INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City of Columbia, Missouri, met for
a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, April 6, 1998, in the Council Chamber
of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The roll was taken with the following
results: Council Members CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
and CROCKETT were present. The City Manager, City Counselor, City Clerk,
and various Department Heads were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of March 16, 1998, 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
Upon her request, Mr. Campbell made the motion that Mrs. Crockett
be allowed to abstain from voting on B84-98. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The agenda, 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
A. Presentation of Annual Audit Report.
Jack Cox, Chairman of the Finance Advisory Committee,
gave a report on the year end audit as of September 30, 1997. He said
the Committee met with Ernst and Young, the City's audit firm, on April 2nd,
1998, to review the audit findings. He said the audit had been clean,
and was given a good opinion. Mr. Cox said the audit of all of the
government grants and revenues had also been reviewed and found to be clean. He
reported the management letter and the staff's response had been reviewed
and discussed in detail, and no significant internal control weaknesses were
noted. Mr. Cox stated the City has received 15 consecutive certificates
of achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association for their
presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Mr.
Cox presented the report to the Clerk and offered to answer any questions.
Mayor Hindman thanked the Committee for their work and support.
Ms. Coble made a motion for the Council to accept the audit
report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coffman and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B83-98 Establishing permanent R-1 zoning on
property located on the south side of Thompson Road, east of
Garden
City.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck reported that this is a 19 acre tract of land located
in northeast Columbia. Both the staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission
were in favor of the R-1 request.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B83-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows; VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B84-98 Establishing permanent A-1 zoning on
property located on the southwest corner of Vawter School Road
and
Old Mill Creek Road.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this 20 acre tract of land contains one dwelling
unit on the property. He explained that the applicant has requested annexation
in order to connect to the City sewer. Mr. Beck reported this A-1 rezoning
request had been recommended for approval by both the staff and the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B84-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. ABSTAINING: CROCKETT. Bill declared enacted, reading as
follows:
B85-98 Establishing a "Scenic Roadway Area" on a portion of Rock Quarry Road.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck reported the Council had adopted guidelines for potential
scenic roadways in Columbia after much public discussion. This bill provides
for the protection of a scenic roadway area on land 220 feet on either side of
Rock Quarry Road, extending 450 feet south of Stadium to the south City limits.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
Jan Pritchard, 3505 Rock Quarry Road, Chair of the Scenic
Road Committee for the Grindstone/Rock Quarry Neighborhood Association, thanked
everyone for all of their hard work. She said this had been one of the
main goals of the neighborhood association since its inception in 1992 -- to
establish some type of protection for the Rock Quarry Road corridor.
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Mr. Coffman said many people had expressed their appreciation
of the scenic nature of Rock Quarry Road. He thanked the neighborhood association
for their perseverance.
Mr. Kruse said he was pleased to see this issue come to fruition. He
thought the ordinance would set a good precedent and serve the City well. He
was appreciative of all of the hard work on the part of the neighborhood and
others on the various groups and commissions.
Mayor Hindman felt this is a good example of a local governmental
body at work, and the end result is positive because of so much citizen participation.
B85-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B86-98 Accepting and approving the sidewalk
construction project on Katy Lane and Blue Ridge Road;
approving
engineer's final report; levying and assessing special assessments.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck asked Mr. Patterson to give a brief review of the
final report and the benefits to the areas to be assessed.
Mr. Patterson reported the sidewalks in question are those
that the City proceeded to build by public improvement contracting, and were
originally the development's responsibility. One segment of sidewalk was
built along two vacant lots located on the north side of Blue Ridge Road (near
Bear Creek). As one of the lots is owned by the City (donated as part of
the greenbelt project), the City would be paying that particular tax bill. Another
segment of sidewalk was built on the west side of Bear Creek. The total
cost of construction for the two projects was $6,984. Mr. Patterson noted
that the City had also built a pedestrian walkway over Bear Creek, along the
vehicular bridge, which would also be paid for by the City as part of the sidewalk
improvement program. Mr. Patterson stated the assessment on Blue Ridge
Road is $3.88 per square foot, and staff proposes the City assess the full cost
of the project against the adjacent properties.
The sidewalk segment on Katy Lane consisted of three properties
that did not have walks constructed. The City will be pay the tax bill
on one of the properties, located on the south side of Katy Lane, as the lot
is owned by the City. The two lots on the north side of Katy Lane are being
assessed at a cost of $3.62 per square foot, with the total cost for all three
properties being $12,027.26.
In considering the special assessments, Mr. Patterson suggested
that the Council keep in mind the following: The sidewalks were a responsibility
of the adjacent property owners as part of the platting and development requirements,
and they failed to meet those requirements; sidewalks are generally an improvement
to the appearance of the property and, therefore, an improvement to the value
of the property; sidewalks will provide an improved and safer pedestrian access,
both from and to the properties along which they have been constructed.
Regarding the lot on the east side of Bear Creek, Mr. Janku
said it had been donated to the City so the owner could avoid having to pay the
cost of the sidewalk improvement. He said at one point, staff spoke to
the property owner on the west side, and Mr. Janku asked if staff would try to
talk to him again now that the actual cost of the project is known. Mr.
Janku wondered if it might be appropriate to negotiate for portions of the lots
near the creek as the lots are not built upon at this time.
Mr. Patterson said he knew of no directive to pursue the lots. He
said staff could do so if that is the wish of the Council.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B86-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B93-98 Authorizing construction of playground
renovations at various City parks and determining the work shall
be
done by City forces.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Because of new safety standard requirements for playground
equipment, Mr. Beck had established a three year program for replacement of substandard
equipment. Mr. Beck stated $60,000 had been budgeted this year for that
purpose, with the Parks and Recreation Department providing some force account
labor. Mr. Beck asked Mr. Hood to give a brief overview of the work planned
for this summer.
