M I N U T E S
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
APRIL 3, 2000

INTRODUCTORY
    The City Council of the City of Columbia, Missouri met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, April 3, 2000, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The roll was taken with the following results: Council members JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, and CAMPBELL 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 March 20, 2000, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made by Mr. Campbell and a second by Mrs. Crockett.
 

APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING CONSENT AGENDA
    Mayor Hindman noted that Police Chief Boehm would be sworn in following the vote on the Consent Agenda.
    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. John.
 

SPECIAL ITEMS
Presentation of FY99 Annual Audit
    Mr. Beck explained that the Chairperson of the Finance Advisory Committee had met with the Council to answer questions regarding the annual audit. He noted the audit was performed by the firm of Ernst & Young, working with the Finance Department as well as other City departments. Mr. Beck emphasized that the City of Columbia is in sound financial standing.
    Ms. Fleming noted that the City's general fund balance is at 18% of expenditures and transfers, which is above the 16% requirement by Council policy. For a third year in a row, she reported the single audit found no questioned costs or findings, which means that the City abided by all of the rules and regulations attached to grant monies. Ms. Fleming explained the management letter contained minor items which staff agreed to work on in the area of reporting and reviewing operations. She stated that the special project this year had been the report on the Health Department. Ms. Fleming pointed out that the full financial statement can be found on the City's Web Page.
    Mr. Campbell made the motion that the report be accepted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
 

SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
Barbara Hoppe - Coalition to Save Stephens Lake
    Barbara Hoppe, 607 Bluff Dale, spoke on behalf of the Coalition to Save Stephens Lake. She explained the makeup of the Coalition to be represented by the following groups: East Walnut Neighborhood Association, Benton Stephens Neighborhood Association, East Campus Neighborhood, Shepard Boulevard Association, Moon Valley Association, Hinkson Creek Valley Neighborhood Association, and the Friends of Stephens Lake. Ms. Hoppe reported the Coalition has met with many organizations and groups and have received overwhelming support from the Greenbelt Coalition, the Hinkson Stream Team 409, local alumni from Stephens College, The Native Plant Society, The League of Womens Voters, The Audubon Society, and The Sierra Club. She pointed out that they expect many other groups to be joining them in the future.
    Ms. Hoppe reported the purpose of the Coalition is to make the Council aware of the strong community support for the acquisition of the historic and irreplaceable Stephens Lake and its parkland. She explained the importance of preserving the property.
 

PUBLIC HEARINGS
B88-00     Calling for bids for the Wetland Treatment Units Berm Repair Project.
    The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
    Mr. Patterson explained that the public hearing and bid call is for the repair of embankment sloughs at wetland treatment units one and two, and correcting erosion problems that are occurring on the Perche Creek near unit three. He explained that these events have been occurring over a period of time and the repair work consists of three separate projects that will be combined into one to take advantage of better bid prices.
    Mr. Patterson explained the damage to berm sloughs in unit one have transpired over a period of years. He noted staff has been monitoring the problem and hoped to get to a point where it would stabilize so all repairs could be done at the same time. Mr. Patterson noted that was not to say future failures of a similar nature might eventually develop, but certainly nothing as extensive as what is occurring now. The estimated cost for repairs to unit one will be about $500,000 and will be bid with two alternatives; one for replacing the high plastic clay with low plastic soil, or to replace the existing clay with geo-grid material, and stabilization of the soil.
    Mr. Patterson explained that repairs to unit two were of a more serious nature. A deep-seated failure is occurring next to the outside berm right against the creek and poses some danger to this wetland unit cell. He reported that staff proposes to excavate below the point of failure, put in a rock buttress, and then replace the failed areas with compacted clay. He said they would then install drains throughout the repair area to prevent reoccurrence of the failures.
    Mr. Patterson stated the work to unit three involves a much needed repair along Perche Creek. He noted several years ago there had been a project along Perche Creek, and this is a continuation of that project to control the erosion that is occurring above unit three. Mr. Patterson reported the erosion is also endangering the levy that protects the well area that is part of the levy district.
    Mr. Patterson was hopeful to get the three projects under bid this summer so they could be completed before winter. The projects are funded through sanitary sewer utility funds.
    Mayor Hindman asked if the repairs would be made in such a way so as to maintain the current depth of the creek. Mr. Patterson said the depth would remain the same, the project would merely stabilize the stream bank so the erosion would not be allowed to continue.
    Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
    There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
    B88-00 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
 

