreasing a little each year.
Should the Council decide
to adopt the Commission recommendations, or some portion of them, Mr. Campbell
asked what the process would be to change the staff recommendations. Mayor
Hindman explained that amendments would be prepared for adoption at the next
meeting. Mr. Beck said staff did not presume the Council would follow
either set of recommendations. He reported the Council will determine
the funding amounts they want approved.
David Johnston, Chair of
the Community Development Commission, explained that they held several public
hearings with respect to the fiscal year 1999 CDBG funds. He explained
their recommendations and pointed out a few differences between their figures
and the staff recommended figures.
The staff recommendation
for the Homeownership Assistance program was for $75,000, with the Commission's
recommendation being $100,000. He said the Commission recommended an
increase of $25,000 because it was their understanding that this is an extremely
popular program with respect to the City. He explained the program
offers assistance to first time home buyers.
Mr. Johnston reported the
staff recommendation for City-wide rehabilitation was $150,000, and the Commission's
recommendation was for $166,000. He stated this is an extremely popular
and beneficial program, and has helped maintain the quality of the City.
Mr. Johnston outlined the
staff recommended $252,000 for Fourth Avenue improvements, while the Commission
recommended $126,000. He said comments were received from homeowners
in the area that they were not aware of the actual plans for the project. The
Commission felt this is a good street program that needs to undertaken, but
additional plans are needed.
Mr. Johnston stated the staff
recommended $170,000 for a community center, and the Commission recommended
$100,000. He said the overall consensus is that a community center
is desperately needed by the City of Columbia and would be a good idea. However,
the Commission felt that additional details need to be developed as to what
exactly this center will encompass, where it will be located, and what facilities
and meeting rooms will be available. The Commission wanted those details
before more funds go into the planning of the center.
Under agency projects, Mr.
Johnston said one of the most controversial requests had come from the Central
Missouri Food Bank. The Commission recommended $100,000 and the staff
recommended no funding. One concern that came up was whether or not
citizens of the City of Columbia are receiving benefit from the Food Bank. He
said it had been established there are citizens that receive support and
assistance from the Food Bank. He said there is also no doubt that
only a portion of the total coverage area is contained within the City of
Columbia. The Commission felt the recommended $100,000 in funding would
cover the portion of the new project costs which would assist the citizens
of Columbia. He said they would look for the Food Bank to go to other
sources, counties and service agencies, to assist in the total project cost
of $445,000.
The Commission recommendation
on the neighborhood marker program was $10,000, and $50,000 on the Colt Railroad
corridor project. The staff recommended no funding on either of those
programs.
Mr. Johnston stated Services
for Independent Living received a recommendation from both the staff and
the Commission for $75,000. He said Habitat for Humanity was not recommended
for any funding by the Commission or the staff because it was determined
they still have funds available from previous CDBG requests, and those funds
should be spent before any additional funds are appropriated.
Mayor Hindman thanked Mr.
Johnston and the Commission for all of their hard work.
Peggy Kirkpatrick, Executive
Director of the Central Missouri Food Bank, said they are planning to do
four phases of renovation to their existing building. The first and
most crucial phase involves the expansion of the warehouse to acquire an
additional 4,600 square feet. The additional space would allow for
more storage and distribution of food. Because the Food Bank is currently
handling so much food, they are having to rent a warehouse off-site -- at
a cost of $1,000 per month.
Ms. Kirkpatrick stated the
other phases include the addition of an office complex, renovating the existing
office area for additional warehouse space, and resurfacing and expanding
the parking area. She said the Food Bank is very confident they can
acquire the additional funding for those phases. At this point, Ms.
Kirkpatrick explained that they have applied for additional grant monies,
and have already received $55,000 in in-kind donations.
In the last two years, Ms.
Kirkpatrick reported that the Food Bank has experienced a 140% increase in
the demand for food due to welfare reform. She explained that the Food
Bank services 33 agencies in Columbia alone, and since 1993 they have distributed
in excess of five million pounds of food -- which computes to over four million
meals for people in this community. She noted the wholesale value of
that food is $7.8 million. Ms. Kirkpatrick also stated that the Food
Bank does not receive any City funding nor have they received any since 1992. She
asked the Council to consider the funding request of $100,000 to allow the
expansion of the existing warehouse so the Food Bank can continue to feed
the citizens of Columbia.
Mr. Janku asked if Ms. Kirkpatrick
was saying the $100,000 would fund the warehouse expansion, and that the
Food Bank would pursue different avenues for the other needs. Ms. Kirkpatrick
said that is absolutely correct.
Mrs. Crockett said there
has been a lot of controversy about the Food Bank being located in Columbia,
but feeding people in other counties. She asked what would happen to
those other people if they could not receive the food from the Food Bank. Ms.