Mr. Hood noted that this is the final phase of a three phase
project to replace some City playground equipment in order to comply with current
national recommended safety guidelines. He explained that this project
would include the replacement of equipment in seven different parks throughout
the City, most of which is smaller pieces of equipment.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B93-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
(A) Improvements to the intersections of Eighth
and Walnut, Broadway and Sixth, Broadway and Hitt, and
Broadway and
Waugh.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck reported that an improvement plan had been implemented
some years ago in the Central Business District area, which included planting
trees, constructing new crosswalks and sidewalks, undergrounding utilities, etc. Mr.
Beck explained that several years ago a ballot issue had been approved for additional
improvements for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the Central Business
District area. He also noted that the Council added a line item in the
Capital Improvement budget for additional planters in the Sixth Street area. As
a result, the Public Works Department developed plans to combine these improvements
into one major project in the Central Business District area.
Mr. Beck reported additional planters would help beautify
the downtown area, and would also reduce the walking distance for pedestrians
crossing Broadway. The work at Walnut Street would align the crosswalk,
which is necessary because of the two parking garages opening onto Hitt Street. The
Council had also asked the staff to consider a pedestrian crosswalk further east
at Waugh Street. Mr. Beck said this is included in the plans but it would
be painted walk rather than brick. Mr. Beck asked Mr. Patterson to describe
the projects.
Mr. Patterson said he had attended a recent meeting with the
Special Business District, and the businesses located in the vicinity of the
Hitt Street and Broadway improvement raised some issues in regard to this project. Mr.
Patterson reported the first issue concerned converting one of the parking spaces
on the southwest corner of the intersection into a handicapped space. Mr.
Patterson stated other than the fact that there is no policy in place regarding
angled handicap parking spaces on Broadway, the space is really not large enough
to provide for adequate loading and unloading of handicapped individuals.
Mr. Patterson stated a second issue discussed involved the
area where staff proposed to extend the sidewalk. He said there was some
concern about the loss of two parking spaces. It was suggested at the meeting
that the area be left as is and be made into a loading zone. Mr. Patterson
said staff examined this possibility, and there was not sufficient length to
assure the area could be adequately used as a loading zone. In addition,
Mr. Patterson said it is not recommended that the City try to encourage any activity
involving loading, unloading, or parking in this intersection. He said
staff would continue to support the original recommendation that the sidewalk
be extended, which would shorten the distance in crossing the street at this
location.
Mr. Patterson reported the third item concerned constructing
an additional crosswalk on the west side of the intersection -- crossing Broadway. He
said staff had looked at that previously and found that, physically, there is
no reason it could not be done, but an additional parking space would be lost
and it would add $15,000 to the cost of the project. Staff recommended
that this crosswalk not be built because of the planter proposed to be located
in the median. It was felt this would provide a pedestrian island.
Mr. Patterson stated the final issue discussed concerned the
median itself. For the last year, staff had supported utilizing a raised
median as a traffic control device, which would also beautify the area and could
be used as a pedestrian island. Some individuals are concerned that a median
would lead to accidents and obstructions that might be hazardous. Staff
had again reviewed the reasoning for constructing medians and have observed,
since painting the merge lanes on Broadway, that simply painting to direct traffic
does not work. Mr. Patterson said staff felt it is more effective to have
something that is visible and solid to divert traffic. In regards to the
Hitt and Broadway project, a median would be used for the purpose of forcing
westbound traffic traveling in the left lane to make a left turn rather than
try to merge in the intersection. He said it has been proven that a physical
obstruction is more effective than simply painting merge lanes or signing.
Mr. Patterson reported the total cost for improvements is
$306,000, and staff felt that the project has progressed to the point where the
City can proceed.
Mr. Kruse asked about the size of the median planter. Mr.
Patterson said it would be about six feet by twenty feet, with a six inch curb. He
said the planting material would have to be low so traffic would not be obstructed.
Mayor Hindman asked what would happen if the median were to
be moved a few feet further east. Mr. Patterson said the current location
for the median had been established to provide for the turning radius. Mayor
Hindman asked if that is determined by some kind of standard. Mr. Patterson
said it is determined by the turning radius for vehicles, which also accounts
for emergency equipment and delivery trucks.
Mr. Janku said he received a call requesting that the crossing
at the Broadway and Hitt intersection be constructed to the west. He said
his experience had been that cars traveling on Hitt Street making a right turn
east on Broadway encounter pedestrians trying to cross at this location, which
creates unsafe crossing conditions. In addition, having a pedestrian crosswalk
established on the west side of Hitt would be consistent with Mr. Beck's previous
comments regarding the new parking garages. Mr. Janku said due to those
reasons, it appeared to him that the primary crossing point ought to be to the
west, and then perhaps a secondary crossing could be on the east side.
Mr. Patterson said Mr. Janku comments were correct, however,
staff is making every attempt to prevent the loss of any more parking spaces. He
said the end space is crowded as it is, and it would have to be moved back a
few feet if a crosswalk is constructed at this location (to allow for alignment
with the intersection), which would result in the loss of that parking space. In
addition, it would increase the cost of this particular improvement by about
$15,000.
Mr. Janku asked if the planter could be made a bit smaller
to accommodate the crosswalk. He said the planter would still serve a good
purpose and the parking space could be saved.
Mr. Patterson said this would change the standards for downtown
planters, but if the Council felt that would be acceptable, staff could do it. He
pointed out that it would not match with the planter on the other side of the
intersection. Mr. Patterson reported this particular planter could also
just be eliminated.
Mayor Hindman thought the planters do not all have to be absolutely
identical. Mr. Janku agreed. Sounds of disagreement followed. Mr.
Kruse said the City needed to establish some balance.
Mr. Janku felt a modification to the planter would be relatively
modest. Mr. Kruse did not see why the planter would have to be modified.
Mr. Campbell agreed that the pedestrian crosswalk would be
most appropriate on the west side of the intersection, but he would also like
to see symmetry retained. In addition, relocating the crosswalk would result
in the loss of a much needed parking space. Mr. Campbell said an alternative
to consider would be to eliminate the east planter.