R61-00     Approving Amendments to the FY2000 Action Plan.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck explained that this year the City was notified that we would be receiving additional funding in the amount of $1,039,000.00 for CDBG and $537,000 for HOME money. The public hearing this evening is to allocate the additional funding. The staff suggestion is to repay the $67,500 borrowed from other sources with additional CDBG funds. He said there would be a net increase of CDBG funding in the amount of $171,500. An overhead was shown describing the proposal.
    Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
    There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
    Mr. Janku said as staff moves forward with the adopted plans, he was hopeful the Community Development Commission would be advised of the changes as soon as possible so they would be aware of them when discussing the upcoming budget.
    Mr. Beck said he would be presenting, very shortly, a plan to look at various accounts that need to be spent down faster than they have been.
    The vote on R61-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

(A)     Voluntary annexation of property located on the west side of Bearfield Road, approximately 500 feet south
          of Nifong Boulevard.
    Item A was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck explained this voluntary annexation request included an appeal for permanent PUD-5 zoning. He stated the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval of both requests.
    Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
    There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
    No action is required.
 

OLD BUSINESS
B83-00     Amending Chapter 24 of the City Code as it relates to changing street names.
    The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck explained that Mr. Boeckmann had developed an ordinance for Council consideration that would simplify the process of changing street names. He said the proposed ordinance would allow the change without a public hearing if the owners of record on all property abutting the street have signed a petition requesting the street name change.
    B83-00 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. 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.

B84-00     Accepting easements for utility purposes.
B85-00     Authorizing an agreement with Boone County for animal control services; appropriating funds.
B86-00     Authorizing an agreement with Boone County for public health services.
B87-00     Calling for bids for the Lynn Street and Oak Street Drainage Improvement Project.
B89-00     Confirming the contract of Don Schneiders Excavating Co. for the Hinkson Creek Trail Phase II Project.
B90-00     Approving the final plat of Arcadia, Plat 6; authorizing a performance contract.
B91-00     Approving the final plat of Open heart Subdivision; authorizing a performance contract.
B92-00     Approving the final plat of East Pointe, Plat 2-D; authorizing a performance contract.
B93-00     Vacating a utility easement located within Lake Woodrail Subdivision.
B94-00     Amending the City ordinance relating to retirement and deferred compensation for the Chief of Police.
R52-00     Setting a public hearing: traffic calming project on Noble Court.
R53-00     Setting a public hearing: Valley View Neighborhood Park improvements.
R54-00     Setting a public hearing: voluntary annexation of property located north of Brown School Road,
                 extended and west of U.S. Highway 63.

    The bills were given third reading and the resolutions were read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:

    Chief Boehm was sworn in by the City Clerk and congratulated by the Mayor and presented with his Commission of Office by the City Manager.
 

