INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City
of Columbia, Missouri met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday,
May 3, 1999, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The
roll was taken with the following results: Council Members CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, and JANKU 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 April 19, 1999, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion
made by Mr. Campbell and a second by Ms. Crockett.
APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Hindman noted a request
to remove B121-99 from the Consent Agenda and have it placed under Old Business. He
also noted that R92-99 would be added to New Business.
Upon her request, Mr. Campbell
made the motion that Mrs. Crockett be allowed to abstain from voting on B124-99. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The agenda, as amended, including
the Consent Agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made
by Mrs. Crockett and a second by Mr. John.
SPECIAL ITEMS
None.
Mayor Hindman noted that Boy Scout Troop 703 from Fairview United Methodist Church, was present with their leader, Jesse Munkirs. He reported the Scouts are working on their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Urban Wussler - Repeal
of Columbia's Deposit Ordinance
Mr. Wussler spoke as Chairman
of the Repeal Deposit Ordinance Committee. Since the Blue Bag System
is almost completed, he said it was the Committee's intention to pursue efforts
to have the ordinance repealed. Mr. Wussler said the ordinance was
not keeping Columbia clean, which had been the original intention. He
asked that the Council invite the Committee to a work session so they could
explain their thoughts.
Mrs. Crockett told Mr. Wussler
she was disappointed that he decided to speak this evening because they had
discussed this issue two months ago and she had told him that the Blue Bag
System was not totally implemented. She said the last route was only
implemented a month ago, and until the City works out some kind of arrangement
with Civic Recycling, it would be hard to repeal the ordinance. Mrs.
Crockett reported once everything is lined up, she did not think there would
be a problem getting the ordinance repealed. She assured him she would
do whatever possible to get the ordinance repealed. Mrs. Crockett is
hopeful the Council would put it to the vote of the people, but indicated
it had to be taken one step at a time.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B118-99 Rezoning
property located on the southwest corner of south William Street and Bass
Avenue
from R-3 to O-P.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
request conforms with the City's Development Plan and the rezoning had been
recommended for approval by the City staff and by the Planning and Zoning
Commission on an 8-1 vote. He explained that the Hospital plans to
use the property for a 60 space parking lot. He said it would require
Council approval on the parking plan itself at a later date.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Tom Schneider, an attorney
with offices at 11 N. Seventh Street, spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees
of Boone County Hospital. He said this badly needed parking lot would
be located directly across the street from the main parking lot, between
two existing lots. Mr. Schneider noted that about 18% of the area would
be green space with 15 trees being planted -- although only 11 would be required. He
explained that drainage issues are also addressed in the Plan. Mr.
Schneider reported the East Campus Neighborhood Association had been contacted
and he believed there to be no opposition.
Mr. Coffman asked if there
would be any sidewalks in conjunction with this project. The reply
was that a sidewalk abutting William Street would be constructed and an existing
walk on Bass would be replaced.
Clyde Wilson, 1719 University
Avenue, a member of the East Campus Neighborhood Association, said residents
appreciate what Boone Hospital is doing and they have no objection. He
commented they are also pleased that the Hospital is building a sidewalk
at the present time between Anthony and Broadway.
Mr. Coffman added his thanks
to the Hospital for the sidewalk they are currently constructing on Ann Street.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
B118-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B119-99 Rezoning
property located on the east side of South Fourth Street, between East
Broadway
and Cherry Street from M-1 to C-2.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck pointed out that
this is the existing Katy Station site that is currently zoned industrial. He
noted this request for C-2 conforms with the City's Land Use Plan. The
staff as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission have recommended approval
of the request.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Tom Schneider, an attorney
with offices at 11 N. Seventh Street, spoke on behalf of the property owner,
Jack Maher. Since the restaurant closed, he explained that the south
half of the tract is now vacant. He said the down zoning would be beneficial
to the marketability of the property because it would eliminate on-site parking
requirements. He said the area was clearly no longer industrial and
he felt this to be an appropriate request. Mr. Schneider noted the
large amount of nearby parking and said there was no longer any need for
on-site parking at this location.
Mr. Janku understood this
rezoning would allow the continuation of the alcohol use. Mr. Schneider
said that was correct.
Ms. Crayton voiced concern
about the alcohol use in close proximity of a church. Mr. Schneider
felt that the City no longer has ordinances that address the issue. He
explained that this rezoning would in no way change the uses that could otherwise
exist. Mr. Schneider stated he could not say what Mr. Maher would be
doing with the property, and he noted that the existing depot building might
once again become a restaurant and have an outdoor cafe on the north side. Ms.
Crayton asked how many other churches have bars near them. Mr. Schneider
explained that particular regulation was once commonplace, but about 15 years
ago the United States Supreme Court said that could no longer be done. Mr.
Boeckmann thought there was a statute on the state books with the distance
being 100 feet. He said it requires the consent of the governing body
of the church or the school within that distance.
Mr. Janku said a few years
ago the City's zoning ordinance was amended as it pertains to live music,
and they came up with a standard at the property line in terms of noise. Mayor
Hindman said that would clearly be a way to deal with the situation, if there
was a violation of that ordinance. Mr. Hancock read from the ordinance
which dealt with music played from indoors only, which outlined it is a permitted
use in C-1. Mr. Boeckmann noted that there are also provisions in the
noise ordinance that have limitations apart from the zoning.
Mr. Janku thought this raised
an interesting question and noted there are a number of restaurants or bars
downtown near some other churches. He said outdoor music is becoming
very popular, particularly downtown, and these kinds of things would surface. Mr.
Janku reported he would vote in favor of this request, but thought the Council
needed to look into the potential impact.
B119-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B120-99 Rezoning
property located south of the eastern terminus of Pendleton Street
from R-3 to
O-P;
approving an O-P Development Plan.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
small tract of land is located within the Housing Authority boundaries. The
plans are to build a 7,400 square foot administration building. A Development
Plan was displayed on the overhead and Mr. Beck said both the rezoning and
the plan were recommended for approval by the staff and the Commission. Before
developing the plan, Mr. Beck explained that the applicant had worked with
the staff relating to the flood plain area.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Dan Simon, an attorney with
offices at 601 E. Broadway, spoke on behalf of the Housing Authority of the
City of Columbia. In order to properly administer the housing units,
he said the Housing Authority is in desperate need of new office space. Mr.
Simon explained they have been operating from inadequate and non-handicapped
accessible offices in one of their existing developments off of Providence
Road. He noted that this property is immediately adjacent to the main
housing project on Providence Road and they own all of the land around it. Mr.
Simon stated that Kimi Chinn, project architect, was present to answer any
questions regarding the architecture of the building. He displayed
a rendering of what the appearance of the building would be. Mr. Simon
pointed out that it would be a very heavily landscaped building with a lot
of open space, and the building itself would be unobtrusive. He noted
that the land is vacant with the exception of one single family home. Mr.
Simon explained that the owners of the home are joiners of this request. He
reported the Housing Authority has made arrangements with these individuals
to either build them a new house on Housing Authority land located immediately
to the north, or to move their existing house from its present location to
that site so these people will not be inconvenienced.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
B120-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B121-99 Rezoning
property located on the southeast corner of East Broadway and South
Ann
Street
from R-3 to O-P.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
two-tenths of an acre tract is located east of Boone Hospital and presently
has two houses on it. One structure is a duplex unit and it is planned
that this structure would be used for offices. He noted that the Planning
staff had not made a recommendation and that the Commission had recommended
denial of the request.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Clyde Wilson, 1719 University,
explained that the President of the Neighborhood Association was out of state
and had asked him to speak on her behalf. Mr. Wilson said residents
are opposed to this request for three reasons: it represents the northwest-most
corner of a residential area, it is an extremely busy corner being the entrance
to Boone Hospital Center, and they felt there is no need for office space
in the area.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
Mr. John felt that O-P versus
an R-3 use on this corner would probably be less intense, and added that
the City would have input on where the entrance to the site would be located. He
said there was a comment about a house being adjacent to the site, but noted
there is an eleven unit apartment building between the subject tract and
the houses on Ann Street, with a parking lot wrapping around them. Mr.