Kirkpatrick explained that people are fed where they are in need. By
supplying food to 122 agencies in 29 counties, the Food Bank supports economic
infrastructure in the applicable communities so residents in need do not
have to cross county lines, and then would not have to come into the City
of Columbia for social service assistance. Ms. Kirkpatrick reemphasized
that the Food Bank processes a huge volume of food, and asked that the Council
consider what this organization does for the City of Columbia. She
reported this translates to a huge amount monetarily, and it costs the tax
payers nothing.
Lana Jacob, St. Francis/Lois
Bryant House, said one of the reasons they support the Food Bank is because
it does not cost Columbia very much money. Ms. Jacob said that she
believes in personal responsibility and in supporting issues the City does
not have to allocate money for. Ms. Jacob said they are probably one
of the smallest groups in town the Food Bank serves, and yet those services
saved them $15,000 last year. She reported those savings will contribute
toward burial and end of life expenses for four of their residents.
Waldo Palmer, 414 Alexander,
spoke in support of the Food Bank's request.
Neil Jones, Assistant Church
and Coordinating Minister for the Little Bon Femme Baptist Association (representing
26 churches in Boone County), reported the churches pool together to house
a food pantry in the Calvary Baptist Church. He said with one dollar
he can obtain 20 pounds of food that will feed a lot of people a lot of meals. Mr.
Jones asked the Council to support the request of the Food Bank.
Karen Bell, Comptroller of
the Columbia Housing Authority, outlined their request of $280,000 in funding
for a fire suppression system at Paquin Towers. She reported on the
recent fires in both Paquin and Oak Towers, and stated both buildings are
the primary source of housing for low income and elderly disabled people
in Columbia. Ms. Bell said they have found that the majority of their
current residents have mental or physical disabilities and, due to that,
the Housing Authority needs assistance in making sure these residents are
living in a safe environment. She noted the interior of Paquin Towers
is not built out of fire resistant material. Ms. Bell stated the Commission
recommended $30,000 in funding for the initial design of the sprinkler system. She
asked that the Council support this recommendation. Ms. Bell said the
Housing Authority has allotted $25,000 of their funds for a simultaneously
designed program at Oak Towers.
Mr. Janku asked how the program
could eventually be funded. Ms. Bell said the Housing Authority has
requested $280,000 for Paquin Tower, and the total package for the two high
rises would be $477,000. It is hoped the funding would be obtained
through the comprehensive grant program. Unfortunately, for the next
two years the Housing Authority's funds are tied up with building an administrative
office as they are not in compliance with regards to handicapped accessibility. She
said if this project is not undertaken, they could lose their funding from
HUD as well. Ms. Bell reported any future funding will be budgeted
through comprehensive grants.
John Clark, 403 N. Ninth,
President of the North Central Neighborhood Association, asked for approval
of a $10,000 recommendation by the Commission for their marker project. He
said they were currently waiting for a response on their request for two
right of use permits.
With respect to the COLT
Railroad project, Mr. Clark said as the Columbia College Master Plan is developed,
and flooding problems at the Head Start Center occurred, it became more obvious
that this is a major road block. It is felt that improving this location
would enhance access to downtown and to Columbia College. He said the
neighborhood considered this a snowball affect as Columbia College has already
volunteered to adopt the green portion of it. Mr. Clark gave a slide
presentation of the area.
Richard Blakely, Executive
Director of Services for Independent Living, 7000 Buckingham Square, explained
they are requesting $75,000 in funding to go toward planning a new facility. He
explained that SIL is an advocacy organization that provides services to
people trying to be more independent in the community (getting out of nursing
homes, obtain employment, perform architectural surveys, etc.) He reported
the current facility is experiencing water leakage, as well as electrical
and accessibility problems. Mr. Blakely explained that SIL has purchased
a piece of land on Towne Drive, and what is needed from the City is a commitment
of $75,000 to be used for architectural, engineering, and environmental studies. With
this commitment, they would be able to demonstrate the City's support of
Services for Independent Living.
Cheryl Hardy, 1605 Cunningham,
President of Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity in Columbia, explained
their request for CDBG funds. She said the Commission had voted not
to fund their request this year. Ms. Hardy reported Central Habitat
has received HUD funds for about four years, and in that time they have built
15 houses. She said the $40,000 in funding requested this year will
build an 1,100 square foot home with three bedrooms. She understood
the main reason for not supporting the request is due to the fact that Central
Habitat may have some unused block grant money.
Ms. Hardy outlined Central
Habitat's current needs and explained that they have begun development on
a large tract of land, with the estimated cost of the infrastructure alone
estimated at over $100,000. The cost for building homes on the lots
will total nearly one-half million dollars over the next two years. Ms.
Hardy noted that they are also in the process of building an office and storage
building at an estimated cost of $160,000. With these new facilities,
they hope to double the rate of construction in the next few years. She
said because Central Habitat has not spent the money fast enough should illustrate
how seriously they value the donations that have been received. Although
there is still money available, Ms. Hardy said the treasurer informed her
that over $30,000 in receipts have been sent to the City that have not yet
been processed. Ms. Hardy said at a time when tax payers are questioning
the allocation of their tax dollars, there is no better buy than Show-Me
Central Habitat for Humanity. She said they provide a distinct public
good that no other not-for-profit can do. Ms. Hardy asked the Council
to support their request.