Mayor Hindman thought both planters could be different from
the rest, but the same as each other.
Mr. Kruse thought the Council should pass this project as
is, with the understanding that the previous suggestions are a wish of the Council. He
did not think the Council should be designing the project, and felt the crosswalk
could be built with little change.
Mayor Hindman opened the public hearing.
Bob Roper, Chair of the Special Business District, said he
had no problem with any of the suggestions, but wanted to point out that the
single biggest concern relayed to the SBD relates to lost parking spaces. At
the SBD meeting in March, everyone made favorable comments about all of the intersection
changes being proposed.
Glen Rice, 114 Hubbel, spoke in favor of the Waugh Street
pedestrian crossing section of the project. He referred to the possible
increase in pedestrian traffic due to the proposed high school and the relocation
of Boone County Group Homes. Mr. Rice noted that the Waugh Street project
was relatively inexpensive compared to the others.
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Mayor Hindman made the motion that the Council approve the
improvements with direction to the staff to look carefully at what could be done
at the Hitt and Broadway intersection with respect to a west crossing, including
the possibility of designing the planters in an appropriate way to handle the
situation with minimum impact on the loss of parking spaces. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
B79-98 Approving the final plat of Thessalia
Subdivision, Plat 3, a major subdivision.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this plat would create eight R-1 lots. He
stated that JCIC had raised questions about a street name.
Mrs. Crockett noted that the Council had recently approved
several plats despite the concerns voiced by JCIC. She suggested that the
Council begin taking a serious look at such situations.
Mr. Coffman agreed and said the suggestions have an important
public safety purpose behind it.
Mr. Janku said problems could also be created by apartment
complexes or businesses having the same name as a street or development. He
pointed out that cellular phone calls cannot be tracked to a specific location
like a wire phone. Mr. Janku thought it would be helpful to obtain more
information regarding how many similar street names there are and where they
are located.
Mrs. Crockett asked if it was possible for JCIC to come up
with a list of names that would be acceptable.
Mr. Hancock explained that per the code, names of new streets
cannot duplicate or sound like existing or platted street names in Boone County,
unless it is a continuation of a street. In addition, names of new streets
shall not duplicate or sound like any established business or development in
Boone County, and the name has to be easily spelled and pronounced. Mr.
Hancock reported the street name in question on this particular plat, Geetha,
is easily spelled and pronounced as far as the Planning Department is concerned. He
said the question concerning street names comes up quite often and it has become
an issue with the development community. Mr. Hancock suggested that perhaps
the Planning staff and the JCIC staff should meet to identify concerns to eliminate
the continuance of this particular issue.
Mrs. Crockett said she did not the Council should ignore this
issue. She said she would hate to see someone's safety compromised because
the name of a street could not be pronounced
Mr. Campbell noted that this situation also applies to the
next bill. The contractor of that property had been in contact with him
and said he would be more than willing to work out whatever name JCIC would approve. Mr.
Campbell thought the process of how those negotiations are finalized needs to
be worked on before coming to the Council.
B79-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B81-98 Approving Final Plat of Stoneridge Estates, Plat 1, a major subdivision.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck pointed out that this plat would create 57 R-1 lots
with common area. He said it meets the preliminary plat requirements, however,
there had been a question raised about the street named Stone Valley Parkway.
Mr. Campbell said he would make a motion at the appropriate
time establishing a provision that the name be replaced by something acceptable
to JCIC. The developer has relayed to Mr. Campbell that he is comfortable
with this provision.
Mayor Hindman thought the Council should approve the plat
without that condition. He suggested that the developer be asked to consider
changing the name as this is not the appropriate time in the approval process
to be placing that kind of condition on the plat.
B81-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
Mr. Campbell made the motion that the developer be requested
to replace the name of Stone Valley Parkway with a name acceptable to JCIC. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved by voice vote.
B87-98 Calling for bids for the reconstruction
and rehabilitation of the parking structure at Eighth and Cherry
Streets.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that a public hearing had been previously held
on this project, and construction would begin after the completion of the Sixth
and Cherry Street facility. This garage would accommodate 193 parking spaces.
B87-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows; VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B88-98 Authorizing change order no. 1 to the
contract with Paric Corporation for the Sixth and Cherry Parking
Garage.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this change order is necessary due to
a change in conditions at the site. He said the change order had been approved
by the consultant, as well as by the Public Works Department, and approval is
being recommended.
B88-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B89-98 Authorizing an agreement with Boone
County to relocate highway-rail crossing at Spiva Road;
appropriating
funds.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that the Water and Light Department has been
working with the County Highway Department to attempt to relocate three roads
to establish a better alignment in the area. The estimated cost is not
to exceed $25,000. The City would be paying these costs up front, and would
be reimbursed at a later date by the County.
Mr. Malon said the actual work on the alignment would occur
this summer, and would probably cost less than $25,000.
B89-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B91-98 Appropriating funds for repair of generator #8 at power plant.
The bill was given second reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Malon explained that a failure in generator #8 had occurred
during bad weather. He said staff is not sure if the bad weather started
the problem, but the equipment that failed is in excess of 30 years old. Mr.
Malon reported the generator had been disassembled and the rotor had been taken
back to the factory for repair.
Mr. Malon stated a great deal of the repair cost would be
covered by insurance, although there is a $70,000 deductible that the City will
have to cover. In addition, some upgrades to the rotor field is also proposed,
which will add to the cost the City will have to pay. The bottom line is
approximately $313,500 of the repairs costs will be covered by insurance, and
the City's cost will approach $200,000. Mr. Malon reported that this generator
had not been rehabilitated in the mid-80's when the other units had been worked
on as it had not been old enough to warrant doing so.
B91-98 was given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING
YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
CONSENT AGENDA
The following bills were given second reading and the resolutions
were read by the Clerk.
B80-98 Approving a replat of lot 87 of Country
Club Villas III.
B82-98 Approving final plat of Central Company
Subdivision, a minor subdivision.
B90-98 Accepting a conveyance of permanent
utility easement from State of Missouri.