John pointed out that this project cannot expand beyond its own bounds and
infringe on the neighborhood -- it could only infringe on Broadway. His
thought was that it would be better for the intersection if it was an office
building, and would eliminate the potential for the houses being torn down
to create a larger apartment building.
Mrs. Crockett said she shared
the concerns of Mr. John, but was troubled that the property owner did not
appear this evening to speak to the issue.
Mr. Coffman felt this rezoning
request would create creeping of commercial in the area. Because the
site is sloped, he thought it would be difficult to put in another driveway
at that location.
Mr. Campbell said he has
major concerns about traffic in the area and it may be better to have an
O-P zone rather than R-3, but that was speculation. He commented that
right now, there is a single unit on the property and he felt wherever possible
the Council should encourage the maintenance of single family houses.
Mayor Hindman noted that
the property is zoned R-3 and there are no guarantees it would remain a single
unit.
B121-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, JOHN. VOTING
NO: CAMPBELL, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. Bill defeated.
B122-99 Rezoning
property located within the Benton Stephens neighborhood from R-3 to
R-1
and
R-2.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that several
years ago the Council adopted a policy wherein if property owners want to
down zone their property, the City would pay the advertising costs as long
as the requests were brought in together once a year. The staff recommended
approval of this request as did the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Mr. Coffman thanked the owners
of these three properties for contributing to the revitalization of their
neighborhood.
B122-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B123-99 Amending
Chapter 29 of the Code to establish a $150 processing fee for most
rezoning
requests.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that the Council
had asked the staff to look into the cost of rezoning requests. The
Commission recommended a $150 fee on a 5-1 vote, provided that the requests
from A-1 to R-1 be exempt.
There was a discussion as
to whether this cost was in addition to the advertising fee. Mr. Beck
confirmed this is a processing cost only, advertising costs would be in addition
to this fee.
Mr. Campbell noted Springfield
charges much more for a processing fee. He asked what it actually costs
to process a request and what justification Springfield has for charging
such a high fee. Mr. Hancock said he thought the proposed fee of $150
is an average of what other comparable communities are charging, with the
exception of Springfield. He estimated for staff to process a rezoning
request it would be about $300 -- and they just split this cost by 50%. Mr.
Campbell said he believed there is a policy of charging 60% for inspections. Mr.
Patterson said it was 65%. Mr. Campbell asked why Planning had not
applied the same rule in this case. Mr. Hancock replied the thought
at the time was to determine how people would react to the 50%. He
commented staff had not been given direction to recoup a certain percentage
of cost, so they had gone with the average. Mr. Campbell wondered if
the City establishes a reimbursement rate of 65% in one case, whether the
same rate should be applied in a similar industry.
Mr. Janku said the theory
behind the 65% was that there is some benefit from the inspection that accrues
to the public as well as to the private party. He thought there would
be a question as to whether or not there would be a public benefit accrued
in rezoning situations. Mr. Campbell said that was a good point, but
there is a Council directed policy of 65% on inspections. He reported
65% of $300 would roughly be $200.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that B123-99 be amended to raise the processing fee to $200, which would
be approximately 65%. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku.
Mayor Hindman did not agree
with the argument of a rezoning not having a public benefit. He explained
that rezoning allows people to use their property to what they perceive to
be the highest and best use, which is theoretically good for the community.
The motion to amend, made
by Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Janku, was approved unanimously by voice
vote.
Mrs. Crockett asked why the
A-1 to R-1 rezoning is being excluded. Mr. Hancock felt the Commission's
feelings had to do with requests for annexation zoning. He said they
did not want to create a roadblock to annexation and rezoning, or someone
taking a holding zone and turning it into an urban type development.
Mr. John, having been on
the Planning and Zoning Commission at the time this issue was discussed,
reported that there is still quite a bit of land zoned A-1 from earlier mass
annexations, and it seemed unfair to charge these individuals a processing
fee since they had not initiated a rezoning request yet.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B123-99, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES:
CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING
NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B127-99 Establishing
permanent A-1 zoning on property located at 2720 and 2750 Mill Creek
Terrace.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said the request
on this recently annexed six acre tract was 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.
B127-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
(A) Storm drainage
improvements in the Alton Avenue area between Seventh and Eighth Streets.
Item A was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Patterson explained that
this project has been in the planning stages for several years and would
connect two projects that have been previously constructed between Seventh
and Eighth Streets. The cost estimate is $170,000 and involves replacing
an undersized drainage system with area inlets and a reinforced concrete
box culvert for the entire length of the project. In addition, standard
grade inlets and area inlets will be installed behind the houses.
Mr. Patterson reported the
purpose of the project is to eliminate frequent flooding of properties and
structural flooding in the area. He pointed out that the project was
designed by a local consultant (Trabue, Hansen, and Hinshaw), and a representative
is present to answer any questions. Mr. Patterson explained the project
would be constructed this summer, and the final design would include the
development of landscaping replacement with the neighborhood and property
owners. Mr. Patterson said that all of the property owners have been
contacted and there have been discussions on site, but the landscaping plans
would be developed with the final plans and specifications.
Mr. Campbell noted that the
report called for a ten year event design. He thought that seemed to
be a relatively short period and asked if staff ever considers a 25 year
event. Mr. Patterson pointed out that ten year frequencies are based,
as does all of their calculations, on the full development of a stream based
on the Land Use Plan. What has to be provided for in the design standards
is an overflow section that will safely accommodate a 100 year flood. Based
on current conditions of the 100 year flood, Mr. Patterson explained they
have resolved any problems that would occur. The overflow would continue
to be over ground, slightly north of the existing channel and would converge
back in the same area. Going to a larger structure in this location
would be in excess of the design and it would not prevent any damages that
will not be prevented with the overlay. Mr. Campbell asked if the 100
year event would cause structure flooding. Under current developed
conditions, Mr. Patterson replied it would not. He acknowledged there
is a possibility, if it was entirely paved upstream and changes were made
in that area, there still could be some flooding problems. Mr. Patterson
explained that could possibly be rectified with some surface modifications
along the property line to the north. He noted that issue was addressed
by the consultant when they looked into what would be necessary to prevent
structural flooding.
Mr. Janku referred to a letter
that was just passed to the Council regarding tree replacement. He
noted that Ms. Coble had once pointed out that because of the large amount
of rental property in these neighborhoods, the property owners are not always
as interested in tree replacement as a homeowner might be. Mr. Patterson
responded staff has to deal with the property owner, and whatever the City
does has to be in accordance with the home owner's request. He said
part of the process on final plans would be to develop that. Mr. Patterson
was uncertain how the City could go in and do something to a property just
because the renter requested it.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Linda Roots, 807 N. Eighth
Street, said her property was the one most always affected by the flooding. She
passed around pictures taken after the heavy rains last week. Ms. Roots
stated residents concede that the facility has to be replaced, but they also
know many large trees will be lost, which will probably never be allowed
to grow back on top of this structure. She said the situation calls
for a creative plan and someone with expertise needs to help them figure
out how to replace the vegetative screening and the privacy currently afforded
to the residents. Ms. Roots noted Columbia College has a plan
on file that calls for quite a bit more paving on the east side of Eighth
Street (parking lots). She trusted the staff had taken advantage of
the Master Plan the College has on file.
John Clark, 403 N. Ninth
Street, said the plan needs to be something that encompasses all of the concerns
expressed. He said all property owners need to be contacted because
if a plan is created for the whole area, then over a period of time, those
trees can be planted.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
Mr. Patterson pointed out
that it is not staff's intent to do piecemeal planning, but they simply need
to deal with each individual property owner when they discuss the plan because
it is those individuals who have the authority to dictate what should occur
on their property.
Mr. John questioned the use
of CDBG funds when there are storm water utility funds. Mr. Patterson
said when they refer to the Storm Water Utility Capital Improvement Program,
there are other funds in the CIP. He reported the City utilizes state
grants and CDBG funding when available to supplement these types of projects. The
fact that it is in the CIP may mean it can still come from another source. Mr.
John asked if this was a specific grant the City received for this project. Mr.
Patterson replied it was, and it has to be approved during the annual allocation
of CDBG funding defined for that purpose.
