City of Clarkson Valley Missouri

RECORD OF PROCEEDING
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Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Fru-Con Center), June 3, 2008.
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The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. A roll call was taken with the following results:

PRESENT	Ward	ABSENT
Mayor Scott Douglass
	Ward 1	Alderperson Susan Shea
Alderperson Jim Meyer	Ward 1
Alderperson Honora Schiller	Ward 2
Alderperson Wendell Sittser	Ward 2
Alderperson Scott Schultz	Ward 3
Alderperson Paul Young	Ward 3

Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Fru-Con Center), June 3, 2008.

Alderperson Schiller made a motion to accept the Minutes. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with an affirmative result and the motion was declared as having passed.

Mr. Frank Hodgdon, a resident of Forest Hills Club Estates, spoke regarding vehicle sales tax and how it is allocated.

Rick Gans, President of the Board of Monarch Fire Protection District, introduced himself and Chief Biele. He spoke regarding the district’s new ISO ratings, which went from a rating of 4 down to 2, which translates to lower insurance rates to the citizens of Clarkson Valley. They were extremely proud of this new rating saying there are only hundreds of other cities in the U.S. that can make that statement. Alderperson Schultz asked how we received a better rating? The biggest factor, he said, was placement of fire hydrants. Other factors include response times, locations of equipment, dispatch agency and number of trucks. Mayor Douglass thanked both gentlemen for sharing this good news – the best of which might be your insurance costs going down.

St. Louis County Police Report: Officer Thom Taylor of the St. Louis County Police handed out the May Police Report.

Court Report: The total amount collected for traffic fines and court costs for the month of May 2008 was $18,925.00. Alderperson Sittser mentioned an incident in his neighborhood and how the law enforcement officer, John Grobelny, did an outstanding job. He congratulated him. Alderperson Schiller asked about the child being struck on Jennycliffe. Officer Taylor said it was an eleven-year-old riding a scooter - going in and out of an arched driveway. Witnesses believe he fell first, then rebounded into the path of a car. His head either hit the pavement or the vehicle, it is not clear. There was no blood, however. He was held overnight in the hospital, and then released.

Budget: Mayor Douglass stated he worked on the Budget this past month and it will be discussed later in the meeting.

Clarkson Farm Noise Woes: Mayor Douglass stated he had an opportunity to talk to Chris Lichtenberger who is the general contractor for Lifetime Fitness located in the Fountain Plaza in Ellisville. He said that in talking with Mr. Lichtenberger, he realized it is difficult to work with two entities and their codes. He also announced two upcoming Ellisville meetings regarding zoning issues with the Plaza and gave those dates.

Requesting Sidewalk Upgrade on Kehrs Mill Road: Mayor Douglass explained that last week Alderperson Shea noticed sidewalks on Kehrs Mill Road were deteriorating. Her thought was while the County is working on Kehrs Mill Road, it would be a good time to upgrade the sidewalks. We sent a letter to St. Louis County and he directed the City Clerk to send copies to the Aldermen.

Meeting with Architectural Review Board: Mayor Douglass said he, Alderperson Schultz and the two members of the Review Board met to discuss future teardowns in the City, saying we want to stay ahead of the game. He concluded by saying the two gentlemen do a great job for our city and are extremely engaged in what they do, thanking them at the same time.

Cricket Tower: Mayor Douglass said Cricket is building the cellular tower at the school on AmerenUE easement and that soon a paved driveway will be installed.

Committees: Mayor Douglass mentioned the following committees and those Members serving with him.

Mayor Douglass thanked everyone for his or her continued support and volunteerism.

Architectural Review Meeting: Alderperson Schultz reported the meeting with Mike Altepeter and Gary Miller, who comprise our City’s Architectural Review Board, was great. One recommendation that came of this meeting was the builder should meet with the ARB members before plans are developed.

Traffic Court: Alderperson Meyer said he attended traffic court to observe our proceedings and would like to learn more about the process. He also plans to attend other cities courts. He mentioned his perplexity that ticket numbers are up, yet revenue is not.

65-Gallon Recycling Bin: Alderperson Meyer stated that he believes the new, larger recycling bin is very positive for the city. He believes one time per week pickup would be sufficient.

Questions Regarding New Land Disturbance Ordinance: Alderperson Schiller asked when dealing with a tear down and enlarging the previous footprint, additional dirt is dug for the foundation. Shouldn’t the ordinance address the issue of additional dirt being placed on top, changing the lay of the land? Alderperson Schultz agreed there appears to be a change to grade at the Robert’s home.