B92-98 Accepting conveyances from Cal-Grath,
Inc., Lifestyle Homes, Fred and Cheryl Overton, and John A.
Swartz
for utility purposes.
R75-98 Setting a public hearing: voluntary
annexation of property owned by University of MO located on both
sides
of New Haven Road, east of city limits.
R76-98 Setting a public hearing: voluntary
annexation of property owned by University of MO located on both
sides
of Sinclair Road, south and west of city limits.
R77-98 Setting a public hearing: voluntary
annexation of property owned by University of MO located south of
Concorde
Office and Industrial Plaza subdivision, south of city limits.
R78-98 Setting a public hearing: special assessments
against property benefitted by improvements to Silvey
Street.
R79-98 Authorizing an agreement with Rainbow
House, Inc. for $30,035 of CDBG funds for the purchase of a
van.
R80-98 Authorizing lease with Stanley Ginn
for property at 9 North Eighth Street.
R81-98 Authorizing a grant request and grant
offer for FAA project at Columbia Regional airport.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R82-98 Forgiving CDBG loans and authorizing
Deeds of Release on properties located at 1002, 1006, 1010 Fay
Street
and 307 N. Tenth Street.
The resolution was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the City had made a loan to THA, the
Transitional Housing Agency. THA had recently sold the operation to New
Horizons Community Support Services out of Jefferson City. Recently, Mr.
Hancock received a request from THA to resolve the outstanding loan by paying
the City $15,000, with a request that the City forgive the remaining $60,500
debt. Mr. Hancock said staff received a letter from Mr. Powell,
THA's attorney, which formalizes the offer in writing. It was his understanding
that New Horizons does not want the debt to continue as this organization would
not be able to operate if the debt remains in place. Mr. Hancock reported
New Horizons needs to make some improvements to the property in order to make
a profit, and cannot borrow money for these repairs due to outstanding debts
to the City and private lenders.
Ms. Coble asked if THA exists now in its properties and its
grants as New Horizons and, as such, the City would not be forgiving a THA debt,
but would actually be forgiving a debt to the legal entity of New Horizons. Mr.
Hancock understood it would be a forgiveness of debt against properties that
are owned now by New Horizons. Ms. Coble said even the resolution wording
of forgiving loans to THA may not actually reflect what New Horizons is asking
for. Ms. Coble explained she has a lot of concerns about continuing existing
services, which does not preclude any of those existing services. She also
has concerns about CDBG loans being forgiven when the City is not assured that
the properties would not be sold.
Scott Rutter, explained that he had served on the Board of
Directors of THA Community Support Services for the last 15 years. To clarify
the legal entity, he reported that THA still exists and owns the real estate
in question. He said THA has a management agreement with New Horizons to
provide services, pending finalization of the sale of all assets (essentially
the real estate).
Mr. Campbell asked if New Horizons would assume all of the
services previously provided by THA. Mr. Rutter said that was the agreement,
and New Horizons is currently operating all of those facilities. He said
when the services were turned over to New Horizons, THA was serving 105-110 clients. New
Horizons is now serving 150 clients in Columbia. If the properties are
sold and there is a profit after paying the first mortgages, Mr. Campbell asked
what would happen to that money. Mr. Rutter said there were negative equities
in the properties, and a significant portion of it was represented by the CDBG
block grant loans. He said CDBG funds were used to maintain the older properties
for the purpose of providing services. He said the bank loans put in place
to purchase and rehabilitate the properties exhausted most of the equity, and
these monies were utilized to update and upgrade the facilities. Mr. Rutter
said he had hoped to bring current appraisal values on the properties, but he
did not have those figures available.
When and if the properties are sold, Mr. Janku asked if the
income from the sale would be returned to Columbia for services to be used in
this community. Mr. Rutter was not aware that any of the properties were
for sale.
Ms. Coble understood Alpha House was up for sale. Mr.
Rutter said he could not speak to what New Horizons was going to do with any
the properties. Mr. Rutter did say that THA was at the point where they
have tried to honor all of the contracts and agreements with the service providers. Mr.
Rutter said New Horizons has done as they indicated they would do for over a
year now. He thought the clients have been very well-served.
Mr. Campbell asked how the $15,000 figure had been arrived
at. Mr. Rutter said that was the remaining funding available. However,
this did not include a small reserve set aside to handle any remaining claims
that may come up prior to the dissolution of the corporation.
Mayor Hindman assumed Mr. Rutter was saying the City could
not do better than this if an aggressive effort was undertaken. Mr. Rutter
said he was afraid it would be a lot worse. He did not think a provider,
who has basically rescued the operation from failure, would have taken on the
$75,000 debt if they knew about it.
Ms. Coble said she would strongly dispute that New Horizons,
with its very sophisticated administrators, with very complex contracts in existence
and its very good relationships with the Missouri Department of Mental Health,
would enter into anything this complex without know what they were getting in
to.
Mr. Rutter said New Horizons' operation did not include any
housing and urban development funds or grants. He said THA was operating
two separate programs with two different loans. That is one of the reasons
THA could not stay open -- the funding become so complex. He said New Horizons
accepts no United Way funds and, to his knowledge, they accept no funds or enter
into any kind of contracts with Jefferson City.
Ms. Coble said that brought up another problem, THA provided
services to all who were in need -- not just clients eligible for Medicaid. This
allowed for a wider client base in terms of the services offered. Ms. Coble
said her concern was that in the forgiveness of the loan, when the City does
not have a clear policy in place, assets would be transferred to another entity
that does not have a board with membership from this community. In addition,
the City would not have any ability to influence the level and type of services
provided.
Mr. Rutter said THA spoke to each one of the other service
providers that could even get close to that level of knowledge about the complexities
in dealing with the same population. He agreed there is a problem when
services are only provided to those who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Mr.