Mr. Beck explained that Columbia
is one of the few cities with a storm water utility. Short of that,
the only way one builds storm sewers is through tax bill districts or to
tax the entire community to correct the problems when houses have been built
in low or flood prone areas. Mr. Beck related one of his concerns is
the rapidly increasing cost of these projects as the City buys out and then
replaces trees. Unless there is a storm water utility, he explained
the City would not be able to complete a project of this nature without tax
bills or a big ballot issue -- which would be difficult to pass because it
would only affect a limited number of people in the community.
Ms. Crayton voiced her support
for any improvements to the First Ward.
Ms. Crayton made the motion
that staff be directed to proceed with the project. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(B) Street construction
on Fourth Avenue from Garth Avenue to Providence Road.
Item B was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
is a proposed tax bill district, but most of the funding comes from
sources other than the neighborhood.
Mr. Patterson explained this
is a public hearing for improvements being proposed to Fourth Avenue, from
Garth Avenue to Providence Road, a distance of approximately 1,300 feet. He
explained that Fourth Avenue is an unimproved local residential street approximately
20-22 feet in width within a 40-foot platted right of way. There is
a four-foot concrete sidewalk along the north side only. The proposed
improvements to Fourth Avenue would consist of a 28-foot wide curb and guttered
pavement with sidewalks on both sides of the street. Because of right
of way and utility constraints, the sidewalks will need to be placed directly
behind the back of the curb and staff is proposing five-foot sidewalks. Staff
is also recommending that parking be restricted to one side, preferably the
north side. In addition, the project includes minor storm drainage
improvements as well as reconstruction of approximately 300 feet of sewer
line and manholes. The improvements as proposed require the removal
of approximately four trees over a three-inch caliper. Mr. Patterson
reported a street landscaping plan will be included with the final design
which will be based on property owner input.
Mr. Patterson explained a
meeting was held with affected property owners and neighborhood associations
on March 9, 1999, to discuss the design proposal, address questions, and
seek input. The staff feels that there was agreement on most issues
that could be addressed in the design stage, with the possible exception
of underground utilities, light standards and sidewalks on both sides. There
were some requests for sidewalks to be constructed only on the north side. All
adjacent property owners have been supplied copies of this report and have
been advised of this public hearing.
Mr. Patterson reported the
resolution estimate is $252,000, with funding for the project being proposed
from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, tax bills against the
adjacent properties, and Sanitary Sewer Utility funds. Since Fourth
Avenue is located within the CDBG area, Mr. Patterson explained that the
properties would be subject to tax bills assessed at one-half the normal
rate, and those who qualify as low-to-moderate income property owners would
be eligible for grants to pay the entire tax bill amount. The maximum
tax bill rate through this formula will be $14.50 per abutting foot.
Mr. Patterson stated If Council
approves the project, there would be another hearing to make assessments,
at which time the council will need to determine that there have been special
benefits accrued to the properties. Some of the factors that the Council
may consider at that time are as follows:
1. The curb and guttering
and associated storm drainage facilities will provide for better overall
storm water
management.
2. The curb and guttering
will also improve the appearance and maintainability of the properties.
3. New driveway approaches
will provide better access to the properties
4. With the improved
street surface, there will be less wear and tear on private vehicles using
the street as a
primary
access to the properties.
5. The City will be
able to better maintain the street, particularly with regard to snow removal
and street
cleaning.
6. Under current city
policy when streets are upgraded to improved standards, property owners are
no longer
subject
to tax bill maintenance costs which could be as much as $2.00 per foot per
year.
Mr. Patterson commented
if after receiving public comment the Council wishes to proceed with construction
of the project, a motion should be made directing staff to complete final
plans, specifications and construction documents.
There was a discussion about
the undergrounding of utilities. Mr. Beck explained that the Council
asked the staff to prepare a report regarding the cost of undergrounding
power on neighborhood streets. He said a fairly detailed report had
been submitted to the Council indicating the amounts. After that discussion,
Mr. Beck did not recall any direction to try to underground on these streets
because it not only involves the cost to the City's Water and Electric utility,
but to the homeowners as well. Mr. Malon said that was correct, and
added that for a small stretch like this not much would be accomplished anyway. Mr.
Janku said another problem is that they are not getting uniform responses
-- some people want to do it and some do not. Mr. Campbell said the
staff reports had indicated sizable amounts that each home owner would have
to pay. He noted that would be asking a great deal of people in moderate
income areas such as this. Mr. Patterson reported that when this had
been tried before, staff had found that not everyone was willing to pay for
such a project. In addition, that would not accomplish the goal of
the project as one may be underground and the next one overhead. He
stated that also causes problems for the supplier of the service.
Ms. Crayton said she had
received a letter regarding the accessability to wheelchairs in this area
(someone fell out of their chair when trying to get on the sidewalk). Mr.
Patterson indicated walks will be wheelchair accessible and as sidewalks
are being recommended on both sides of the street, this will also improve
pedestrian accessability.
Karen Cupp, 117 Fourth Avenue,
reported the street is in very bad repair and the walks are crumbling. She
said many residents park right up to their grass so one cannot walk down
the sidewalk. She was concerned about trees being removed, one in particular
in her neighbor's yard. Ms. Cupp commented that residents are concerned
about the increase in traffic after their street is widened. She said
the neighborhood did not want it widened to 28 feet, but were agreeable to
it with the hope of gaining some traffic calming or stop signs at the corner
of Grand and Fourth.
John Clark, 403 N. Ninth
Street, said the North Central Neighborhood Association discussed the issue
of undergrounding utilities. He suggested that the Council ask the
staff to not just develop the cost estimates, but to really search to see
if there are some other ways, in the long-term, to fund a 40-year plan to
gradually underground utilities. Mr. Clark noted that if utilities
are not undergrounded when doing a project such as this one, it will be more
expensive to do it at a later time. He said there may be no funding
mechanisms over a long period of time that could handle ways to spread out
payments and so forth, but given the way the Business Loop looks, he suggested
it would be a useful study for the staff to look into.
Mayor Hindman thought the
utility should pay for undergrounding, and that a way should be found to
start such a program, even if it takes a very long time. He said the
obvious time to do it is when there is a project such as this. Mrs.
Crockett said she thought right now it would bankrupt the utility. Mayor
Hindman responded if it is done slowly enough that would not happen. Mr.
Campbell noted there is an amount being set aside for that each year. Mayor
Hindman said there is no program to get the job done. Mr. Beck agreed
they have not gotten to the residential area, however, there is a program
which is to start from the center of the city and progresses outward. Mr.
Beck indicated the Council reviews the program each year and a percentage
of the utility budget is set aside for undergrounding. He thought perhaps
the Council needed to talk about stepping up the program at budget time.
Ms. Crayton made the motion
that staff be directed to proceed with the development of plans. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Campbell and approved unanimously by voice vote.
(C) Improvements
at the intersection of Paris Road and Hinkson Avenue.
Item C was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained this would
relocate the intersection of Hinkson to Paris Road 80 feet north of where
it is presently.
Mr. Patterson noted that
this is a ballot issue project and the City just recently acquired the property
to make the relocation. He pointed out that staff received a letter
of support from the Benton Stephens Community Association.
At the last meeting, Mr.
Patterson said that Mr. Janku had requested that this issue be referred to
the Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission. He said that meeting occurred on
site and there are additional pedestrian accommodations they would like to
have considered. He did not think those considerations would prevent
them from preceding with the project as it is currently shown. Mr.
Patterson explained those would be additive features if the Council approved
them.
Mr. Patterson reported this
project consists of relocating the entrance to the street to allow for a
90 degree intersection with Paris Road, and this portion of the street would
be widened slightly on the south side to allow more stacking room for left
turn movements. Staff felt that would facilitate traffic movement at
the intersection of Paris and College, as well as make it safer for turning
movements on Hinkson. Mr. Patterson said all property owners that would
be affected have been contacted and there were no negative comments received
about the project. He said there were concerns expressed by some members
of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission who wanted to make additional changes
for pedestrian crossings. Mr. Patterson stated the cost estimate for
this project is $90,000, which includes the acquisition of the property.