Mr. Janku asked how much
money Central Habitat had received over the last few years. Ms. Hardy
estimated the amount to be over $90,000.
Mrs. Crockett asked about
the tract of land Central Habitat had purchased. Ms. Hardy said it
was located in Haden Park. Mrs. Crockett asked how many homes they
planned to build at that location. Ms. Hardy said it is already platted
for 15 homes. Mrs. Crockett asked if they planned to change the plat. Ms.
Hardy said that had not been considered at this point as they are still developing
the infrastructure.
Mayor Hindman continued the
public hearing to the next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
B191-98 Authorizing
an agreement with Boone County to enable City to provide funding for
Community
Needs Assessment; appropriating and transferring funds.
The bill was read by the
Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
City has been requested to fund a portion of an overall study that involves
several social service agencies.
Bob Bailey, Chair of the
Needs Assessment Steering Committee, explained that he had met with the Council
at the pre-Council dinner and is present to answer any questions.
Ms. Coble said she knew the
Committee had done a significant amount of work in changing some of the methods
of the survey process given concerns that had been raised. She said
one such change is the addition of a door-to-door survey process, which she
felt is significant.
Mr. Bailey explained that
about 3,000 Boone Countians would be surveyed in regards to needs assessment,
and one of the concerns was that this had been planned initially to consist
of a random telephone survey. He said the concern was that there may
be individuals in the community who do not have telephones, especially those
who reside on Housing Authority property, so they sought out the assistance
of the Minority Help Alliance and the Housing Authority. He said three
people who live on Housing Authority property have been trained by the Committee
to help with the survey. He said these individuals will be going door-to-door
in the even numbered houses to present the survey. Those who are surveyed
would be asked whether or not there was a telephone in the household. The
responses gathered from those who do not have a telephone will be compared
to those responding via the telephone to determine whether there is a different
perception relating to needs assessments. Another change is that the
Minority Help Alliance will also participate because there was concern expressed
about not having sufficient minority involvement in the project.
Ms. Coble said she had not
been aware of the extent and involvement of the other volunteer services. Mr.
Bailey said the survey process would have cost about twice as much if it
had not been for the volunteer services which have been provided. Mr.
Bailey noted that it had been helpful to the Committee to hear the Council
concerns, and as a consequence of such, he felt they would have a better
instrument. Ms. Coble thanked the Committee for all of the work they
have done.
B191-98 was read by the Clerk
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B258-98 Authorizing
a customer transfer agreement with Public Water Supply District #4;
appropriating
funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
While working on the widening
of Brown Station Road, Mr. Beck explained the need to relocate water lines
owned by both the City and the Water District. He said an agreement
had been worked out to where only one entity would actually relocate the
line. At the suggestion of the District, Mr. Beck reported the City
would begin to service 30 customers in the area, and pay the District $300
per connection for what has been invested in meter costs and things of that
nature associated with this project.
Mr. Campbell asked if the
City would be losing any customers to the District. Mr. Beck said to
his knowledge that would not occur.
B258-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B262-98 Confirming
the contract for sidewalk construction on West Broadway and Smiley
Lane;
appropriating
funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that six bids
had been received with the difference in the bidding of about $150,000. The
staff is recommending J. C. Industries, the low bidder, out of Jefferson
City.
Mr. Beck reported the Council
had previously asked about the possibility of building a five foot wide sidewalk
instead of a four foot sidewalk. He said the staff has looked into
that alternative, and the estimated cost differential for the additional
foot is $5,300. This would be constructed toward the street -- narrowing
the parkway generally from three feet to two feet. He understood that
there are a few areas where the sidewalk might have to be narrowed.
Mr. Campbell said there are
a couple of areas that concerned him. One was down toward Clinkscales
where there is a large cedar tree which appears to be in the middle of the
sidewalk right-of-way. He asked if the tree would have to be removed. Mr.
Montgomery believed the tree to be on the right-of-way line and would have
to be removed. Mr. Campbell pointed out a grade difference in the same
area between the street and where the walk would be, and asked whether there
would be a retaining wall constructed. Mr. Montgomery believed the
area in question would have a retaining wall. He said some retaining
walls are planned where there is a slope from the yard grade down to the
top of the curve. In most areas, he said it is a slope downward toward
the street. Mr. Montgomery reported there is the option of utilizing
retaining walls or grading the area. In most cases, grading is not
feasible because it would impact other trees further back on the property. He
said the retaining walls would consist of treated timber. Mr. Campbell
asked if there was any way to save the cedar tree by moving the sidewalk
a little closer or around the tree. Mr. Montgomery said that had been
considered, and if all of the branches on the street side of the tree were
trimmed, the sidewalk could be placed against the back of the curb. Mr.