NEW BUSINESS
R55-00     Authorizing an agreement with Harrington & Cortelyou, Inc. for engineering services for the pedestrian
                 bridge over I-70 along the east side of Providence Road.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck noted that the staff has been working closely with MoDOT regarding enhancement funds for the City of Columbia. He indicated this would provide for the engineering services to build a sidewalk over I-70 adjacent to the Providence Road bridge. Ultimately, the plan is to have the project constructed with 80% federal funds through MoDOT. The estimated cost for engineering services is $63,000 and the estimated cost for the bridge is $450,000.
    Mr. Janku was pleased to see forward movement with the bridge. He said people cross it everyday, including a lot of young people. He was concerned how people would get across Providence before arriving at the stop light on Vandiver. Mr. Janku noted an option he had seen in St. Louis which is basically a cloverleaf for pedestrians. He said it would take them under the overpass bridge with the sidewalk actually going underneath the overpass and built onto the concrete slab that extends up from the roadway. He suggested that it be looked into. Mr. Patterson indicated that he would mention this proposal to the engineers. He added that staff would be bringing forth a contract for design of the bridge over Business Loop 70 very soon.
    The vote on R55-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

R56-00     Authorizing a lease agreement with Doug Bledsoe for operation of a restaurant at Columbia Regional
                 Airport.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck noted that this one year lease would begin May 1, 2000, with the option of three additional one-year renewals. The lease payments will total approximately $5,500 annually.
    Fred Springsteel, 311 Longfellow, asked if stipulations are in the agreement regarding the hours of operation.
    Mr. Patterson explained that it is difficult to interest anyone in operating the airport restaurant because it is not extremely attractive from a profit standpoint. Unless the City wishes to subsidize it very heavily, no one is going to offer round-the-clock service. Mr. Patterson commented the business will improve as traffic develops.
    Mr. Coffman reported the hours of operation stipulated in the agreement are to be 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Mrs. Crockett noted that Mr. Bledsoe agrees to extend the hours of operation to a closing time of 7:00 p.m. daily beginning on June 1, 2000.
    The vote on R56-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: ON ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

R57-00     Authorizing an agreement with Ameren UE for the relocation of a gas line in conjunction with the
                 reconstruction of Scott Boulevard.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck pointed out the estimated cost of the project is $35,297. He noted the gas line has to be relocated in conjunction with the road reconstruction project.
    The vote on R57-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

R58-00     Authorizing an agreement with Roberts Wireless Communications, L.L.C. concerning assignment of a
                 lease agreement for an antenna on the Walnut Street water tower.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck explained that the recommendation is to proceed with the proposed transfer of title which requires Council approval.
    The General Manager for Roberts Wireless Communications offered to answer questions.
    The vote on R58-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

R59-00     Selecting an auditor for fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck explained that the Finance staff and the Finance Advisory Committee had gone through a fairly detailed process of reviewing the submitted proposals. They unanimously recommended the firm of KPMG out of Kansas City. The contract would run for three years with the option to renew it for two additional years.
    The vote on R59-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading as follows:
 

R60-00     Authorizing an agreement with Central Missouri Counties Human Development Corporation for FY 2000
                 HOME funds.
    The resolution was read by the Clerk.
    Mr. Beck pointed out that this agency is actually the administrator of City funds. They requested a few changes in the funding pattern which amounted to $52,650 from the Federal HOME Agency and their funding. This would primarily be geared toward the Hanover project located in northeast Columbia.
    The vote on R60-00 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU, CROCKETT, CAMPBELL. 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:

B95-00     Authorizing construction of improvements to Valley View Neighborhood Park.
B96-00     Amending Chapter 14 of the City Code to change the time limit for parking meters located on the north
                 side of Locust Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
B97-00     Accepting easements and quit claim deeds for sewer, drainage and utility purposes.
B98-00     Approving a change order and the engineer's final report for the H-4 Trunk Sewer project.
B99-00     Confirming the contract of C.L. Richardson Construction Company for construction of the Bear Creek
                 recreation Trail Phase project.
B100-00   Confirming the contract of Aplex, Inc. for construction of sidewalks along West Ash Street.
B101-00   Accepting easements for utility purposes.
B102-00   Amending the FY 2000 pay plan and the FY 2000 classification plan in connection with a reorganization
                 of the Joint Communications and Information Center.
B103-00   Approving the final plat of a replat of Lot 1, Sedona Villas, Plat 1.
B104-00   Approving the final plat of Richmond Avenue Subdivision.
B105-00   Voluntary annexation of property located on the west side of Bearfield Road, approximately 500 feet
                  south of Nifong Boulevard; establishing permanent PUD-5 zoning.
 B106-00   Granting a variance to the Subdivision Regulations regarding sidewalks for Lot 6 of Country Farms,
                  Plat 2.
 