Mr. Campbell asked
about the sizable remnants of land and the policy on disposal of same. He
thought it looked like a sizable job for the City to maintain. Mr.
Beck said there is a policy in place where the City can sell property to
adjacent property owners based on appraisal. Mr. Campbell asked if
that would be part of this project. Mr. Patterson said that was certainly
a possibility, but at this point they had not made a determination of disposition. He
said there was a discussion about whether the neighborhood association might
want to adopt the area for maintenance of landscaping if the City put it
in. Mr. Campbell said he would like to see the disposition as part
of the final plan. Mr. Patterson said that could be brought back at
the time of the bid calls.
Mr. Janku asked about the
question relating to a pedestrian crossing on Paris Road. Mr. Patterson
said staff's concern is that this is a high volume road, there is a signalized
intersection within 150 feet of the intersection, and staff felt it would
create more of a dangerous situation than it would help.
Mayor Hindman said since
this particular pedestrian crossing would be an additive, and it did not
sound like the staff would recommend it, he asked where that left things. Mr.
Patterson said the Council will ultimately make the decision on it. He
said the staff's obligation was to try to provide the information with regard
to concerns about safety and if Council decided to go ahead with it, what
kind of accommodations should be put in. Mayor Hindman asked when that
would be presented to the Council. Mr. Patterson said he had not seen
the recommendation from the Commission. He indicated he spoke with
Mr. Henson (Chair of the Disabilities Commission) this morning, and Mr. Henson
had asked that this hearing be delayed until the Commission has time to make
a recommendation. Mr. Patterson felt any recommendation that might
be made by the Commission would not affect what the physical configuration
of this particular project would be. He said if the Council wants to
delay it, there was no problem on the staff's part, but they felt it would
not be necessary to delay it to accommodate anything that is requested later.
Mr. Janku asked if there
is any provision for the street crossing Hinkson and preceding on Paris on
the south. Mr. Patterson said it would be a marked crossing under the
present plans. He noted there are 1,4000 cars per day currently traveling
on Paris Road. Mr. Janku's concern was protection because of the three
lanes which he said could be making quick turns.
Mayor Hindman said the truncation
is such that it is very gradual, which he noted would make a really wide
pedestrian crossing.
Mr. Patterson said this project
could be delayed until hearing from the Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission. He
said staff is simply trying to move forward with the CIP projects. Mr.
Janku asked if it would make a real difference if they waited to get a report
back. Mr. Patterson said this project could be tabled for a month or
two and that would give staff time to do something with it. Mr. Campbell
asked at what point a delay would change the building seasons. Because
of no signal being involved, Mr. Patterson said it could be built in the
fall.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
John Clark, 403 N. Ninth,
said the Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission and the Disabilities Commission had
met with a representative of the Public Works Department. Regarding
the stacking lane planned for the traffic coming down Route B and Paris Road
to turn onto College, he hoped the Council would take this as an impetus
to meet with the state to plan how that traffic will get off Route B at the
bridge and come down the Business Loop and turn appropriately onto College
Avenue. He mentioned other concerns which he said would be addressed
in their report.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
Mayor Hindman made the motion
that Item C be tabled to the June 21, 1999, meeting. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
B107-99 Authorizing
an amendment to the agreement with Burns & McDonnell; approving Change
Order
No. 1 and engineer's final report for landfill Cell No. 2 project.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Patterson noted the items
of significance being liquidated damages on the project because the contractor
did not finish on time. That resulted in additional quality control
work by Burns & McDonnell, which required an amendment to their contract. He
reported they deleted some work they found unnecessary, but there was additional
work as far as erosion control and some roadway work. With additions
and deletions, Mr. Patterson said the project still came in slightly less
than what the original bid had been. He said staff was recommending
approval of the ordinance.
Comments were called for
with none received.
B107-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B108-99 Authorizing
the construction of intersection improvements at Sixth/Broadway,
Hitt/Broadway,
Waugh/Broadway, Eighth/Walnut; calling for bids.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
is a continuation of the City's public improvement effort in the downtown
area to address some traffic issues. He noted the public hearing for
this project had been held on April 6, 1999, and the bid call is planned
for May 27, 1999. The estimated cost of this project is $306,600 and
will be paid for by the CIP sales tax funds.
Mayor Hindman noted that
there was concern voiced by the Disabilities Commission about the height
of the planters (they felt the height obscured a disabled person's ability
to see traffic and vice versa). He asked if that had been taken into
consideration. Mr. Beck said a staff committee worked on this issue. The
committee consisted of representatives from the Police Department, Public
Works Department, and the Parks and Recreation Department. He asked
Mr. Watkins to give a summary of their findings.
Mr. Watkins noted that the
Special Business District was also represented on the Committee. He
said the group had met several times to discuss the issue of planter height. After
the meetings, it had been the unanimous decision to recommend that the planter
height remain the same. He listed numerous reasons for that recommendation. Mr.
Watkins said the Committee had asked the Disabilities Commission to take
a look at the issue. He reported the Commission met twice and have
not yet made any kind of formal recommendation. Mr. Watkins said the
committee would like to see the construction done so that it does not impact
any of the Fall Festivals sponsored by the SBD or the Cultural Affairs Commission. They
also would like to have the improvements completed before the students return
in the fall.
Greg Ahrens, 1504 Sylvan
Lane, explained that his housemate is on the Disabilities Commission. He
recalled Dan Burden, an expert on pedestrian walkability features, saying
the planters should be lowered. He did not recall him saying how high
they should be, just that they were too high. Mr. Ahrens reported he
had e-mailed Mr. Burden and is awaiting a reply. He noted that some
of the planters are squared off on the ends and some are angled. He
felt the angled planters provided more visibility. Mr. Ahrens noted
that prohibiting right turns on a red light in the downtown area could also
be helpful and would eliminate the safety concern about planter height. In
addition, he pointed out that the brick crosswalks are very slick when wet. Mr.
Ahrens suggested that the brick have a different texture to it.
B108-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B109-99 Authorizing
the reconstruction of Grant Lane; calling for bids.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that at
the time of the public hearing, changes were directed by the Council. He
said the plans have been amended and the staff was ready to call for bids.
Mr. Patterson said staff
is still in the process of acquiring some of the right of way, but they would
like to go ahead and get the bid scheduled.
B109-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B111-99 Confirming
the contract for construction of street improvements at Scott Boulevard
and
Current
Road.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said that only two
bids were received and the low bid of APAC-MO, Inc. Is being recommended
in the amount of $47,573.40. He said the bid was about $10,000 above
the resolution estimate, but this is a project that needs to be done.
B111-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B112-99 Confirming
the contract for street construction on Oakland Gravel Road from the
end of
improved
pavement north of Smiley Lane, 1,600 feet north.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that six bids
were received on this project. The low bid came from J.C. Industries,
Inc. in the amount of $16, 795.30.
Mr. Janku asked if the bridge
would have some sort of fencing on the sides. Mr. Patterson believed
there was a protective barrier, but he was not sure of the design detail. Mr.
Janku said he would prefer something other than chain link, if the cost was
not prohibitive. He noted the bridge on Providence (for the trail)
is wood and it has held up quite well. Mr. Patterson said staff would
check into that.
Mayor Hindman asked how the
bridge would be widened. Mr. Patterson said they would add onto the
downstream side and it will provide for pedestrian and bicycle lanes. He
explained that the bridge was designed in such a way to allow for additions.
Mrs. Crockett was hopeful
this road would not have the same problem as on Forum with dipping. Mr.
Patterson said in this particular case the bridge is already in place. The
culvert on Forum was a new pour with settlement on each end of it, and on
Oakland Gravel, they would be dealing with an established road bed. Mrs.
Crockett was also hopeful that all utilities have already been installed
so the street would not have to be dug up and patched for utilities.
B112-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B116-99 Authorizing
a utility relocation agreement with Boone County.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
agreement relates to the widening and reconstruction of St. Charles Road,
east of the City. He said the water line will be upgraded at the same
time the relocation occurs.
