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MINUTES
of the City of Crystal Lake Park, Missouri
Regular Meeting of the Board of Alderpersons
October 13, 2008
ROLL CALL:
Mayor and Alderpersons: Present: Mayor Bonnie Taylor, and Alderpersons
Kelly Larson, Phillip Bryant and Jim Gehringer. Absent: Alderperson Dennis
Nahnsen.
City Officials: Present: City Attorney Howard Paperner, City
Clerk Lois La Driere, City Treasurer Diane Chand and Street Commissioner
(SC) Jim Cooper.
Following roll call, Mayor Taylor asked for a Motion to approve the
evening’s Agenda. Alderperson Bryant made a Motion to approve the Agenda
for October 13, 2008, which was seconded by Alderperson Larson, and
unanimously approved.
Next Mayor Taylor asked for a Motion to approve the September 2008 Board
minutes. A Motion was duly made by Alderperson Gehringer, and seconded by
Alderperson Bryant, and the Board unanimously agreed to approve the
minutes of the September 2008 Board meeting.
Mayor Taylor welcomed and introduced Sgt. Craig Picha of the City of
Frontenac Police Department. She stated that she, Sgt. Picha and SC Cooper
had driven through the CLP neighborhood to evaluate street safety and
signage, and that she asked Sgt. Picha to share with the Board his
assessment and recommendations. Sgt. Picha began by noting the narrow
streets and current restrictions on parking in the neighborhood,
particularly the numerous “No Parking Here to Corner” signs. He suggested
that an option to signage overload could be to paint the areas of the
curbs 30” to each corner. He also said that on the three streets, Putter,
Cleek and Divot, he would prohibit parking on the cul de sacs,
particularly since the small turn around areas could be a safety issue if
fire trucks needed to make turns there. Rita Brinkmann, newly appointed
Chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission, asked if residents should
obtain “No Parking” signs from Frontenac to use when hosting parties. Sgt.
Picha replied yes, if more than five cars are expected to arrive. Sgt.
Picha also suggested reminding residents about the City’s ordinances
relating to parking in a future issue of the City’s newsletter.
Sgt. Picha next notified the Board to warn residents about a recent rash
of thefts of property left in automobiles in West County, perpetrated
primarily by juveniles. He added that residents should always lock their
cars and refrain from leaving anything expensive in them. Mayor Taylor
noted that two cars had recently been burglarized on her street, Divot
Drive. Mayor Taylor thanked Sgt. Picha for his recommendations and asked
Board members if they were ready to vote on the signage issue. Discussion
ensued and potential costs of signage were discussed, following which the
Board decided to table the issue for now.
Committee Appointments: Mayor Taylor distributed her
recommendations for appointments to the Planning & Zoning
Commission/Architectural Review Board. She noted that member Martin Long
had resigned his position on the Commission, but did not recommend a
replacement for him at this time. Mayor Taylor nominated to a one-year
term member Rita Brinkmann as Chair of the Commission to replace Dave
Evans as Chair, and Marianne Stuart as Vice Chair. There were no
objections to the nominations; however, the members of the
Commission/Review Board are empowered to vote their own Chair and Vice
Chair and may do so as they see fit. Mayor Taylor then suggested adding
Alderperson Bryant to the Commission, who would then replace Alderperson
Gehringer next year when his term as Alderperson expires. Mayor Taylor
asked City Attorney Paperner if Alderpersons Gehringer and Bryant would be
voting members on the Commission. Paperner replied that an Alderperson is
typically not a voting member of the Commission because that Commission
should be independent when making recommendations to the Board. Mayor
Taylor asked if Paperner would review the City’s ordinance relating to the
issue and make a recommendation. Alderperson Larson then made a Motion to
approve the recommended appointments to the Commission made by Mayor
Taylor, Alderperson Bryant seconded the Motion, and the Board voted
unanimously to approve the appointments. The appointments and terms,
beginning in Spring 2008, are as follows: Rita Brinkmann(2), Marianne
Stuart(3) Dave Evans(1), Dennis Bauer(3), Barry Larson(2), Jim
Gehringer(1), Cecilia Rowland(4), Phillip Bryant(4), and Kevin Holland(4).