Rutter reported the THA board discussed it over and over again -- individuals
who do not fit through that perfectly round hole should be able to receive services. He
stated New Horizons was the only organization that indicated they would stay
open and show "something left over after expenses" -- something THA had not been
doing. With that in mind, New Horizons had to be knowledgeable of establishing
some rate of return for the services provided. Mr. Rutter said at the same
time, New Horizons is trying to offer services that no one will pay for, i.e.,
job opportunities.
Ms. Coble found it difficult to believe that New Horizons
came in not knowing THA's debt situation. Mr. Rutter said it was not because
New Horizons did not know, but rather they were not aware of the complexity of
the situation. He said New Horizons was willing to accept all of the operational
problems that had accumulated.
There was some discussion as to whether or not this issue
needed to be decided this evening, and Mr. Rutter said the bank might be getting
a little impatient, but approval could wait a little longer.
Jan Hoiman, Program Director at New Horizons, said the number
of people being served by this organization has increased since they took over
about a year ago. She said that 75% of the clients New Horizons serves
in Jefferson City are Medicaid recipients, and the Department of Mental Health
provides payment for the other 25%. She stated, however, New Horizons does
not turn away anyone based on their ability to pay. She said that would
be a violation of program regulations established by the Department of Mental
Health. Ms. Hoiman pointed out that New Horizons in Jefferson City has
been in business for over 20 years, and have been aggressive at working with
clients who do not receive Medicaid or social security disability income. This
would continue in Columbia as well. Currently, she believed 65% of New
Horizons' clientele, probably 75% of which are carry overs from THA, are eligible
for Medicaid. She also noted that no decision has been made regarding the
operations of Alpha House. It is empty right now as it is being remodeled
and painted. Ms. Hoiman said New Horizons is hoping to do something with
it.
Ms. Coble asked if Alpha House would still provide transitional
boarding. Ms. Hoiman said her guess was that if New Horizons maintains
the property, it would certainly be used for people with mental illnesses --
not for rental. She said New Horizons is not in the rental business, they
are in the business of helping people with serious mental illnesses. Ms.
Coble asked if it would be a different type of program from what it is now. Ms.
Hoiman did not think so.
Mr. Coffman asked if there had been any policy decision about
whether the function the Alpha House served was necessary or beneficial. Ms.
Hoiman said no policy decision has been made, but there had been discussions
about it. With Alpha House empty and with an increase in their client population
of 40 to 45 people, New Horizons has been finding housing for individuals in
Columbia. She said they have not turned anyone away. Mr. Coffman
asked if they were feeling overcrowded. Ms. Hoiman said they did not. She
said this had been accomplished by working with the Housing Authority to access
some other housing programs.
Mr. Janku felt there were other underlying policy questions
that are driving a lot of the discussion. He said if the debt issue is
to be resolved, the other issues need to be considered as well.
Mr. Campbell made the motion that R82-98 be tabled to the
April 20, 1998, meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kruse and approved
unanimously by voice vote.
R83-98 Authorizing an agreement with Boone County to provide public health services.
The resolution was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this is a continuation of the agreement
the City has had since 1974.
The vote on R83-98 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution
declared adopted, reading as follows:
R84-98 Accepting Phase I final report on distributed generation and authorizing Phase II.
The resolution was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Malon explained that this is a new service the utility
would be offering to the City's large industrial customers who are interested
in participation.
Mr. Malon reported the first step would be for staff to initially
confer with one customer who is interested in this type of service. Staff
proposes a lease arrangement; probably on a seven year basis with some sort of
a clause that would involve the vendor doing the installation, major maintenance
and inspections. There would be contingencies in place establishing that
if the industry moved, the lease could be canceled and equipment returned to
the vendor. Mr. Malon said after pricing is known, staff would seek final
approval by both the customer and the Council. He explained that if the
program appears to be feasible, the service could be offered to all of the City's
large industrial customers.
Mr. Campbell asked how long it would take to evaluate the
process. Mr. Malon anticipated it would be this fall before any report
could be made to the council.
Mr. Janku asked if it was fair to say that there would be
some sort of competition coming to the electrical industry in Columbia, and the
City is trying to get ahead of the game by setting these programs up. Mr.
Malon said these are the kinds of services that are being considered and offered
around the country, and staff is attempting to determine if it is possible for
the City to do so as well.
Mr. Coffman commended the Water and Light Department for their
efforts in planning for the future.
The vote on R84-98 was recorded as follows; VOTING YES:
CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
R85-98 Authorizing a settlement agreement with Con-Agg, L.L.C.
The resolution was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that there has been a lot of discussion about
this lawsuit wherein the Circuit Court overruled the Board of Adjustment's decision. He
said it was now before the Court of Appeals, and a decision needed to be made
about whether or not the City should pursue the case any further. Mr. Beck
reported Mr. Janku had been meeting with the residents of the neighborhood regarding
the settlement.
Mr. Beck explained that an agreement has been proposed that
would provide for Con-Agg to eliminate one of the four concrete plants located
on the Stadium Boulevard property (no more than three concrete plants would operate
on the property), Con-Agg would contribute $5,000 to the City for transportation
improvements in the Valley View area, and the City would dismiss the lawsuit
on appeal. Regarding the $5,000 contribution, Mr. Beck said his understanding
was that this is the amount of money the company would probably have spent to
continue the appeal. Mr. Beck felt it would be fair and reasonable that
the money go toward specific concerns regarding transportation in the Route E
area, particularly as it relates to ingress and egress. Mr. Beck said the
question before the Council is whether or not this settlement agreement should
be finalized.
Gary Dunkerly, President of the Valley View Neighborhood Association,
thought the City was reaching an agreement with a company concerning an ordinance
that was put in place to protect neighborhoods. This is protection in terms
of an industry not being able to pollute neighborhoods, or not being allowed
to increase in such size that the truck traffic is a real problem. Mr.
Dunkerly said residents are concerned about air pollution from particulate matter
originating from the trucks leaving the quarry, as well as from allowing an older
plant to remain in production. He did not see that anyone has determined
what the EPA standards are for air pollution, nor did he see any monitoring being
done by a third party. Mr. Dunkerly thought the environment in their neighborhood
was worth more than $5,000.