Campbell said that would not look very good.
Mr. Janku asked if the City
would normally replace the tree as part of the project. On this project,
Mr. Montgomery said they do not yet have the easement from that one property
owner. He said they had offered to pay her for the tree, as well as
another tree, and also offered to remove a diseased tree that is dying on
her property just outside of the temporary construction easement. He
said if owners request payment for trees, the City does not typically replace
a tree, presuming the homeowner would use the money to plant another tree.
Mayor Hindman understood
that if the sidewalk was to be widened to five feet toward the street, there
would be no additional right-of-way required. Mr. Montgomery said that
was correct. He also understood that no extra trees would be lost except
in the one place where the sidewalk would have to be narrowed in order to
avoid a tree. Mr. Montgomery explained that the area where a narrower
sidewalk is proposed is at the east end of the project. At Clinton
Drive, there is a very large oak tree that is elevated from the road a bit,
and that property owner wants to retain the tree. He said the sidewalk
could not go on the house side of the tree because it would not leave much
yard. Mr. Montgomery said a situation had been worked out where the
sidewalk could be placed on the street side of the tree. He said the
arborist has looked at it and it was felt with hand digging and special treatment
along the tree, they could probably install a four to four and one-half foot
sidewalk. He said they may also have to revert to an asphaltic concrete
sidewalk for a short 15 or 20 foot section. Mr. Janku asked if the
property owner was amenable to that. Mr. Montgomery replied he was.
Mayor Hindman said he was
torn because he likes the wider parkway, but on the other hand he felt a
five foot sidewalk is preferable because it allows people to walk side by
side comfortably. He commented that he had received a letter from the
Disabilities Commission stating that sidewalks should be five feet wide to
accommodate people with disabilities.
Mayor Hindman made the motion
that the City spend the extra $5,300 on this project to construct the five
foot sidewalk. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku. Mr.
Janku felt sidewalks in this location is particularly appropriate due to
the nearby schools. He also thought the extra width is very good.
Mr. Campbell said having
a sidewalk next to a busy street is not a very good thing because water and
other debris would be splashed up from the traffic along the street. He
is in favor of five foot sidewalks, but not when they are placed close to
the street. He felt that is a disadvantage in this particular situation. Mayor
Hindman said the rest of the sidewalk would be no closer, just the extension
would be closer to the street. Mr. Campbell asked if it was not going
to be used, why have it. Mr. Janku said it would be used in dry weather.
Referring to the sidewalks
on the north side of Broadway (east of this project), Ms. Coble stated there
is a heavily traveled sidewalk that is falling apart and is not even up to
current City standards. She stated if the City attempts to have anything
consistent, she is concerned about widening this section to five feet. Ms.
Coble said in her mind, this is a more heavily traveled part of Broadway,
which has the older, narrower sidewalks with more large trees to be dealt
with during reconstruction and widening. She said there is a lot of
foot traffic going to Grant School, the Library, and downtown. She
felt it was actually the heavier traveled part of Broadway from pedestrian
usage, and added that it is in abysmal repair. Mayor Hindman said maybe
it needed to be taken care of. Mr. Campbell said he had asked the staff
for a specific plan to get this sidewalk rebuilt at the last meeting. He
said since the City is dealing with a limited amount of funds, he would rather
see the $5,300 be used towards the renovation of that area.
The motion to amend B262-98,
made by Mayor Hindman, seconded by Mr. Janku, was approved by voice vote.
B262-98, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B264-98 Amending
Chapter 2 of the City Code relating to meetings, records and votes
of public
governmental
bodies.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
would bring the City's current ordinance on the subject in compliance with
the new state open meetings record law passed during the last legislative
session. He said one major change is that internal staff memos are
no longer considered a public record. Mr. Boeckmann added that there
are some changes in the types of records that can be closed.
B264-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B267-98 Extending
the moratorium on additional live adult entertainment businesses.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
would extend the existing moratorium to November 17, 1998.
Mr. Janku asked if there
would be an opportunity for additional public comment before the Planning
Commission forwards their revised proposal to the Council. Mr. Hancock
said he was not sure if they closed the public hearing and would reopen it. He
knew the issue would not be readvertised. Mr. Boeckmann thought the
Commission closed the public hearing, but would discuss the issue again at
their next public meeting. He assumed they would allow public comment.
Mr. Campbell asked when the
issue would be sent to the Council. Mr. Hancock said the plan
is to have it to the Council for the October 5th meeting. Mr. Campbell
is concerned about the time constraints. He felt the Council would
probably want to have a work session on it. He suggested that the extension
be longer in order to allow sufficient time for discussion. Mr. Janku
agreed.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that B267-98 be amended to reflect the date of December 8, 1998. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Janku.