B116-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B124-99 Approving
the final plat of The Hamlet, Plat No. 7; authorizing a performance
contract.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
10 acre tract will create 23 R-1 lots. He further explained that the
applicant is providing funding in escrow for a sidewalk along Smith Drive.
Mayor Hindman asked about
the comment in the developer's letter about having no obligations with respect
to future improvements on Smith Drive. Mr. Patterson indicated this
developer has petitioned for Smith Drive to be constructed by tax bill and
the staff is negotiating an agreement to forward to the Council. He
said this property owner will be involved in the agreement to build Smith
Drive. Mr. Hancock explained that the letter refers to the sidewalk
requirements. He commented their fear is that they will be liable for
the sidewalk requirement along an unimproved street for years and years after
they are out of the subdivision. He said that is the purpose of the
escrow account. Mr. Hancock reported the developer has no intention
of trying to avoid liability for Smith Drive, in fact, they have petitioned
for the tax bill project.
Mr. Janku noted that he had
not seen one of these escrow accounts for some time. Mr. Hancock said
the developers are distraught over the requirement of building sidewalks
along unimproved streets. He said the performance contract not only
requires it, but it stipulates that it cannot be assigned to any future owners
of lots that may abut or adjoin those unimproved streets. Mr. Hancock
explained they came up with the escrow account several years ago, but the
Council did not want to institutionalize it. However, in this case
it became apparent that was the solution for Mr. Herigon, and may be for
others as well.
B124-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. ABSTAINING: CROCKETT. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B125-99 Approving
the final plat of Midland Subdivision; approving a variance to the
subdivision
regulations;
authorizing a performance contract.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained the location
of this four-tenths of an acre tract to be at the northeast corner of Old
63 and Shepard Boulevard. He stated it would create one C-1 zoned lot
for an existing convenience store and gas pumps. Approval was recommended
by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
B125-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B128-99 Amending
Chapter 2 of the Code to add a new provision relating to the purchase
of
architectural,
engineering and land surveying services.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that two bills
had been prepared relating to this issue because different sections
of the city code are affected by the proposed amendment. He explained
that some years ago a previous City Manager prepared a policy for hiring
services. Under state statute, these services cannot be bid, so cities
have to obtain requests for proposals. Mr. Beck reported the goal of
this amendment is to streamline the procedure and make a distinction between
larger and smaller contracts where it is felt the firms interested in doing
the work would not be able to afford to come to town for small contracts. He
said this would allow an opportunity to approve things faster, which would
support getting some of the projects done.
Mr. Patterson explained that
the City is required, by law, to have a procedure that selects professional
consultants on the basis of qualifications. The informal policy currently
in place is extremely cumbersome and time consuming, particularly for projects
where professional services can be utilized as an extension for the staff. He
noted earlier this evening the Council discussed the Alton Street project,
which was designed by a local consultant because it was felt it was important
to complete the project this year in order to utilize the CDBG funds allocated
for it. Mr. Patterson stated they were able to utilize the consultant
based on special and unique knowledge of the job as they have designed upstream/downstream
projects previously. However, technically speaking, they would have
to go out and request proposals, set up interviews, select a consultant and
then bring the contract to the Council for approval. For large jobs,
Mr. Patterson reported they would still want to do that as special projects
of significant nature (i.e., parking garages, health clinics, etc.) are major
improvements and should still go through the process where consultants are
individually screened for their particular skills. He noted that the
ordinance has the most impact on the smaller, routine professional services. It
would allow the City Manager to enter into these agreements limited to a
maximum of $20,000, or $100,000 for an entire year if there is more than
one contract. The approval process would be based on prequalification
of the consultants, and prequalification would consist of examination of
credentials, staff capabilities, projects they perform, and would be reported
to the City in a standard format which lists all of the qualifications. In
having a list in place that identifies consultants with skills in certain
areas, staff would then be able to negotiate the fee schedule with the consultant
for the project, and then bring a contract to the City Manager for his execution. Mr.
Patterson indicated this could be reported to the Council on an annual basis,
or however Council wishes to do it. It would provide public accountability
while expediting the use of local professionals in a way staff felt would
be effective. Mr. Patterson explained that currently in his department
there are three staff openings in Public Works and they have projects they
need to get out. He said if there was something like this in place,
any work for a particular project could be farmed out without building up
more staff time. Mr. Patterson reported that passage of this ordinance
would allow staff to become more efficient and effective.
Mr. Beck said he has concerns
about getting some projects out more timely, particularly CDBG projects.
B128-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B130-99 Amending
Chapter 2 of the Code to establish the Columbia Trust.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained the purpose
of the Columbia Trust is to enhance the existing program whereby the City
can better educate and promote donations for funding of small and large projects,
as well as real estate and that sort of thing. Mr. Beck noted that
this is a rather new concept for city government, but staff contacted other
cities and there seem to be quite a few communities that have established
these trust programs.
Mr. Beck reported even though
people will be able to select specific projects that will be promoted, there
would also be the opportunity to have special funds set aside in the Finance
Department that would elevate the quality of life above the basic needs of
the City. He explained the difference between a community trust and
a city trust, and displayed an informational brochure that will be available
to the public.
Mr. Beck indicated that the
proposed ordinance outlines the policies for the Columbia Trust and all donations
above $1,000 must be approved by the City Council. He said the Council
can create accounts for receipt of certain restricted gifts, with gifts being
received under those categories being acceptable without individual approval. Any
gift of $1,000 or less could be accepted by the City Manager and deposited
in one of the accounts. He noted the Columbia Trust funds must be appropriated
by the City Council before it can be spent. Mr. Beck explained it will
be a public process whereby citizens will be able to speak on the issue before
decisions are made. If the Council approves the ordinance, he said
a kick-off breakfast will be held in the near future. Mr. Beck spoke
about the legacy of giving in the City of Columbia, and said this community
has been the recipient of some fantastic donations of property and cash.
Mr. Janku thought this program
was a great idea and hopes it will grow quickly. He suggested that
the City Manager be given discretion to accept all gifts of personal property
or cash and that a limit not be imposed. He was concerned about people
making donations towards the end of the year and it would be too late for
the Council to accept such until the following year. Mr. Janku saw
no reason why the City Manager could not accept all gifts of personal property
and cash. He said if there is any reason Mr. Beck feels the donation
is not appropriate, he could decline to accept it.
Mr. Campbell explained that
he does a considerable amount of appraisal work for museums in town. He
noted oftentimes it is very difficult for a person to refuse something that
has nominal value. He thought bringing it before a public group would
make it easier to make those decisions.
Mr. Janku asked why it would
be difficult to refuse something. Mr. Campbell explained that there
are offers made of materials which are not major contributions. Mr.
Janku said he understood that, and noted when he was on the Parks and Recreation
Commission they dealt with the real property issue. He would not have
a problem dealing with personal property like that. Mr. Campbell said
he had no problem with the money. Mr. Janku wondered what a stock or
security would be considered as it is not technically cash. He did
not think the Council should be prohibited from accepting cash and marketable
securities or other types of cash-like items.
Mayor Hindman agreed with
Mr. Janku's point about giving Mr. Beck the authority to accept things, as
well as the authority to decline a donation. He said if something was
offered that Mr. Beck felt was questionable, he would have the authority
to indicate the donation would have to be approved by the Council. Mayor
Hindman thought it should be left to the discretion of the City Manager and
assumed he would avoid the pitfalls.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that B130-99 be amended by changing the wording in Section 2-502 to read, "a)
Gifts to the Columbia Trust of real property may be accepted only by the
City Council; and, b) Gifts to the Columbia Trust of personal property and
gifts in cash may be accepted by the City Manager or, in his discretion,
referred to the City Council." The motion was seconded by Mayor Hindman
and approved unanimously by voice vote.
B130-99, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT,
CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO
ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B133-99 Appropriating
funds for the purchase of police equipment.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
was a donation from Rick and Sally McDowell in the amount of $2,000 that
they requested be used by the Police Department for equipment over and above
what would normally be purchased by the Department. The gift was given
in memory of their son, Taylor Gregory McDowell. Mr. Beck said this
donation, as well as past donations from the McDowell's, is much appreciated.
Mayor Hindman thanked the
family for their gift on behalf of the entire Council.