Mr. Campbell asked Mr. Dunkerly which he felt was more important
-- the improvements in transportation or the improvements in the particulate
matter. Mr. Dunkerly said one could see what the traffic problem is, but
no one has quantitated what the particle problem is. He said residents
knew it was there because they could see it on their cars. He said it may
be well below the safety level, but that is not known for a fact. Mr. Dunkerly
did not want the plant shut down, but he also did not want the atmosphere destroyed
in his neighborhood.
Larry Moore, CEO of Con-Agg, explained that the new plant
has the latest technology as far as dust control is concerned -- that is why
it had been installed. He noted that all of the rock and sand entering
into the new plant is routed through an underground tunnel system. He explained
how it works and noted that no dust is created in the material handling. Mr.
Moore pointed out that this is a wet batch plant, which means the concrete actually
comes out of the plant and into the truck wet so no particulate matter escapes. In
addition to these procedures, there are numerous dust control practices in place
throughout the quarry and the ready mix plant. He distributed pictures
showing no dust being created while the trucks are batching. Mr. Moore
said there are also watering systems on all of the quarry roads to control dust. These
roads are watered on a continuous basis, and there is also water control systems
on all of the crushing equipment to ensure no significant dust particles are
emitted. Mr. Moore explained the requirements established by the EPA, and
said Con-Agg has to pay experts to evaluate the equipment for excessive dust
emissions. Mr. Moore stated Con-Agg has voluntarily placed a monitoring
device between the quarry's location and Valley View, which collects dust out
of the air with a vacuum system. He explained Shell Engineering is paid
thousands of dollars a year to run this dust monitoring equipment. In addition,
it has been found that the plant is not even coming close to creating emissions
that are a problem. Con-Agg is one of the leaders in the state taking aggressive
action regarding dust control measures and monitoring.
In reference to the trucks creating dangerous conditions,
Mr. Moore reported that Con-Agg hires professional drivers and spends a lot of
money, as well as time, training these individuals. He said the quarry's
traffic record is outstanding, and it has been over three years since a "fender
bender" was caused by one of their trucks. Mr. Moore explained Con-Agg's
good driving incentive program.
Mr. Janku asked if the plant that will be removed from service
is actually not a part of the operations now, and has not been used in recent
years. He wondered how shutting down that plant will benefit the neighborhood. Mr.
Moore said none of the plants were causing problems, so he guessed there was
no benefit to shutting any of them down. He said the plant that would be
taken out of service is an older one that has minimum dust control measures in
place, and will be replaced by the new plant that provides maximum dust control. As
Mr. Moore understood the settlement, what Con-Agg would be agreeing to is that
only three concrete plants would be in operation on this property.
Mr. Janku asked about the potential for the plant in question
being brought back into operation at some point. Mr. Moore said it is leased
to Central Concrete and has been in place for years (closure has been negotiated). Mr.
Janku asked if it could ever be anticipated that this plant would be brought
back as part of Con-Agg's operation. Mr. Moore said the plant would be
closed and would not be reopened.
Mr. Coffman saw nothing in the agreement indicating Con-Agg
would continue to operate the type of dust-free facility that currently exists. Mr.
Moore said the basic assurances are the controls that DNR and the EPA are placing
on all of the equipment.
Gene Laemli, 1613 Garden Drive, said he was much more concerned
about the traffic aspect than he was about the legitimate business in question. Regarding
dust, he said residents have far more dust on their cars from four houses being
built across the street than they ever have had from the concrete plant. Mr.
Laemli was in support of the $5,000 going to the City to be used toward traffic
problems in the area.
Mrs. Crockett asked if a traffic study had been done on Route
E. Mr. Moore said a study had been made on the traffic flow on Route E. The
conclusion was that Route E is carrying somewhere around 50% of the traffic it
was designed to carry at this point. Mr. Moore said Con-Agg had also looked
into getting different signage and control at the intersection of Primrose and
Route E. He said the Department of Transportation had studied the situation
and felt the signage was adequate, and reported that there had not been any significant
traffic problems at all in the area. They were concerned that additional
signage might be more confusing.
Mr. Janku said he had been talking with Mr. Boeckmann about
the issue of grandfather rights as it relates to the plants on the property. He
understood that at least three of the plants have grandfathered rights.
Mr. Boeckmann reported five or six years ago, the Council
adopted some zoning ordinance amendments that limited where concrete plants and
some other uses could be located -- basically 2,000 feet from residential areas. He
said that had the affect of grandfathering this 33 acre tract. He said
in 1992, there were three plants on the property when the amendments were made.
Last summer, Mr. Boeckmann explained that Con-Agg was given
a permit to put in an additional plant with the understanding that either an
existing plant would be removed, or an appeal would have to be filed with the
Board of Adjustment to argue that they were entitled to keep both the old and
new plants. He said Con-Agg filed a Board of Adjustment case, and the Board
ruled that they had to remove their old plant when the new one became operational. That
decision was appealed to the Circuit Court and the Court reversed the Board's
decision. The Court's reasoning had been that because of the wording in
the City's ordinance, there was no prohibition against expanding a non-conforming
use of land. The Council remedied that by amending the zoning ordinance
to specifically state there was a prohibition on expanding the non-conforming
use of land. Mr. Boeckmann said the agreement would assure that there would
only be three plants operating on the 33 acre tract, as opposed to the possibility
that there could be four.
In terms of historic practice, Mr. Janku understood that the
City allows modification of the portable plants. Mr. Boeckmann said a portable
plant is allowed when an older plant is replaced by a new one. Basically,
it has been considered a technological improvement, and Protective Inspection
has been consistent in that interpretation. Mr. Janku assumed that has
been the reasoning that Public Works and the Board of Adjustment had used to
allow this to occur -- a new plant for an old plant.
Regarding the ambient air quality issue, Mr. Janku said he
had discussed it with Mr. Dunkerly and with DNR. He said there are obviously
standards and the records are maintained at DNR, which are available to the public. Even
if a fourth plant were permitted by the City, Con-Agg would have to meet DNR
standards before operation of the fourth plant could take place.