REPORTS AND PETITIONS
(A)     Street Closure Requests.
    Mr. Beck explained the requests and noted that they had all been reviewed by the Central Columbia Board of Directors and approved accordingly.
    Mr. John made the motion that the requests be granted as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
 

(B)     Garage Sales.
    Ms. Fleming explained the current policy for obtaining a garage sale permit. She noted citizens are required to come to City Hall to obtain the permit. Ms. Fleming related there is no fee involved, but this process is merely a way to monitor and regulate the sales. Numerous complaints have been received from elderly and disabled people who have transportation issues and find it difficult to come downtown to obtain the permit. Ms. Fleming said the staff called other cities in Missouri and found that while these cities do regulate garage sales, they do not require people to come down and physically get a permit. She explained that if staff is allowed to proceed with this proposal, they will still investigate problem situations on a complaint basis as is done currently.
    Mrs. Crockett indicated she did not object to amending the ordinance that would allow citizens to obtain garage sale permits over the phone, but she was hopeful something could be done about the signs that are posted on utility poles. Ms. Fleming pointed out that it is illegal to post those signs. Mrs. Crockett felt it needed to be enforced better. She asked if anyone could take the signs down since they are illegal. The consensus was that anyone could remove the signs.
    Mr. Campbell made the motion that revisions to Section 13-20 (c) of the code be drafted for Council consideration. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Crockett and approved unanimously by voice vote.
 

(C)     Cable Television Open Access.
    Mr. Coffman thanked the staff for their research. Mr. Janku commented this is an issue that will require a lot of public input. Mayor Hindman thought it was appropriate that the report be reviewed by the Cable Committee first. Mrs. Crockett agreed.
    Mayor Hindman made the motion that the report be referred to the Cable TV Committee. The motion was seconded by Ms. Crayton and approved unanimously by voice vote.
 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
 