B133-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL,
JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B129-99 Establishing
procedures and guidelines for procurement of architectural, engineering
and
land
surveying services.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this issue
had been addressed under B128-99, but a request had been received to have
this ordinance removed from the Consent Agenda.
Toby Gilk, with Peckham and
Wright Architects, thanked the Council for moving this item from the Consent
Agenda so he could address it. He commented by-and-large, other
members of the architectural, engineering, and land surveying community are
very pleased that the City is developing formal guidelines for the selection. In
addition, they are pleased with the notion of the pre-selection of professionals
for rendering service. Mr. Gilk proposed an amendment to this bill
to include local performance of work as one of the selection criteria. He
said local architects, engineers, and land surveyors have repeatedly demonstrated
their expertise in past work they have done for the University, area churches,
homes, and businesses. Mr. Gilk reported Columbia has some very talented
people working in this community, and these businesses employ dozens of professional
people who contribute to the local economy. He commented the businesses
themselves are extremely good corporate citizens and participate in many
activities in the City.
Mr. Gilk explained this is
an issue of spending dollars that are generated by local tax revenue within
the community -- reinvesting that money in businesses, services, and products
that employ Columbians and support the local tax base. He said the
emphasis on including local performance of work is not an attempt to exclude
outside professionals from participating in City projects, but to recognize
the economic benefit of hiring local vendors for professional services. He
encouraged the Council to structure the bill in such a way that it encourages
firms that have a particular expertise to partner with a company within the
City of Columbia to bring that expertise and deliver the project and a cost
effective method with the local professional service, while also bringing
a level of expertise into this community to help train those professionals.
Mr. Campbell pointed out
that Columbia is a regional center. He asked if Jefferson City, Boonville,
Moberly, and surrounding cities have such a regulation in their requirements. Mr.
Gilk said he could not answer that question and he has not had the opportunity
to discover whether other communities have similar ordinances. He said
if it is a concern about a protectionist nature, he thought the City of Columbia
should be empowered to have reciprocating arrangements with other cities
that recognize the value of local performance of work. Mr. Campbell
asked if they would be putting at risk a considerable number of Columbia
firms that do work in other cities by inviting them to set up their own protectionist
regulations. Mr. Gilk felt that many outlying communities, with the
exception of Jefferson City, probably do not have enough firms to effectively
do that. He said there is not enough local expertise to make it practical
to install an ordinance similar to what is proposed here. Mr. Gilk
commented that Columbia and Jefferson City may develop a reciprocal arrangement
whereby Columbia professionals could be regarded as local for performance
of Jefferson City work and vice versa. Mr. Campbell said they might develop
a war.
Earlier tonight, Ms. Crayton
observed the Council had awarded contracts to low bidders from other cities. She
wondered if the City were to put restrictions on other companies from coming
here, what would happen to Columbia companies going out into other communities. Ms.
Crayton did not believe we should restrict our professionals from going into
other cities. Mr. Gilk thought Ms. Crayton was referring to awarding
bids to contractors. He said there are many reputable contractors outside
of the City limits of Columbia who perform work for the City. He
is not proposing that the Council change the system for selecting contractors.
Mrs. Crockett asked why he
would draw the line there. Mr. Gilk said he was only addressing the
bill currently before the Council. Mrs. Crockett said if the Council
supports Mr. Gilk's position, it would open the door for contractors and
everyone else. She asked whether Mr. Gilk realized if the Council were
to limit services to just Columbia architects and engineers, that there are
larger firms in Kansas City and St. Louis that could come in and set up an
office so they would be considered local. Mr. Gilk explained the proposed
amendment would not restrict participation from firms outside of Columbia. He
said it just recognizes an economic advantage of hiring local architects. He
said it makes the local performance of work a selection criteria. Mrs.
Crockett asked Mr. Gilk if he felt the local architects and engineers in
the last year have made some progress in being retained by the City. Mr.
Gilk believed that was true - there has been progress on that front. One
thing he thought would benefit the entire professional services procurement
process, nation-wide, was recognition of the economics of hiring a local
architect, local professional engineer and land surveyor to do, at the very
least, that portion of work that makes the most sense to do locally. Mr.
Janku reported the City can do that now.
Mayor Hindman said the purpose
of this ordinance was to try to give the staff the authority to hire that
person which is most qualified to do the job. He said if the City were
to stipulate a preference for local businesses, that would throw in a new
element to the decision making he was not sure should properly be there. Mayor
Hindman commented this is not true for any of the other professional services. He
explained this issue was discussed when the Council approved some Percent
for the Arts projects, and it was felt that local artists should not be favored
because they are capable of competing with anybody. Mayor Hindman stated
it is to the general public's benefit that people from the outside feel they
can compete on an even playing field with the local businesses, and he felt
the bill passed earlier (B128-99) was very favorable to the local professionals.
Nick Peckham, an architect
with offices at 15 S. Tenth, commented that Peckham and Wright Architectural
firm has been around for about 21 years doing architecture and other kinds
of planning services. He said that it appears that the 14 local firms
that belong to the American Institute of Architects, and who also produce
drawings for roughly $100 million worth of work per year, are being overlooked
by the City. He said the perception is that often architectural work
goes elsewhere. Mr. Peckham thought perhaps these individuals needed
to demonstrate their skills a little better. He pointed out that the
State of Missouri, either as a written or a practice of public policy, seems
to require that a firm residing in Missouri be involved with projects that
are funded by the State. He mentioned a petition that he thought Mr.
Gilk was going to give to the Council suggesting that the City of Columbia
consider, if not a written policy, at least an informal policy of looking
for local representation first. Mrs. Crockett said she
felt the City was already doing that, without having a policy.
Mr. John reported as a person
who has worked with firms that have tried to design things for Columbia using
their in-house architects from Iowa and Illinois, knew that these individuals
have difficulty interpreting the City's landscaping, parking, and storm water
ordinances. He said the projects he was referring to were continuously
being shipped back and forth until he convinced them to hand it over to a
local architect to finish things up. He observed there is some benefit
to hiring local firms. Mr. John thought a policy of exclusion would
be a bad precedent to set, but believed it was a good precedent to recognize
the expertise.
B129-99 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. 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.
B105-99 Accepting
private streets constructed during 1998.
B106-99 Authorizing
acquisition of easements necessary to construct the B-16 Trunk Sewer, B-17
Trunk
Sewer and Bear Creek Outfall Sewer.
B110-99 Authorizing
the reconstruction of Brown Station Road from Route B northward to Starke
Avenue;
calling for bids.
B113-99 Authorizing
the acquisition of easements for the Worley Street - Again Street West
drainage
improvement project.
B114-99 Amending
Chapter 27 of the Code to define "minimum bill" clause as the demand and
energy
charge for the current month.
B115-99 Confirming
the contract for the water main construction project under Route PP.
B117-99 Accepting
easements for utility purposes.
B126-99 Voluntary
annexation of property located on the east side of Rock Quarry Road, south
of
City
limits.
B131-99 Appropriating
funds for the Columbia Trust.
B132-99 Appropriating
funds for the printing of "Awareness of Chemical Hazards".
R82-99 Setting
a public hearing: construction of water main along Roger Wilson Drive (Phase
2)
connecting
to old PWSD #1 system.
R83-99 Setting
a public hearing: 1999 Columbia Regional Airport improvement project.
R84-99 Authorizing
an agreement with the Missouri Department of Health for tuberculosis control
services.
R85-99 Authorizing
an agreement with the Missouri Department of Health for public health
services.
R86-99 Authorizing
an agreement with the Missouri Department of Health for immunization
services.
R87-99 Authorizing
various contracts with social agencies for homemaker/personal care services.
R88-99 Accepting
an Emergency Shelter Grant from the State of Missouri; authorizing various
emergency
shelter service agreements.
R89-99 Authorizing
an amendment to the agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. for
engineering
services at the airport in connection with the cargo apron project.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions were read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R90-99 Confirming
the contract of Huebert Builders, Inc. for the renovation of the Daniel Boone
Building
lobby.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
is one of the last renovation projects scheduled for City Hall. He
reported it incorporates the recommendations of the Council appointed committee
as it relates to lobby work and satisfies the fire code requirements. Mr.