Mayor Hindman said he had seen the plant and it is very impressive. It
appears to be a very clean, efficient, and high quality plant. In addition,
Mayor Hindman reported rock quarries are needed and have to be located some place. He
stated the contractors who build the roads and houses the City demands rely on
the cost of transportation. He said it is a social benefit to have the
rock quarry located reasonably close to town. Mayor Hindman thought the
agreement was reasonable and beneficial for everyone.
Mr. Janku thought the settlement was the best the City could
do. He had received a lot of negative comments about the $5,000 Con-Agg
would be giving to the City for road improvements in the Valley View area. Mr.
Janku told these individuals that he would offer an amendment to withdraw that
part of the agreement.
Mr. Janku made the motion that R85-98 be amended by removing
the $5,000 from the agreement. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Crockett
and failed by voice vote.
The vote on R85-98 was recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution
declared adopted, reading as follows:
The following bills were introduced by the Mayor, unless
otherwise indicated, and all were given first reading:
B94-98 Authorizing an agreement
with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for alterations
to
railroad
property required by the reconstruction of Route B; appropriating funds.
B95-98 Authorizing sanitary sewer
connection and annexation agreement with Triple S Development, L.L.C.
B96-98 Amending Chapter 27 of the
City Code to allow an off-peak discount for large industrial service electric
rates.
B97-98 Authorizing the acquisition
of water line and temporary construction easement along State Hwy. 763
North.
B98-98 Accepting conveyances for
utility and street purposes.
B99-98 Accepting conveyances for
utility purposes.
B100-98 Approving Change Order No. 1; approving
engineer's final report; levying special assessments for the
Silvey
Street project.
B101-98 Authorizing right of use permit for
underground telephone cable on City property at Lemone Industrial
and
Maguire Boulevard.
B102-98 Approving final plat of Country Farms,
Plat 2, a major subdivision.
B103-98 Approving final plat of Smithton Ridge,
Plat 1, a major subdivision.
B104-98 Rezoning five tracts of property owned
by Centerstate Properties, LLC and Clarence D. Woodard from
A-1
to O-P, C-P and PUD-14.
B105-98 Rezoning two tracts of property owned
by Homeview Properties located between Westwind Drive and
Barberry
Avenue from A-1 to R-1, and A-1 and R-1 to R-2.
B106-98 Rezoning seven parcels of land located
in the Benton Stephens Neighborhood from R-3 to R-1.
B107-98 Amending Chapter 25 of the City Code
requiring all land under single ownership or control (up to 80
acres)
to be included in a preliminary plat.
B108-98 Amending the Stephens College Master
Plan to allow for construction of a multi-purpose building
between
Willis Avenue and Dorsey Street.
B109-98 Amending the City of Columbia Money
Purchase Plan.
B110-98 Amending Chapter 14 of the city code
to require operators of motor vehicles to exhibit proof of liability
insurance.
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
A) Intra-Departmental Transfer of Funds Request.
Report accepted.
B) Street Closure Request.
Mr. Beck explained that this is a request to close several
downtown streets for the Show-Me State Games on Saturday, July 25, 1998,
from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Campbell made the motion that the request be approved
as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
C) Blue Bag Implementation Plan.
Mr. Beck indicated the report outlined the steps that
would be taken to implement a program which would begin around the last part
of July. He said Public Works is planning to phase in the routes so
as not to switch everything over at the same time. He said there would
be a separate set of blue bags for the recyclables, and fiber material would
be put in paper containers. Mr. Beck reported staff needed to be directed
to bring back the necessary ordinances to implement the programs.
Mr. Coffman asked about the decision to go with bags as opposed
to containers that are reusable. Mr. Beck said his experience had been
that the containers can set out days after collection. He felt there would
be areas throughout the City where streets would be littered with these containers. With
the bags, the street is clean once recyclables have been collected. In
addition, bags prevent littering when being dumped into the garbage trucks. Mayor
Hindman expected to hear more about those kinds of issues when the public hearings
are held.
Mr. Patterson pointed out another consideration -- cost. He
said people will indicate the containers will last for a long period of time,
but traditionally, in a city like Columbia with a University and a highly transient
population, there is a very high loss factor when putting out containers. Most
importantly, if the City is going to proceed with the blue bag and the current
equipment, the bag is used to separate the container portion of material from
the fiber material -- thus reducing contamination of the fiber material. Mr.
Patterson reported recyclables would all be mixed together if set out in containers.
Mr. Campbell made the motion that the staff be directed to
proceed with the drafting of ordinances. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Coffman and approved unanimously by voice vote.
D) Walkable Columbia.
Mayor Hindman said the report was a very good one, and
congratulated the Planning Department for putting it together. He said
it was obvious that a lot of work had gone into it.
Mr. Janku said there are a lot of excellent ideas in the report,
which he thought could be implemented as progress is made.
Mayor Hindman said the report is available in the Planning
Department. Mr. Campbell requested that it also be made available to the
Library.
Report accepted.
E) C & VB Master Plan.
Mr. Beck explained that preparation of the plan had been
discussed with the Council. During the last several years, he said
there has been a very tight budget in this area. The Convention and
Visitors Bureau is operated as a separate enterprise account, which means
that it is not subsidized from the City's general fund. In past discussions,
Mr. Beck said there had been some thought given to the Bureau's long-range
plan and looking at budget projections for the future. Mr. Beck stated
this report might be something the Council would want to take some time to
review, and it should possibly be scheduled as a retreat topic.
Report accepted.
F) "First Night" Funding Request.
Mr. Beck explained that he and the Mayor had met with
representatives of First Night, and it is felt by many that this social function
provides an excellent alternative for everyone (particularly the young people)
in this community. The suggestion is that the City become more involved
as a sponsor of the program. Mr. Beck reported Mayor Hindman had asked
staff to examine the possibility of providing bridge funding until the next
budget year. At that time, the Council could review the second phase
of the overall needs for the First Night Program.