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCIL, STAFF, AND PUBLIC
    Mr. John remarked that he had received comments from several individuals regarding the lack of janitorial service at the airport on Friday or Saturday. With the increased traffic, he stated conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Mr. John also reported that he had heard comments about signage at the airport being old and dilapidated. He said the little wooden sign off the tarmac looks to be in disrepair as well.
    Mr. John spoke about the planned extension of Forum Boulevard becoming a funded project in the CIP. He stated that Forum was originally designed to be a heavily used residential street. He noted it has since become a commercial street. As a thru street, Mr. John said the extension will extend it to Old Plank Road. He said when looking at the design, he would like for the engineers to include traffic calming devices from at least Nifong Boulevard southward, if not all the way up to the Country Club of Missouri. He pointed out that Forum has become a major thoroughfare and was not designed to carry the kind of traffic that currently travels on it.
    Mr. John made the motion that as part of the design work for any extension of Forum Boulevard South, that traffic studies and traffic calming from Woodrail Avenue south be included as part of the project. The motion was seconded by Mayor Hindman and approved unanimously by voice vote.
    Mr. Coffman reported that word has just been received that there is a MoDOT project moving forward to prohibit left turns onto Trimble from East Broadway. He thanked everyone who was instrumental in helping to bring the project forward.
    Mr. Coffman explained that a project near the Bluff Creek neighborhood is creating concern. He related that the Macher Aquatic Center is planned in the neighborhood off of Old 63. While the zoning is appropriate, the neighbors have concerns about construction times, hours of operation, parking and lighting. He asked if staff could work with the neighborhood to see that their concerns are addressed or at least mediated. Mr. Coffman indicated he would forward a list of the names of those residents who are concerned about the project to the City Manager's Office.
    Ms. Crayton passed around an article regarding FHA homes and how some homes can be acquired when they are left abandoned. She asked if any of those homes are available in Columbia. She said HUD has signed a new bill where cities can purchase those kinds of homes for one dollar. Ms. Crayton asked for information on HUD's Good Neighbor Policy Program. Ms. Crayton noted that she had recently attended a state conference where she learned about new program called "America Dreams" for communities like Columbia that do not fit the Kansas City and St. Louis models. These monies are given to smaller communities to rebuild neighborhoods.
    Mr. Campbell asked if there was an inventory of houses in Columbia. Mr. Beck responded that a list came out, and he thought he had sent this to Ms. Crayton, with a couple of houses listed in the Columbia area.
    Mr. Beck reported when this issue was discussed previously, he had looked into two things; one was the houses that were selling very economically, and the other was whether or not the City could set aside a certain amount of CDBG money and work through an agency to upgrade houses without going through a long, formal process. Mr. Beck indicated he would look for the report that was prepared at that time.
    Mr. Janku commented he had looked at the HUD list a few years back, but there were not any of those homes in Columbia. Mr. John explained that HUD typically publishes a new list every month. He reported the homes on the list are put up for bid to anyone who is willing to pay what is owed on the house. Mr. John explained the process takes several months, with most of houses being peeled off fairly quickly because by the third round they can be purchased pretty cheap.
    Ms. Crayton reported that an elderly lady qualified for a rehabilitation loan, but she could not find anyone who would do the work for her. Mayor Hindman suggested that the facts be checked into. Mr. Beck explained that there is an actual committee that evaluates the work. He asked Ms. Crayton to forward any information she has about that situation to him so it could be reviewed.
    Regarding the Walnut Street Tower, Mr. Janku noted the City has spent a lot of money to have it repainted. He asked if the fencing around it could also be painted.
    Mr. Janku related that he spoke to Mr. Patterson earlier this evening about the Arcadia Plat on Brown School Road and the timing of the sidewalk on the street side of the back side of the lots. He asked if sidewalks could be constructed in conjunction with the street work.
    Mr. Janku noted a new building going up near Field School. He asked whether the construction of the building would trigger a sidewalk requirement. If not, he was interested in knowing if the owners would consider doing that given the proximity to the public facilities.
    Regarding Route B, Mr. Janku reported the Council had talked about the possibility of connecting the sidewalk on Route B with the sidewalk on Old 63. He said there is a stop light at Old 63 and the Business Loop where it would be a natural crossing point for pedestrians to access the new sidewalk along Route B. Mr. Janku indicated they had talked about it being a relatively modest cost and asked the staff to see what could be done about it.
    In regards to the settlement reached in connection with the land by the Chamber Building and the Islamic Center, Mayor Hindman said before the City could proceed with the design, a public hearing must be held on the project. He said preliminary plans are needed in order to move forward with a hearing. Mayor Hindman noted there had been a suggestion that this area be called the Flat Branch Park rather than the Trailhead Park.
    Mayor Hindman made the motion that preliminary plans be initiated in connection with the development of the Flat Branch Park in order that a public hearing could eventually take place. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
    Mayor Hindman believed the agreement reached regarding the park area included the charge for the Committee to proceed with their work. He asked about appointing a committee to work with Public Works to locate the on-street parking that was part of the agreement. Mayor Hindman indicated he was primarily thinking about appointing individuals who have real estate interest in the area.
    Mr. Janku made the motion that a Committee be appointed to work with the Public Works staff to locate the on-street parking mentioned as part of the compromise. The motion was seconded by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
    Mr. Janku asked that parking be to the benefit of all concerned in the area.
    Henry Lane, 1816 E. Broadway, encouraged everyone to vote tomorrow.
    The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

                                                                                        Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                        Penny St. Romaine
                                                                                        City Clerk