Though terms are indicated, all appointments are renewable and fulfill all
pertinent ordinances.
Mayor Taylor then outlined her recommendations for new members to the
Board of Adjustment. She stated that resident Steve Schreiner, who had
initially offered to serve on the Board, had reconsidered and would not be
able do so. Mayor Taylor then proceeded to provide the names of those she
was recommending (as of Spring 2008) Susan Kusama (4-year term), Jonathan
Carey-Voris (5-year term), and Nancy Brooks (3-year term) as new members,
and Sue Glarner, who would continue in her service until a replacement
could be found. Mayor Taylor recommended Kusama as Chair and Carey-Voris
as Vice Chair, though the Board is entitled to reassign these positions as
it feels necessary. The membership appointments are renewable and in
compliance with CLP ordinances. The two outstanding appointments that will
complete the five-member Board will be made at the next regular Board of
Alderperson meeting and prior to the next Board of Adjustment meeting.
Alderperson Gehringer made a Motion to approve the appointments,
Alderperson Larson seconded, and the Board unanimously approved the
appointments, to be effective immediately. A discussion ensued as to
adequate training of new members of the Board and Commission. Paperner
suggested a forty minute training session for members of the Board of
Adjustment, and three such sessions for Planning & Zoning Commission
members. He recommended the three sessions could be incorporated into the
next three monthly meetings of the Commission, each following the regular
Agenda of the meetings. He further outlined the information he would be
presenting in the sessions.
Park & Recreation Advisory Board: Mayor Taylor announced her
recommendation to create a Park & Recreation Advisory Board to address
issues and new ideas for the City Park, and to enable the City to apply
for funding grants. She recommended that Alderperson Gehringer serve as
Chair of the Advisory Board and that other members include residents
Laurel Bryant, Stacey Hance, Holly Holland and Peg Crockett, as well as
Greg Heck, prior Park Commissioner. City Attorney Paperner noted that by
statute, the Advisory Board must meet, have a quorum, and post the Agenda
prior to meetings. Paperner stated that he had drafted an ordinance
creating the Advisory Board and included two year terms of service for
each member. Board members then voted to approve the appointments and to
vote on the proposed ordinance.
ORDINANCE:
A Motion was made by Alderperson Bryant to read Bill #435 by title only
for the first time. Alderperson Gehringer seconded the Motion and Board
members voted as follows: Alderperson Larson – aye; Alderperson Gehringer
– aye; and Alderperson Bryant - aye. City Attorney Paperner then read Bill
#435 by title only for the first time.
AN ORDINANCE IN THE CRYSTAL LAKE PARK, PARK AND RECREATION BOARD.
There being no questions, a Motion was made by Alderperson Gehringer, and
seconded by Alderperson Larson to read Bill #435 by title only for the
second time, and declaring it adopted as Ordinance #409. The Alderpersons
voted as follows: Alderperson Gehringer - aye; Alderperson Larson - aye;
and Alderperson Bryant – aye. Attorney Paperner then read Bill #435 for
the second time by title only.
AN ORDINANCE IN THE CRYSTAL LAKE PARK, PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY
BOARD.
A Motion was then made by Alderperson Larson and seconded by Alderperson
Bryant to approve Bill #435 and adopt it as Ordinance #409. The
Alderpersons voted as follows: Alderperson Gehringer - aye; Alderperson
Larson - aye; and Alderperson Bryant – aye. Mayor Taylor then declared
Bill #435, Ordinance #409 approved.
Estate Sales: Mayor Taylor renewed an earlier discussion
concerning estate sales in the City. She said that the current ordinance
provided for a $500.00 fee to residents who host an estate sale, along
with other provisions. Recently residents have commented on the high fee,
she added, as had the City’s Building Commissioner, whose wife is in the
profession. A discussion ensued concerning the difference between a yard
sale and estate sale. City Attorney Paperner stated that the ordinance
says that a sale is deemed an estate sale if a licensed professional is
retained, while a yard sale is not. Because of the traffic and parking
issues in the City, he added that the City should restrict the frequency
of estate sales. He said that he would obtain samples of estate/yard sale
ordinances from other cities to assist our City in establishing a
reasonable ordinance. It was agreed to delay a decision on the estate/yard
sale ordinance until the November 2008 Board meeting.