Mr. Beck stated $1,875.00 in funding is need for the first
phase, to be used for a festival coordinator. Next fiscal year, the Council
could address the sponsorship issue. The question is whether or not the
Council wants to appropriate $1,875.00 for immediate supplemental support.
Mayor Hindman thought this program provides a public safety
effort on the part of the community. He said the event is largely supported
by the private sector, and the City's portion of the funding would be relatively
small.
Mr. Janku made the motion that the staff be directed to proceed
with drafting the appropriate legislation. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCIL, STAFF, AND PUBLIC
Ms. Coble asked for an update from the Public Works Department
on the storm water projects involving the storm water retention on the north
side of Again Street. She was asked to remind staff that this was to be
a priority item for 1997.
Ms. Coble said there had been some questions about the Garth
Avenue street improvement tied into roads. The question was if the City
was waiting to resurface some of the neighborhood roadways because the Garth
storm drainage efforts were not finished. Mr. Patterson explained that
staff is getting very close to calling for bids on the Garth and Sexton drainage. He
said they would also be coming forward with a list of the streets scheduled for
overlay and paving this summer. Mr. Patterson said if there are specific
sections where residents are having problems, to let him know and staff would
try to work something out.
Ms. Coble asked for a staff report on the health of the downtown
area. She said there were more and more people living downtown, and one
of the problems has been parking. She asked about a new rate or establishing
designated areas in City parking facilities for these residents. She knew
of nothing on the books to address the situation, and it could mean 24 hours
of parking every day for some who live in the downtown area.
Ms. Coble said the Wardrobe, on the corner of Eighth and Park,
was experiencing a problem with donations being rummaged through and destroyed. She
said this business does not have an enclosed area to receive donated goods that
are left after hours. She said after a weekend of garage sales, whatever
may not have successfully sold tends to be taken to this location, but these
items are destroyed and strewn about by the time a volunteer worker opens the
facility. She asked if the Police might be able to step up their patrol
around the area on the weekends. Chief Botsford said he would keep an eye
on it. Ms. Coble also suggested that people wanting to donate might wait
until someone is there to accept the goods. Chief Botsford said that would
be an excellent idea.
Mr. Janku said he and Mrs. Crockett were both anxiously awaiting
the construction on Route B. He said the Council is starting to see a lot
of ordinances and resolutions dealing with the various items. Mr. Janku
and Mrs. Crockett would like to see the inclusion of some sort of landscaping/beautification
project for that entryway into the community. Mr. Janku said money had
been set aside from the ballot issue for landscaping, and he felt the City should
play a leadership role.
Mr. Janku made the motion that the Council receive a report
on the issue. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Crockett and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
Mr. Beck asked if that was where the walkway would be along
the rail. Mayor Hindman said he was reading where the walkway would not
be possible because of the railroad tracks. He is all in favor of looking
at the landscaping, to the extent that it did not interfere with the walkway. Mr.
Janku said the landscaping could be on both sides of the street.
Regarding Bear Creek and the adjoining lots on the north side
of Blue Ridge, Mr. Janku did not think the entire lot needed to be preserved.
Mr. Janku made the motion that staff work with the property
owner to gain some sort of trail easement. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Kruse and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Kruse asked the staff to look into the possibility of
a stop sign at the intersection of Nifong and the street just east of Break Time. He
said Mr. Coffman had been advised that the street is private and there would
be a problem with a stop sign.
Mr. Kruse made the motion that the staff report back on the
situation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
Mr. Coffman explained that the Council had received a memo
regarding the payroll deduction system. He said this was initiated a couple
of months ago during discussions regarding the Missouri Environmental Fund --
an umbrella organization of other entities. There was a sample ordinance
presented that he would like to see introduced for consideration. The ordinance
would allow any umbrella organization which represents at least 15 other organizations
to also take advantage of the check-off system of charitable giving offered to
the City's employees, which is already provided to the United Way. As a
legal matter, he thought the City should not discriminate or prevent any other
organization from being a part of this system. Mr. Coffman had heard some
are concerned about this infringing upon the good work that United Way does in
the City, however, he had not heard proof from any other city that it interfered
with what United Way has traditionally done over the years. Mr. Coffman
was hopeful this would be a convenience to those employees who might want to
give to other broad charitable organizations.
Mr. Janku questioned to what extent this would be employee
driven. He said it is one thing if the employees want to add it to their
payroll deduction, but he was concerned about campaigns in the office. Mr.
Janku thought some threshold level of interest should be demonstrated by employees.
Mr. Campbell said he had similar concerns. He said it
may be very worthwhile, but where and how do you draw the line.
Mr. Kruse indicated for him, it is not issue of whether or
not there is interest in it, but an issue of fairness. He said the City
is a public institution that makes this workplace giving program available to
one particular federation, when there are other federations that ought to have
access to this opportunity as well. He said if employees are not interested
in it, they do not have to give. Mr. Kruse said personally, he would not
choose to vote on this issue because he has a conflict of interest.
Regarding employees, Mr. Coffman said his feeling was that
there should be very strong language and policies about not in any way coercing
or even strongly suggesting that an employee has to give to such a program. He
wanted it to be made a convenience for those who might want to, or already do
give to an organization of this sort.
Mr. Beck said one of the big questions is why draw the line
including an "x" number of federations. He said maybe other employees belong
to another group they would like to see checked-off. He said once the list
is long enough, the United Way program would be out unless they wanted to dedicate
City time to these programs. Mr. Kruse said the issue is not what
federations should be involved, but that all should have the opportunity if certain
criteria is met. He said the state employee campaign has an incredible
number of opportunities for workplace giving, and there is no evidence that United
Ways or United Funds are in any substantially harmed by this. Mr. Kruse
stated the evidence is clear that total giving goes up, and everybody wins because
people feel better about having more choices.
The Council decided to discuss this issue further at a work
session.
Mayor Hindman reminded everyone to vote tomorrow.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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