Mr. Coffman assumed the Commission
is still anticipating some version of an ordinance that would limit these
types of businesses to industrial zones, with distance requirements in relation
to churches and schools. Mr. Boeckmann thought the Commission is also
looking at the possibility of C-3 with distances. He said the Planning
Department had been doing some work in terms of mapping to see what it would
look like.
The motion to amend B267-98,
made by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Janku, was approved unanimously by
voice vote.
Keith McFeeny, 2601 Northridge
Drive, said he would like to see this issue resolved as soon as possible. He
is against this industry expanding in Columbia. He asked that the Commission
consider at least 1,000 feet from churches and schools if the issue had to
be considered at all.
Audrey Sable, 3800 Mint Julep,
wanted to make sure there would be additional public input before passage. Mayor
Hindman said this is definitely the case in regards to the Council. Ms.
Sable said an article in the paper said the Planning and Zoning Commission
had said they would not put their final proposal forth until they solicited
public opinion. Mayor Hindman said then it appears the Commission will
also be taking public comment again.
B267-98, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B269-98 Authorizing
Percent for Art contracts with Ron Fondaw and Mark LaMair for public
art
work.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this would
make some changes to the application of art to the garage in that it would
be applied after the prime contractor is finished.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that the Council amend B269-98 per the amendment sheet. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Janku asked if the City
has a standardized policy as to what we try to obtain in terms of rights
to the work. Ms. Hunter said that question had come up with the Oakland
Pool project, but not with the Eighth and Cherry garage. She felt that
was because the images at the pool lend themselves to a logo and that kind
of thing. She said it was something that she and a representative from
the City Counselor's Office had spoken with the artist about. Ms. Hunter
said there is some allowance in the contract, especially as it applies to
generating revenue. She said they have talked to artists about this
issue, and these individuals are willing to a certain point, but they also
find their work to be important and do not want to give up all rights to
it.
Mr. Campbell remembered there
being a discussion about this a few years ago with the Jamboree project. He
said there was some agreement where the City had certain rights to the reproduction. He
suggested looking into that discussion.
Mr. Janku said he understood
the artists' interest in this, but felt it was something we should make clear
in the original solicitation of proposals so the artist is aware of the City's
intentions. He also thought the City should develop a standardized
policy. He said changes could always be made for unique situations.
B269-98, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
CONSENT AGENDA
The following bills were
given second reading and the resolutions were read by the Clerk.
B257-98 Accepting
conveyances for water utility and water and electric purposes.
B259-98 Approving
the final plat of Heritage Meadows, Plat No. 5.
B260-98 Approving
the final plat of Hinkson Ridge, Plat No. 1.
B261-98 Vacating
a sanitary sewer easement located within the proposed Springdale Estates
Subdivision,
Plat No. 7.
B263-98 Amending
Chapter 14 of the City Code to establish rates for the Sixth and Cherry parking
garage.
B265-98 Amending
Chapter 2 of the City Code to reestablish a procedure to disclose potential
conflicts
of interest and substantial interests for certain City officials.
B266-98 Amending
chapter 14 of the City Code relating to motor vehicle safety belts.
B268-98 Appropriating
funds for the purchase of police equipment.
R170-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of a 12-inch water main serving Country Farms,
Plat
2; providing for differential payment.
R171-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of an 8-inch water main serving Country Farms,
Plat
2; providing for differential payment.
R172-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of a 12-inch water main serving Smithton Ridge,
Plat
1; providing for differential payment.
R173-98 Setting
a public hearing: water main project along Fifth Street and Elm Street.
R174-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of an 8-inch water main along I-70 Drive SW.
R175-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of a 12-inch water main on Clark Lane.
R176-98 Setting
a public hearing: voluntary annexation of the South Providence Road right-of-way.
R177-98 Setting
a public hearing: Columbia Special Business District budget.
R178-98 Declaring
intent to reimburse certain capital project costs with proceeds of bonds.
R179-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of the Hinkson Creek pedestrian and bicycle
trail,
Phase
II.
R180-98 Authorizing
an agreement with the Missouri Department of Health for day care
inspections.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions were read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R182-98 Transferring
funds to the Water and Light bond contingency fund.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that new
wells have been installed in the river bottom, and this is the final engineer's
report on the project. He said this would accept the project and transfer
the remaining fund balance for the project back into the Water and Light
public improvement contingency fund.
Ms. Coble pointed out that
this represents a considerable savings to the City. Mr. Beck said that
was correct, and the project had been completed at a much lower cost than
had been estimated.
The vote on R182-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared
adopted, reading as follows:
R183-98 Authorizing
an agreement with Horizon Research Services to provide evaluation of
city
funded
social services.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that each
year there has been a formal evaluation made of some of the social service
programs provided by the City. Last year, the Council asked that the
process for evaluating be revised to include a major focus on outcome based
performance of the agency, This year the proposal is to conduct a full
evaluation of six agencies, and a limited evaluation of four agencies. He
said the four agencies are those which receive less than $15,000. The
total cost for the evaluation is estimated at $15,863.80.