Beck stated that the low bid was $265,200, with a $25,600 vestibule alternate. The
staff recommended both projects. Mr. Beck pointed out that this is
a local architect.
The vote on R90-99 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared
adopted, reading as follows:
R91-99 Authorizing
an adopt-a-spot agreement with Columbia Treekeepers.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that this
Treekeepers project was coordinated by Elizabeth Dumm of the Volunteer Services
Office.
Mr. Hood explained that this
is simply an agreement with the Columbia Treekeepers to care for the trees
they have recently helped plant at the parking lot providing access to the
Bear Creek Trail, off of Garth Avenue. He noted that Treekeepers is
a very positive program, which has been a real success for his department. Mr.
Hood indicated his staff would like to continue working with the group.
The vote on R91-99 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
CRAYTON, JANKU. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared enacted,
reading as follows:
R92-99 Authorizing
a pole attachment agreement with Stephens College.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained the College
would like to get these banners up before graduation ceremonies. He
reported staff looked at the banners and they were acceptable. He noted
that similar agreements are in effect with the University, Columbia College
and the Special Business District.
Jim Bryan, a representative
of Stephens College, related that Stephens would like to hang 27 banners
on College, Broadway, and one on the corner of Willis. He displayed
a banner and said it was felt they would reflect pride, identify the campus,
and mark their boundaries.
The vote on R92-99 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CROCKETT, CAMPBELL, JOHN, COFFMAN, HINDMAN,
CRAYTON, JANKU. 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:
B134-99 Accepting
various easements for sewer, drainage, construction and road access
purposes.
B135-99 Authorizing
a municipal agreement with the Missouri Highway & Transportation
Commission
for improvements to Route AC; appropriating and transferring funds.
B136-99 Calling
for bids for the 1999 improvement project at Columbia Regional Airport.
B137-99 Confirming
the contract of Hall & Riley Paving Company, Inc. for the installation
of traffic
signals
at the intersection of Nifong and Bethel.
B138-99 Approving
the final plat of Arcadia, Plat 5; authorizing a performance contract.
B139-99 Rezoning
property located on the west side of Keene Street, between Berrywood Drive
and
Lansing Avenue, from C-1 to C-P; approving a C-P Development Plan.
B140-99 Rezoning
property located north of West Broadway, along both sides of Silvey Lane:
Tract
A from R-2 to R-1, Tract B from R-1 to R-3.
B141-99 Vacating
a utility easement within Heritage Meadows, Plat 5.
B142-99 Calling
for bids for the construction of water main along Roger Wilson Drive (Phase
2)
connecting
to old PWSD #1 system.
B143-99 Confirming
the contract of J.C. Industries, Inc. for the construction of a water main
along
St.
Charles Road.
B144-99 Authorizing
the water interconnect and purchase agreement with Consolidated Public
Water
Service District #1.
B145-99 Accepting
a grant of easement for utility purposes from The Corporation of the Episcopal
Diocese
of Missouri.
B146-99 Accepting
various easements for water and electric purposes.
B147-99 Authorizing
a purchase agreement with the State Environmental Improvement and Energy
Resources
Authority and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
B148-99 Authorizing
a revolving fund agreement with the State Environmental Improvement
and
Energy Resources Authority and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
B149-99 Authorizing
the sale of sewage system revenue bonds.
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
A) Street Closure
Requests.
Mr. Beck explained these
two requests for street closure were from the March for Jesus and the Old
Wheels Car Club. He said both requests have been before the Central
Columbia Association and were recommended for approval.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the requests be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Mrs. Crockett and approved unanimously by voice vote.
B) Intra Departmental
Transfer of Funds Request.
Report accepted.
C) Volunteer
Hours by Department Quarterly Report.
Elizabeth Dumm noted that
in the first quarter there were 5,808 volunteer hours donated to the City. If
these hours were compared to the national wage that is assigned to volunteers
($13.24/hour) that amounts to a value of $76,897. Ms. Dumm indicated
that amounts to a huge impact for the City of Columbia, not only in the servicesand
programs these volunteers help the staff accomplish, but assigning a dollar
figure puts the whole program into perspective.
Mayor Hindman congratulated
Ms. Dumm and thanked her. Ms. Dumm thanked all of the volunteers.
D) Katy Station.
Mr. Beck said when it was
learned there was a potential to purchase or lease the Katy Station structure
the staff reviewed this possibility. Considering the fact that within
the next five years there will be a need for additional office space for
the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and the REDI
Corporation (all housed in one structure now -- the Walton Building), Mr.
Beck said it would be an advantage to keep these agencies together. He
explained when the Walton Building was designed, it was intended to provide
office space and meeting rooms for both the Chamber of Commerce and the City's
C&VB. Later, when REDI was organized, their offices were placed
in the same building utilizing some of the vacant space planned for the first
phase expansion of the Chamber and C&VB. He remarked that all three
entities have many common goals, and efficiencies have been gained by their
working in the same building. His recommendation is that, at some future
point in time, the City should expand the Walton Building rather than trying
to purchase the Katy Station. He said to purchase the Katy Station
would mean separating the entities because that structure is not large enough
to accommodate all three. In addition, to purchase the Katy Station
would mean coming up with more money because it would have to be renovated
for office purposes. His recommendation is to no longer pursue the
purchase of the Katy Station and look toward expansion of the Walton Building.
Mr. Beck is hopeful the Katy
Station would be put to good use as the Flat Branch area has seen some rapid
redevelopment.
Mr. Campbell asked how many
square feet there are in the Katy Station. Mr. Watkins said he thought
it was about 5,500 square feet, and a little over 8,000 square feet is available
in the Walton Building.
Before deciding to expand
the Walton Building, Mr. Janku thought the City should conduct a careful
review to ensure it can serve the purpose intended given the constraints
in terms of parking and other related issues.
Mayor Hindman agreed that
there may be some parking issues that need to be considered. He believed
it might be more advantageous to expand the building upward rather than out. Although,
Mayor Hindman commented he hated to see the City totally disregard the possibility
of the Katy Station, but it appeared there is a time deadline that would
make it impractical to pursue that option. He stated if for some reason
the possibility lingers for a longer time, and the City has a better chance
to analyze the proposal and see what the possibilities are, Mayor Hindman
would not want to make a hard and fast decision that the City would not consider
it further. He understood the efficiency of the three groups being
together and he thought it made good sense, but he also thought, from a consumer
point of view, if the C&VB were located in the Katy Station it would
be a wonderful marketing coup. Mayor Hindman remarked it may be worth
some disruption in the inner relationship.
Mr. Campbell observed the
Cultural Affairs Department is in absolutely impossible quarters and they
desperately need new space. He had been hopeful from that perspective. Based
on the square footage estimates Mr. Watkins gave, Mr. Campbell said that
comes out to be $163 per square foot. He thought that is a substantially
fair amount compared to what one could construct a new building for. Mr.
Campbell stated they would have to look very closely at that issue as well.
Mayor Hindman said it would
have to be at a reasonable cost if the City were to look further. Based
on what they know now, he thought the City should pursue the expansion of
the Walton Building.
Mr. Coffman said the report
was a very good one, but he felt there were other large items he would rather
see the City pursue. He would not be interested in using the parking
area on the east side of Flat Branch Creek.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the Council accept the City Manager's report. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
E) Proposed Revisions
to the O-P and C-P District.
Mr. Campbell thanked the
staff for the report and said he thought the proposal was a good one.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the report be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consideration
and modification. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku.
Mr. Janku suggested that
they look into, when there are internal streets in a development (similar
to what has recently been approved at Nifong and Forum), that maybe that
could be a standard to look at -- that those could be incorporated. He
was concerned about complete variability where he thought they would start
seeing requests from various neighbors where parking would be reduced to
a level that may not be economically viable. Mr. Campbell suspected
that they will come back with a range like they talked about for street width.
Mr. John felt it was a good
idea to allow a little flexibility in the commercial areas. He said
this would give the applicant some flexibility that would allow them to jump
over to the planned commercial instead of trying to go straight zoning.
