CITY COUNCIL CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI REGULAR MEETING, March 18, 2014 A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, at 1330 S. Big Bend Boulevard. Present were Mayor James J. Beck, Council Members Megan Moylan, Rick Vilcek, Camille Greenwald, Michael Jones, Connie Williams, Matt Casey, Ed Notter, and Rob Jacknewitz. Also present were Amy Hamilton, City Manager, and Ken Heinz, City Attorney. Mayor Beck welcomed members of Boy Scout Troup 179 who were here to observe a public meeting in connection with earning their Scout citizenry badge. PUBLIC HEARING (Continued) Manhassett Village Redevelopment Area Cha. 353, Development Plan Mayor Beck stated the Public Hearing opened at the March 3, 2014 Council Meeting is continued tonight to further present the Blighting Analysis pursuant to MO State Statute Chapter 353, approve a Development Plan, a Development Agreement and presenting a Tax Impact Statement for Manhassett Village Redevelopment Area. All Council members were present. With no further comments from the Council or the audience, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Mayor Beck declared the Public Hearing closed. REGULAR MEETING At approximately 7:37 p.m., Mayor Beck called the Regular Meeting to order. All Council Members were present. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Beck announced the Veterans Memorial Auction for March 29 has been postponed. Mayor Beck announced the May 7 golf tournament for benefit of the Veterans Memorial will be held at Forest Park Golf Course with information available at 645-4000, Pat Croghan, Chairman. CITIZEN S COMMENTS NO. 1 1
Jane McNeely-7154 Wise-had questions regarding the old growth tree removal and the installation of a 5 wide sidewalk and asked what the rationale was behind that design decision. Ms. McNeely stated she thought ADA requirements only asked for 36 wide sidewalks. Ms. McNeely stated she did not think the 5 wide sidewalk was necessary and had concerns regarding her granite steps. Mayor Beck stated there is no relationship between tree removal and 5 sidewalks. Mayor Beck stated one of the things proposed during the design phase was wider sidewalks and that is why they are planned. Mayor Beck stated the street reconstruction is what may endanger root systems of trees which is why they may have to be removed. New trees will be planted. Ms. Hamilton stated we are only going out of our own easement unless we have met with the homeowner and 7154 is within the right-of-way. Mayor Beck stated we would only be moving into our right of way easement and you would have to talk to the planners regarding the steps. Tuesday, March 25 will be a public information meeting to discuss such issues. Joy Baldassare-7436 Wise-opposes the Wise Avenue tree project. Ms. Baldassare presented some information regarding value of trees and asked that the City take the fact that trees represent value before considering their removal. Diane Lee-7457 Wise-stated her property has a 100 year old cottonwood tree and two arborists have told her that if the project goes forward as planned her tree will die and if easements are granted by her, her other tree will die also. Ms. Lee stated she was offered money to relinquish easement for plans that will complicate the drainage on her property. Ms. Lee presented the Council with a petition signed by residents on Wise, Blendon, Highland and Sunset with specific requests regarding the plans for Wise Avenue to allow residents to have input into the design plans and revise certain aspects of the project. Ms. Lee stated she felt there was an absence of meetings with residents on the project. Diane Seleska-7441 Wise-presented a timeline she had prepared regarding the project, noting the original grant proposal was for 4 sidewalks. She says she has since been told the residents had requested 5 sidewalks and the project was then changed to reflect that request. Ms. Seleska stated there have been conflicting comments as to when actual modifications were made to the design project; noting the City, its design engineer and MODOT all have different dates as to when modifications were made. Ms. Seleska asked why, with previous instances of changes being made to the project, additional modifications can t be made now. Mayor Beck stated there will be a meeting next Tuesday with residents on the project and would not comment on these questions without hearing from the individuals you ve mentioned. 2