Ms. Coble asked if the development
of the actual methodology for how the evaluation process will be developed
and implemented is part of the contract. Mr. Steinhaus said that is
correct. He added that he spent quite a bit of time talking with various
people, especially a lot of University contacts, in coming up with good methodologies. Ms.
Coble asked if she could have copies. Mr. Steinhaus said he would get
her copies of the proposal and the RFP.
Mr. Campbell thought this
evaluation is long overdue, and that it is the type of thing the City needed.
The vote on R183-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared
adopted, reading as follows:
R184-98 Transferring
funds for Oakland Pool Art project.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
would provide for alternate funding as described in the memo for the Oakland
Pool Art project. He said the funds would be transferred from other
art projects in the community rather than from any street projects. The
vote on R184-98 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN,
COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
R185-98 Releasing
Deed of Trust, finance statements and assignment of lease for Bernadette
Center
Association by City as successor to Columbia Industrial Development Authority.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Back in the 1980's, Mr. Beck
reported the City had an Industrial Commission that was authorized to work
through the Council in issuing industrial revenue bonds. In 1985, bonds
were issued that have now been paid off. He said this would release
the deed of trust.
Mr. Campbell said he had
served on the Industrial Development Commission at the time this trust was
issued. He is very happy to see the bonds finally paid off.
Mayor Hindman noted that
the City is not subject to any loss on this, but is merely the conduit through
which these kinds of things passed.
The vote on R185-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN. 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:
B270-98 Rezoning
property located north of Nifong Boulevard; and south and west of the
proposed
eastward extension of Green Meadows Road from R-1 and O-1 to O-1 and C-1.
B271-98 Rezoning
property located on the west side of Old 63 south of Grindstone Creek from
A-1
and
C-1 to O-1.
B272-98 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main to serve Country Farms, Plat 2;
providing
payment for differential costs; appropriating funds.
B273-98 Authorizing
construction of an 8-inch water main to serve Country Farms, Plat 2;
providing
payment for differential costs; appropriating funds.
B274-98 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main to serve Smithton Ridge, Plat 1;
providing
payment for differential costs; appropriating funds.
B275-98 Calling
for bids for water main upgrade along Fifth and Elm Streets.
B276-98 Authorizing
construction of an 8-inch water main running along I-70 Drive SW.
B277-98 Calling
for bids for water main project on Clark Lane and transferring funds.
B278-98 Accepting
conveyances for utility, electric and water utility purposes.
B279-98 Accepting
a conveyance for water and electric purposes from the Baker Family Company.
B280-98 Appropriating
funds for temporary help and overtime in the Finance Department.
B281-98 Authorizing
an agreement with Bucher, Willis and Ratliff Corporation for design of Bear
Creek
Trail Phase IV.
B282-98 Acquiring
land necessary to construct the Nifong Boulevard intersection improvements
at
forum
Boulevard and Bethel Street.
B283-98 Calling
for bids for construction of the Hinkson Creek Trail, Phase 1.
B284-98 Adopting
the FY99 Pay Plan.
B285-98 Amending
Chapter 19 of the City Code re: personnel policies, rules and regulations.
B286-98 Establishing
new group insurance premiums for the employee health care plan.
B287-98 Amending
the Money Purchase Plan.
B288-98 Amending
the City Employee Health Insurance Plan document.
B289-98 Amending
the Post Employment Health Plan for public employees.
B290-98 Establishing
Parks and Recreation Department fees.
B291-98 Amending
Chapter 27 relating to water rates.
B292-98 Authorizing
the FY99 Special Business District Budget.
B293-98 Removing
the Public Works Director from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
B294-98 Authorizing
application for a Federal Transit Administration Operating Assistance grant.
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
(A) Scheduling of
Soccer Fields.
Mr. Beck said he had been
visited by one of the officers of the Soccer Club today who had indicated
an interest in this issue. He said they concur with the report -- that
the City should prevent the fields from becoming worn. Regarding future
areas, Mr. Beck said several years ago when the land was purchased for the
MKT buffer from the Baurichter's, there had been a lease-back arrangement
until they phased out of their agricultural program. He said that was
an area that could now be looked at without great cost to the City because
we already own the land. He said Mr. Hood pointed out in the report
that there are several properties of that nature in the community. At
some point in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Mr. Beck felt the City
should be looking at these properties for programming in the CIP.
Mr. Campbell asked if there
was a time schedule for development of the Baurichter property for that purpose. Mr.
Beck said there was no time schedule at this point. Mr. Campbell said
the Fairview neighborhood had raised a lot of questions about the use of
Fairview Park for practice. He said if the Baurichter property was
to be developed, it might take some of the pressure off of the Fairview situation. Mr.