The motion made by Mr. Campbell,
seconded by Mr. Janku, was approved
unanimously by voice vote.
F) Southeast
Fire Station Site Acquisition.
In one of the more recent
ballot issues, Mr. Beck said funds were included for the acquisition of two
fire station sites. He said the City has been working with the Fire
District in developing a master plan to assure there is no duplication of
stations in and around Columbia. He reported it had been determined
that a station is needed in southeast Columbia, in the area of Nifong and
63. Mr. Beck stated the funds are available to purchase a site for
the future station. He thought it was important to come up with a location
before the area is fully developed. Mr. Beck pointed out that the Fire
Department was not the only department involved in the site selection process,
other departments would be affected and they were included as well.
Mr. Janku asked if there
would be a stop light for direct access to AC. Mr. Beck said a stop
light might not be needed in this location, but there are lights that can
be actuated by the Fire Department.
Mr. Coffman asked where the
driveways would be located. Mr. Beck said he did not know if that had
been decided. Mr. Watkins said it would be on Bluff Creek as the City
cannot get direct access onto 63.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
authorizing the City to begin negotiations. The motion was seconded
by Mrs. Crockett.
Knowing the price of land
in the area, Mr. John said this is one of the highest priced parcels in the
area. Moving a block or two in one direction or another could cut the
cost of the acquisition by half. Mr. John asked why this particular
site was chosen. Mr. Beck said it probably relates to response time. Chief
Markgraf confirmed it relates to access and response time. They looked
at developing a quick response to not only the new area, but when one of
the other stations are tied up with another emergency, they had to consider
how easily access could be gained to Old 63, U.S. 63, and Nifong and Providence
Road. Chief Markgraf commented there are any number of reasons why
a different site could be found, but he reported this is the site they felt
would best meet the needs.
Mr. John said on occasion,
the University has contractors that actually acquire the site, construct
a building, and then turn it over to the University at a considerable cost
savings. He noted that has been done on other occasions for different
agencies as well. Mr. Beck indicated he was familiar with the process.
Mayor Hindman suggested the
possibility of asking for alternative sites to be presented to the Council,
along with arguments pro and con for each location. He said as of now,
this is the only site they know anything about. Mr. John responded
without knowing more about the whole site selection process, it was hard
for him to know whether it would be worthwhile to see the alternatives or
not. He did not know what the distance was that would make something
damaging to response time. Mayor Hindman said the Council could ask
for a report to further explain those kinds of things. Mr. Janku commented
there is no reason more information could not be gathered while negotiations
are taking place.
The motion made by Mr. Campbell,
seconded by Mrs. Crockett, was approved unanimously by voice vote.
G) Administrative
Office Space Needs.
Mr. Beck explained several
years ago a consultant was hired to work with the staff to determine space
needs for the next five to 20 years. Some of the options discussed
included an expansion of the City Administration block, but that had not
been possible as the ballot issue proposed at that time was not fully approved
-- although some funding was allowed for parts of it. Mr. Beck felt
the City needs to hire someone to work with the staff again to update the
plan with special emphasis on the Water and Light Offices, which needs to
come out of the Police/JCIC Building, so more office space will be available
for the Police Department. Mr. Beck added more space is also needed
for the Joint Communications Department. He requested that the Council
authorize the staff to seek proposals on future space needs.
Mr. Campbell asked if there
was some way the City could build on the report that was done in 1993. Mr.
Beck said that was his plan as that had been a very detailed review of all
of the offices. Mr. Campbell wondered if they would bring in the same
consultant. Mr. Beck said there were actually two consultants working
together, one from in town and one from out of town.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the staff be authorized to update the office space needs. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Crayton and approved unanimously by voice vote.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCIL, STAFF, AND PUBLIC
Mrs. Crockett said she had
received another complaint about loud radio noises from cars. She asked
if Chief Botsford had any idea of what could be done to curb some of this
noise. Chief Botsford responded if the Council wanted to restrict the
hours further, they would have to pass some kind of revision to the current
ordinance. Mrs. Crockett noted part of the problem is when someone
calls in a complaint, the offender is gone by the time the Police arrive. Chief
Botsford indicated he did not have an answer to that particular situation. He
explained that noise is a problem throughout the entire City. Chief
Botsford noted the current ordinance is enforced between the hours of 11
p.m. and 7 a.m.
Mr. Janku asked if the ordinance
is specifically tied to noise of cars or to noise in general. He said
that is the problem -- if the ordinance is amended would it be too restrictive
for everyone. Chief Botsford responded the ordinance addresses noise
in general. He said it would be tough to separate it out. Mr.
Janku said if the Council changed the time to 9 o'clock, that would affect
the bars with their outdoor music, and university functions.
Mr. Campbell asked if any
other cities have found anything effective to work with this situation. Chief
Botsford responded they really had not, but there are communities that have
earlier time extensions, some as early as 7 p.m. However, he was not
recommending that.
Mr. Campbell said he had
received a complaint about street trees. He said many years ago when
the houses were first built, many people put in pear trees and they have
grown up now to be very sizable. A City employee told these individuals
that if the trees were planted after 1993 they were legitimate, but if they
were planted before that, they had to be cut down. He asked if the
ordinances needed to be reviewed for compatibility.
Mr. John made the motion
that the staff be directed to report back on the different fire station locations,
the response times, and the criteria for picking a location. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Coffman said he had become
aware that Hollywood Theater has been acquired by Wallace Entertainment. He
had not received any response to his calls to Hollywood offices in Texas
regarding the traffic light situation. Mr. Coffman reported the neighborhood
is concerned and upset because the traffic light installation was to begin
in March with a July 1 completion date. He asked Mr. Patterson if he
had heard anything and if the agreements with Hollywood are transferable
to Wallace. Mr. Patterson said he has talked to the contractor several
times, and during the last conversation he had been advised that the contracts
have been signed with Hollywood Theater, and that they would be applying
for a permit from MoDot. He stated he had also talked to Matt Myers,
with the Department of Transportation, last week and he advised him that
contracts for the urban agreement had been sent to the City of Columbia. Mr.
Patterson said he has those agreements at this time. Upon execution,
the state will be authorized to issue a permit for the construction of the
signal. He emphasized that the City does not have a legal mechanism
and are acting on their good faith and intention. Although it is slow,
Mr. Patterson thought it appeared they would follow through with their verbal
commitment. He did not feel they would go to the trouble of getting
the Highway permits and agreements if they were not intending on following
through.
Mr. Beck said the permit
request came into his office on Friday and it referred to the applications
for the permits. He said that is a good sign, but not a definite assurance.
Ms. Crayton said she had
received a call about the Pershing intersection with Worley. The caller
had asked when a sign would be put up. Mr. Patterson said he would
check into the situation and get an answer for her.
Mr. Janku commented that
he had attended the Earth Day activities and he noticed there was some parking
on the streets in areas that do not generally permit parking. He said
it seemed to be functioning quite well. He said there has been concern
voiced about losing parking in the area and wondered about putting in meters.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that the staff be directed to evaluate the potential for additional on-street
parking meters on portions of Sixth Street and also on Elm, west as far as
the Chamber of Commerce driveway and the University driveway. He asked
that staff also look at the potential for parking meters on North Tenth Street. The
motion was seconded by Mayor Hindman and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Regarding the Vandiver office
building and the question of a pedestrian crossing he asked for an earlier
report on, Mr. Janku said he noticed now there is a new gymnasium being built
in the same general area. He said it probably would increase pedestrian
traffic and asked for a report on whether something could be looked at, in
terms of a safety island or something, for people wanting to cross Vandiver
in that area, and also maybe for people getting off the bus that need to
get across Vandiver. Mr. Janku indicated he had asked for a report
before, but thought there was more urgency involved now.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that staff report on the situation. Mayor Hindman asked if he was wanting
the report fairly soon. Mr. Janku said he was.
Mr. Campbell asked if the
Council was about due for a status report on various reports they have requested. Mr.
Beck said there is a thick list of requests and he is trying to get the list
reduced in size with feedback from the staff. He said some require
more staffing to get them back timely. Mr. Beck stated he would send
a status report.
The meeting adjourned at
11:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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