Lindeman’s New Construction: Alderperson Young thanked the Building Commissioner and City Clerk for working to get the Lindeman’s project through the proper channels. He then mentioned MSD’s responsibility for storm sewers in their subdivision, which they’ve always claimed they do not own. He said when Dr. Lindeman brought his proposal to MSD; he sits on an extremely low area, almost bowl-shaped. His engineers proposed six storm sewers on the property around his house, which he had to deed land to MSD in order to be granted approval. Mayor Douglass explained that MSD is taking over responsibility and ownership of storm sewers.

Patrick Butler reported we would be meeting in Closed Session to discuss the sound wall litigation result.

Bill No. 0378 – An Ordinance Prohibiting the Storage of Covered Vehicles: Alderperson Schultz made a motion to discuss and pass Bill No. 0378. Alderperson Meyer seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass Read Bill No. 0378 the first time. Through discussion and a motion made by Alderperson Schiller, seconded by Alderperson Schultz, the word “motorcycle” was to come out of the text. A roll call vote was taken with the following results. Ayes: Meyer, Schiller, Schultz, Sittser and Young. Additional discussion was heard regarding Paragraph B, Subparagraph 5, which regards “adequate screening”. After the second reading, Alderperson Meyer made a motion to withdraw his second motion to pass Bill No. 0378. Alderperson Schultz withdrew his motion. A motion was then made by Alderperson Meyer to remove Bill No. 0378 from the Agenda. Alderperson Sittser seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with four affirmative votes and one of dissent.

Bill No. 0379 – An Ordinance Requiring Helmets for Children Under 17 Riding Scooters, Bikes, etc.: A motion was made by Alderperson Young to discuss and pass Bill No. 0379. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0379 the first time. There was discussion regarding private property versus public property; how the age of 17 came about; and when the police actually see someone without a helmet, will they issue a ticket? Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0379 the second time. A roll call vote was taken with the following result. Ayes: Schultz and Young. Nays: Meyer, Schiller and Sittser. Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0379 as having failed.

2008-2009 Budget: Mayor Douglass went over the Budget with Board Members. Alderperson Schiller mentioned her request for a survey to find if residents still want twice weekly trash service. She said because of gasoline prices, it would make sense to drop one day of trash service. Alderperson Meyer asked if we shouldn’t look at bundles for the City’s phone service and internet service. Mayor Douglass concluded by saying we have five years of reserve. At that time, we’ll have to either lose services or somehow increase our revenue. Hearing no further comments or further discussion, Mayor Douglass proclaimed the 2008-2009 Budget as having passed.

Alizadeh’s Request for 20 Years of Service Banner: Alderperson Schiller made a motion that we accept Alizadeh’s request. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous, affirmative result.

President of the Board of Aldermen: Alderperson Wendell Sittser made a motion to nominate Jim Meyer as President of the Board. Alderperson Young seconded the motion. Upon Hearing no dissentions, Mayor Douglass welcomed Alderperson Meyer as its Board President. Everyone congratulated Mr. Meyer.

Planning & Zoning: Mayor Douglass heard no dissentions regarding the reappointments of Alderperson Shea as a Member of Planning and Zoning or for the reappointment of Frank Hodgdon as its Chairman.

Board of Adjustment: Mayor Douglass heard no dissentions regarding the reappointment of Terry Rosenstrauch to the Board of Adjustment.

City Clerk: Mayor Douglass heard no dissentions regarding the reappointment of Michele McMahon as City Clerk.

Forest Hills Request for Fireworks on 4^th of July: Alderperson Schiller made a motion to accept the request from Forest Hills Country Club to hold their annual fireworks display on the 4^th of July. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous, affirmative result.

BILL NO. 0380 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, FOR RENDITION OF POLICE SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE SAME ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY.

A motion was made by Alderperson Sittser to pass Bill No. 0380. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0380 the first time. There was no discussion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0380 the second time. A roll call vote was taken with the following results. Ayes: Meyer, Schiller, Schultz, Sittser and Young. There were no nays. It was declared Bill No.0380 passed and is now Ordinance No. 08-05.

Audit: There was a question about an invoice from the prosecuting attorney for a defendant’s request to be heard in circuit court. Alderperson Schiller made a motion to approve the audit as presented, seconded by Alderperson Meyer to have invoices in the amount of $86,006.78 approved for payment. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

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ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk

Minutes of June 2008 Meeting Board of Aldermen

Minutes of June 2008 Meeting
Board of Aldermen