Campbell asked how much money is involved in such a project. Mr. Hood
said staff had not spent the time to develop actual cost estimates yet because
they were not sure it would be acceptable to the community to use that area. He
said he did not think it would be a large amount of money. He said
they would need to look at establishing some grades that would drain the
water and also seeding for grass. Mr. Hood reported it would be a fairly
level area that the City would keep mowed on a regular basis to be available
for soccer practice or other types of athletic events.
Mayor Hindman noted that
the County is considering the possibility of installing soccer fields and
various other athletic fields on the present fairgrounds property. He
said that would be a pretty large addition to the community's fields. He
said it may be that staff should coordinate on that before taking any further
steps.
Mr. Campbell said that is
possible, but the issue here concerns neighborhood practice fields, and people
prefer to have these fields relatively close to where they live. He
said the fairground property is a long way from the southwest part of Columbia. Mayor
Hindman agreed.
Mr. Janku thanked the Parks
and Recreation staff for the excellent report. He has seen a lot of
soccer fields around a lot of towns, and Columbia's are as good as many,
and better than most. He said the program is working and he felt the
options were worth exploring.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that staff be directed to draw up preliminary plans concerning the development
of practice fields on the Baurichter tract. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Janku.
Before proceeding on anything
in this regard, Mr. Kruse said he assumed there would be public hearings. He
was assured there would be.
Mr. Campbell's motion, seconded
by Mr. Janku, was approved unanimously by voice vote.
(B) Street Closure
Requests/Use of Public Facilities.
Mr. Beck noted a list of
street closure requests and also a request for use of the parking garage
facilities for a couple of occasions. At some point, he would like
to submit a report to the Council regarding the use of public facilities,
other than street closings, where the staff could deal with approving them
when there is no conflict. He noted there are two requests for use
of the parking garages again. He said the only real issue to address,
other than the conflict issue, is the insurance aspect.
Mr. Kruse asked what happens
to the parking spaces when the Chamber has a membership lunch in the parking
garage. Mr. Beck thought this lunch is taking place on the top level
that is not used very much. He said those types of issues would need
to be approved on a case by case basis.
Mr. Campbell made a motion
that the requests be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Kruse and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(C) Intra-Departmental
Transfer of Funds Request.
Report accepted.
(D) HUD Request
for Fair Housing Service.
Mr. Beck said the City has
been in communication with HUD regarding this subject, and Mr. Hancock has
been working with the staff in St. Louis. He said a proposal has been
prepared that staff feels will meet HUD's suggestions to the City. He
said unless the Council has a feeling otherwise, this is how they planned
to proceed.
(E) Parking on McKee
and Rice Road.
Mr. Beck noted that the staff
is recommending no changes to the parking on McKee Street, and that parking
be restricted on both sides of Rice Road to allow for emergency access. The
next step would be for the Council to direct the preparation of an ordinance
if that is the preferred action.
Mrs. Crockett explained that
she has only been contacted by one person regarding parking on the two streets. She
has heard from no other people on either street. Mrs. Crockett felt
if parking is removed on Rice Road, traffic would travel at a greater speed. Mr.
Janku agreed.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCIL, STAFF, AND PUBLIC
Ms. Coble said she believed
the staff was looking into changing the length of time of meters at Sixth
and Cherry because this previously was a non-retail area that now has retail
establishments nearby. She said there are currently 10 hour meters
at this location, and should be changed to the standard 2 hour meters. Mr.
Beck said he would check on the status.
Mr. Janku said he was not
at the last meeting, and there had been a discussion about K-Mart and an
exception for sidewalks being required along expressways. He would
like to take a look at the exception. He felt sidewalks were needed
on Stadium between Providence and College. He did not know why the
City would accept it. He said the same is true with Route B. Mr.
Janku said he would like to take a look at repealing that exception. He
said if there needed to be a variance, someone could apply for one, but he
would like to have the ordinance repealed. He asked for a staff report.
Mr. Janku noted that he had
encountered a business that is not properly taking care of the property. He
said it has been left in serious disrepair for a long period of time.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance that would require any operating
business that has windows on a street frontage, to have the windows in proper
repair. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kruse and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
Mr. Campbell said he had
been contacted by concerned citizens about dead elm trees. Apparently,
there is a continuing problem with dutch elm disease and a number of dead
trees tends to perpetuate the disease to other nearby trees. He said
Jefferson City, as well as other cities, have ordinances requiring that dead
trees be removed within certain periods of time.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that staff be directed to prepare an ordinance dealing with dead trees and
their removal. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
Mr. Campbell said he spoke
to staff briefly about the lights on Forum, south of Stadium, backing up
traffic in the early morning. He suggested that the timing be changed
on them. He asked that the staff make any necessary changes. Mayor
Hindman suggested a report. Mr. Campbell agreed.
Mr. Kruse commented that
he had sent Mr. Beck a memo last week requesting another study of traffic
regulation signalization, possibly at Forum and Woodrail. He has been
receiving complaints from people on both sides of Forum and they have a petition
going. He said it is very difficult getting onto Forum from either
side.