CITY OFFICIALS:
City Clerk: City Clerk La Driere informed Board members that
the cost of updating the City’s Code book would be $1200, the amount
budgeted for the project. Questions concerning the frequency of updating
the code book ensued and City Attorney Paperner recommended updates every
three (3) years. He asked City Clerk La Driere to ask Sullivan
Publications to also provide separate copies of ordinances relating to
zoning issues for members of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of
Adjustment.
Financial Report: City Treasurer Diane Chand provided a
verbal report of the current Statement of Assets and Liabilities to Board
members. She stated that the current balance in the City’s Reliance bank
account as of September 30, 2008 was $185,745.74 and that the amount in
the U.S. Bank money market account was $82,190.00. It was suggested to
Treasurer Chand that she distribute copies of the financials at Board
meetings, in addition to sending them via email prior to the meetings.
There being no further discussion concerning the financials, a Motion was
made to approve the Statements, seconded and unanimously approved. Street
Commissioner (SC) Cooper asked if any of the unspent money budgeted for
maintenance and repair of City streets would be added to the 2009 budget.
Treasurer Chand responded that the City street maintenance fund was $7,935
over budget this year as a result of the repairs of Divot Drive ($14,382)
and $13,553 for the repair of six curb transitions. However, the City’s
accounting firm of Hochschild Bloom said that by year end that the street
maintenance fund would be $18,000 under budget because of the additional
funds the City had set aside to avoid loan and interest charges for such
projects.
Treasurer Chand noted that the accounting firm had also recommended that
the City develop in a City of Crystal Lake Park Treasurer’s Protocol and
include the Treasurer’s fees and responsibilities, record retention
policy, fees for the Street and Park Commissioners, etc. She distributed a
copy of the Treasurer’s Protocol, developed with the assistance of the
accounting firm. A question ensued as to whether or not the City’s Park
Commissioner should receive remuneration for his work, and in light of the
fact that he is also currently a sitting Alderperson. After discussion it
was agreed to pay a monthly gratuity to the Park Commissioner. Alderperson
Bryant then made a Motion to approve the CLP Park Treasurer Protocol,
Alderperson Larson seconded the Motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Street Commissioner: SC Cooper said that the street repairs
to Divot Drive had been completed on schedule and that residents had been
very cooperative throughout the project. He said that he had also spoken
to representatives at Dale Signs concerning repairs to be made to the
City’s bulletin board. He added that the glass will be replaced and steel
braces added to the legs to keep them from bowing. The project will be
completed in a few weeks, he said. A question arose as to whether or not a
sprinkler head located near the sign was spraying water, causing the
damage. SC Cooper said he would check to see if that was the case. Lastly,
SC Cooper noted that the cost of repairing each of the remainder of the
City streets would be less than the cost of the Divot Drive project since
an additional layer of asphalt had to be used on Divot, leading to the
additional repair costs. Mayor Taylor commended SC Cooper for his
outstanding work on the street project.
Mayor Taylor noted that additional items currently being addressed were
revisions to the City’s contract with the City of Frontenac regarding
building permitting, and issues relating to occupancy permits, as well as
an orientation workshop for new members of the Planning & Zoning
Commission and Board of Adjustment. She added that enforcement of nuisance
codes would also be addressed and City Attorney Paperner agreed to assess
City properties to determine the extent of the problem. City Clerk La
Driere stated that leaf pick up on the City would occur soon and agreed to
contact Dale Signs to obtain an estimate on sign costs. Alderperson Bryant
noted that resident Kevin Holland had agreed to power wash the City’s
playground equipment and entry monument for a cost of $150. Updates were
then provided on the City’s search for a new logo, the upcoming Art Fair
and production of the City calendar for 2009.
There being no further questions or business before the Board, a Motion
was made by Alderperson Gehringer and seconded by Alderperson Larson, to
move to closed session for discussion of matters relating to pending
litigation. The Motion was unanimously approved.
NEXT MEETING: It was announced that the next meeting of the Board
was scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2008.
MINUTES RECORDED BY:______________________________________________
City Clerk, Lois La Driere
ATTEST:_______________________________________________________________
Mayor/Presiding Officer
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