Ms. Seleska asked questions regarding the notary signature on her easement property. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3 Regular Meeting March 3, 2014 Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Williams seconded, a motion for approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 3, 2014. Carried unanimously. None. CITY MANAGER S REPORT CITY ATTORNEY S REPORT Mr. Heinz requested a brief closed session regarding litigation. BILLS PREVIOUSLY INTRODUCED Bill No. 5387; second reading Amends Ord. 4788, the Municipal Code; Cha. 130 Open Meetings & Records: Section 130.020 Closed Records and Votes Policy Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Greenwald seconded, a motion for the first reading of Bill No. 5387. Carried unanimously. Bill No. 5387 was presented and read. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4788, THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI, CHAPTER 130: OPEN MEETINGS AND RECORDS; AMENDING SECTION 130.020: CLOSED MEETINGS, RECORDS AND VOTES POLICY. Mayor Beck asked for a vote of approval of Bill No. 5387: AYES: Mr. Jacknewitz, Mr. Vilcek, Ms. Greenwald, Mr. Jones, Ms. Moylan, Mr. Notter, Mr. Casey, Ms. Williams, and Mayor Beck. NAYS: None. Mayor Beck declared Bill No. 5387, approved. Bill No. 5388; second reading Amends Ord. 4788, the Municipal Code; Cha. 130: Open Meetings & Records; by adding a new Section 130.090 regarding Videoconferencing at Meetings. Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Williams seconded, a motion for the second reading of Bill No. 5388. Carried unanimously. Bill No. 5388 was presented and read.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 4788, THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI, CHAPTER 130, OPEN MEETINGS AND RECORDS; BY ADOPTING NEW SECTION 130.090 REGARDING VIDEOCONFERENCING AT MEETINGS. Mr. Vilcek asked what other cities in the area are using this technology? Mr. Heinz stated that Clayton and Town & Country has video conferencing. Mayor Beck stated not many at this point, but with our I-Pads we have the opportunity to have council members join us if there is a serious reason for their absence. Mr. Vilcek stated he feels it is a responsibility of council members to attend public meetings and members should be here in person vs. a video conferencing even if we have that capability so that your constituents can confront you in person vs. a video monitor. Mayor Beck stated he feels that is still the expectation and this will only be used in serious situations and will be the exception. Mr. Jones asked if this includes closed session meetings. Ms. Hamilton stated that Section F of the Ordinance allows for the absent member to participate by videoconferencing as long there are no other individuals present with him/her. Mayor Beck asked for a vote of approval of Bill No. 5388: AYES: Mr. Vilcek, Ms. Greenwald, Mr. Jones, Ms. Moylan, Mr. Notter, Mr. Casey, Mr. Jacknewitz, Ms. Williams, and Mayor Beck. NAYS: None. Mayor Beck declared Bill No. 5388, approved. Bill 5389; second reading Approves the First Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement between Menard, Inc. and the City of Richmond Heights for redevelopment area named Hadley Township South Redevelopment Area Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Vilcek seconded, a motion for the first reading of Bill No. 5389. Carried unanimously. Bill No. 5389 was presented and read. 4
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN MENARD, INC. AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI, FOR REDEVELOPMENT AREA NAMED HADLEY TOWNSHIP SOUTH REDEVELOPMENT AREA. Mayor Beck asked for a vote of approval of Bill No. 5389: AYES: Ms. Greenwald, Mr. Jones, Ms. Moylan, Mr. Vilcek, Mr. Notter, Mr. Casey, Mr. Jacknewitz, Ms. Williams, and Mayor Beck. NAYS: None. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BILLS Bill NO. 5390; first reading Changes compensation of Mayor and City Council Members for performance of their duties as elected officials of the City of Richmond Heights, MO. Mr. Jones moved, Mr.Vilcek seconded, a motion for the first reading of Bill No. 5390. Carried unanimously. Bill No. 5390 was presented and read. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE COMPENSATION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS AS DULY ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI. Mr. Casey asked how we arrived at the rates as they are set in this Bill. Mayor Beck stated the figure is arbitrary; staff looked at other rates in comparable cities and these are in line with surrounding cities. Mr. Casey stated the population of the City was higher when Charter was established and the number of residents have decreased since then and asked if the City should consider reducing the size of Council. Mayor Beck stated that the proposal has been considered before and was not strongly supported; having four districts gives as much coverage to the residents as possible, but sees no problem in addressing the issue again. Mayor Beck stated the population is down 20% at least from when Charter was established. Mr. Heinz noted that besides residents, our businesses increase our daytime residents and response to them is a consideration as well. Mayor Beck stated this issue of course would need approval by a vote of the people, 5
but we can look into the matter. Mr. Jones stated he was on the Council when we discussed this previously and notes that there are plans to redevelop the Manhassett Village area which will bring in significant population over the years so it may be wise to consider that fact. Mr. Casey stated that was a very good point. Mayor Beck stated perhaps the Council could consider discussing after the April elections with our new Council Members. Ms. Hamilton stated the Staff could provide some demographic information on population, etc. Bill No. 5390 was laid over to the next meeting. Resolution No. 14-02 Sets the salary compensation rate for the Municipal Prosecuting Attorney. RESOLUTIONS Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Vilcek seconded, a motion for the reading of Resolution No. 14-02. Carried unanimously. Resolution No. 14-02 was presented and read. A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI SETTING THE SALARY COMPENSATION RATE FOR THE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Mayor Beck asked for a vote of approval of Resolution No. 14-02. unanimously. Carried Mayor Beck declared Resolution No. 14-02, approved. Resolution No. 14-03 Sets the salary compensation rate for the Municipal Judge. Mr. Jones moved, Mr. Vilcek seconded, a motion for the reading of Resolution No. 14-03. Carried unanimously. Resolution No. 14-03 was presented and read. A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI, SETTING THE SALARY COMPENSATION RATE FOR THE MUNICIPAL JUDGE. 6
Mayor Beck asked for a vote of approval of Resolution No. 14-03. unanimously. Carried Mayor Beck declared Resolution No. 14-03, approved. CITIZEN S COMMENTS NO. 2 Bill Quick-7457 Wise-offered his opinion as to why the Weis Design Group plan for the Wise Avenue Street Project should be reexamined and redesigned. Mr. Quick stated he is not opposed to having the street repaired as it is needed but feels the plan does far more than repair and replace. Mr. Quick offered opinions that the design endangers the trees, will cause water runoff and changes the elevation of the street. Mr. Quick also commented on the 5 sidewalk width, saying it is unnecessary and will do damage to trees. Mr. Quick stated he felt the improvements proposed were more than was necessary. Mr. Quick stated he wanted to see cost information on what it might take to remove hidden trolley tracks vs. overlaying a new surface thereby raising the street elevation. Mr. Quick stated he feels with the improvements to I-64 now completed, Wise Avenue is no longer such a major throughway and is quieter as the street no longer goes through to McCausland. Mr. Quick stated he feels there is time to adjust the plans and make the improvements to fit the neighborhood. Mayor Beck stated the engineers will be present at the March 25 Public Information Meeting at The Heights to answer specific questions. 7 Closed Session At approximately 8:20 p.m., Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Greenwald seconded, a motion to hold a closed meeting with closed record and closed voting pursuant to Subsections (1), of Section 610.021, RSMo., 2010, in order to discuss legal actions, causes of legal action or litigation involving a public governmental body, AYES: Mr. Jones, Mr. Vilcek, Ms. Greenwald, Mr. Jacknewitz, Ms. Williams, Mr. Notter, Mr. Casey, Ms. Moylan, and Mayor Beck. NAYS: None. Mayor Beck declared the Council would meet in closed session. At approximately 9:16 p.m., Council returned to open session. With no further business to come before the meeting, at approximately 9:17 p.m., Mr. Jones moved, Ms. Williams seconded, a motion to adjourn. Carried unanimously. Mayor Beck declared the meeting, adjourned. PATRICIA S. VILLMER
DEPUTY CITY CLERK APPROVAL: 8