Mr. Kruse reported that he
had been contacted by Tom Mendenhall who wants to help raise money to landscape
the traffic islands at 63 and Stadium, not necessarily to adopt them. Mr.
Mendenhall said he would be willing to help raise private dollars to do that. Mr.
Beck thought the City had submitted a plan for enhancement funds. Mr.
Kruse said that did occur, but he is suggesting that staff revisit the situation
in terms of having a landscape plan -- one with water and one without.
Mr. Kruse said he had received
a request that the foliage along Forum be cut at the Wetlands Demonstration
area. He suggested that trimming occur along the road to provide a
neat, cut edge instead of mowing the entire field.
Mr. Janku said during the
discussions regarding Route B earlier, the speaker had asked for a report
from the staff.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that the Council receive a report on Route B from the staff relating to the
issues that were raised earlier in the evening. He suggested that it
accompany the resolution that had been requested at the last meeting.
Mr. Beck said staff has some
questions regarding what should be included in the resolution. He said
various alternatives have been discussed which includes sidewalks on both
sides of Route B, pedestrian crossings, and the bridge issue. Mayor
Hindman said one thing he had in mind was pedestrian crossings at the major
intersections. He said sidewalks on both sides would be worth getting
a report on. He said one of the problems is that the Council has never
really seen the plan, so there is no way of knowing what is feasible; although,
it has been repeatedly stated there is no way sidewalks can be constructed
on the west side because of the proximity of the railroad. Mr. Janku
said the hearings for this project were conducted in 1990, and none of them
were on the Council at that time. Mr. Beck said one issue that needed
to be examined is the difference in elevation between the railroad and the
highway. The distance between the two, and the wider the roadway is
made, the closer it is to the tracks with a steep grade situation between
the tracks and the highway. Mayor Hindman said there is also the bridge
issue. Mr. Kruse added bike lanes. Mayor Hindman said the other
discussion is whether or not there is some way to redesign the project with
respect to the intersection of Route B with the Business Loop, and possibly
having Old 63 come straight across.
Mr. Janku thought it is important
that the City's concerns are communicated quickly to the Highway Department. He
said the state needs to be aware that the community is interested in the
Council taking some action. He felt this communication could probably
be expressed in a general way establishing that the City wants improvements
in terms of pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mr. Beck reported the resolution
will include the need for pedestrian crossings at major intersections, sidewalks
on both sides of the road, bike lanes, bridge improvements, and landscaping. Mr.
Janku said he would like to add community interest in an improved intersection
at the Business Loop.
Mrs. Crockett asked about
a trailer sitting on Sylvan Lane. She said it had been sitting at the
same location for three days, and she thought the City should have an ordinance
that would prohibit streets being used as parking lots for these trailers. Mayor
Hindman said he thought this would be in violation of the 24-hour rule. Mrs.
Crockett said this stretch of Sylvan Lane is not a residential area. The
Council discussed the possibility of banning tractor trailers from City streets. Mr.
Janku said he shares the concern that these vehicle do tear up the streets. To
use the 24-hour rule, Mrs. Crockett said someone would have to report the
situation on a case by case basis. Mr. Beck is not sure it would be
a good idea to ban these vehicles from parking on all City streets, particularly
on Vandiver Drive and other similar areas.
Ms. Coble said in her neighborhood
there are several people who make their living as long distance truck drivers. She
said they are home briefly and the trucks may be parked on the street until
morning and then they are gone. Mrs. Crockett said this individual
needed the cab to get around, but left the trailer on the road. Mr.
Beck said in some areas the only occupant along the street is an industrial
business. Mrs. Crockett said she did not want to spend a lot of staff
time, so she suggested that the City continue to handle this issue on a case
by case basis. She said if residents observe these types of vehicles
parked for more than 24 hours, they will need to call the police.
Mrs. Crockett noted that
the right turn lane on 763 north at Vandiver is in disrepair. She said
there is work being done in the area, but the problem is getting progressively
worse. Mr. Beck said the state needs to be contacted about it.
Greg Ahrends, 1504 Sylvan
Lane, spoke about the problems with the tractor trailer that parks on Sylvan
Lane. He noted that it is not always in violation of the 24 hour rule,
but seems to be occurring at different times of the day and night. Mayor
Hindman said the Council could pass an ordinance prohibiting truck parking
for just that street. Mr. Ahrends said he would like to see it prohibited
on Sylvan Lane between White Gate and Clark Lane. Mr. Coffman asked
about including all residential streets in the White Gate area. Mr.
Ahrends believed there were no trucks allowed to park on Nelwood. Mr.
Ahrends said he would like to see truck parking prohibited on all residential
streets in the White Gate neighborhood.
Mrs. Crockett made the motion
that legislation be drafted prohibiting truck parking on residential streets
in the White Gate area. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved
unanimously by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at
10:25 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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