City of Clarkson Valley
Missouri

Minutes of January 2005 Meeting
Board of Aldermen

RECORD OF PROCEEDING


______________________________________________________________________
Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Fru-Con Center), January 4, 2005.
______________________________________________________________________

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

 

 

Alderperson Susan Shea Ward 1

Alderperson Jim Sharp

Ward 1

Alderperson Honora Schiller

Ward 2

 

Alderperson Wendell Sittser Ward 2    

Alderperson Melinda Twichell 

Ward 3

 

Alderperson Walter Mixson Ward 3 

Also in Attendance:

City Attorney: Patrick Butler
City Clerk: Michele McMahon 

A motion was made by Alderperson Twichell to accept the Minutes.  Alderperson Sharp seconded the motion.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

 
REMARKS, PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS:

Lou Salamone, President of Suburban Bowhunters, updated those present on the activities of his group.  He said that among the properties his group hunts, there are six, one-acre lots.  When one looks at a map of the city, they will see these six lots adjoin other lots that form four parcels larger than three acres each.  He stated that his group has harvested fourteen deer from these parcels.  He feels the Suburban Bowhunters have addressed all safety concerns; asked if there were any questions or concerns; then thanked the Board for their time. 

Mrs. Janet Young, a resident of Kehrs Mill Trails, said she learned of a vacant building in her subdivision donated to Monarch Fire Protection District for the purpose of search and rescue training.  She said they have not conducted training with live fires that she is aware, however, they are using theatrical smoke in these exercises.  She went on to say, her understanding was that Ballwin Police Department was not aware of this activity.  This activity, she said, violates the subdivision indentures.  Homes are strictly defined as single-family dwellings.  In addition, the subdivision indentures state that one may not create noxious circumstances.  She stressed her fear that this might be precedent setting by allowing a home within Kehrs Mill Trails to be anything but a single-family dwelling, citing that one might establish a Bed and Breakfast, for example.  Alderperson Schiller asked if the homeowner that gifted their house was being compensated, to which Mrs. Young responded they receive tax advantages.  Mrs. Young also spoke that this is the first "tear down - (potential) monster home" in Clarkson Valley and she asked the Board Members what their stance is on this issue?  Mayor Douglass said he had further information that he will report later in the meeting. 

Mrs. Laurie Engleman, also a resident of Kehrs Mill Trails, spoke of driving on Kehrs Mill Road and being deluged with mud from the Kehrs Mill Glenn Subdivision currently being subdivided into four lots.  She said that because of the runoff of sludge from the grading, water is not draining into Caulks Creek as was designed. 

Mrs. Sarah Underwood, a resident of Kehrs Mill Trails, introduced herself stating that she and her husband own the home donated to Monarch Fire Protection District.  She said that in her husband's dealings, he has clients who are fire chiefs.  When he mentioned the necessity to raise their home, they all said this would be an ideal opportunity in which to hold training.  She told the Members of the Board that she and her husband purchased and live in the home next door and were never affected by noise, vehicles or smoke.  They placed signs in the yard stating "In Training".  She also reported they allowed St. Louis County Police to train on the premises.  She felt that as long as the training took place inside the house and as long as it did not become a visual nuisance or a hazard, there should be no problems.  She said if the house started to look badly, they would have it demolished.  They are attempting to allow the professionals to train in a new and real environment.  She concluded by responding to Janet Young's last remark, stating they were not going to build a three-story stucco home that would not fit in with the remaining houses in the subdivision.  She concluded by saying they are very sensitive to the character of the surrounding dwellings and will build accordingly. 

Mayor Douglass thanked Mrs. Underwood.  He said that when he first found out about the training that was taking place, he was surprised the city had not been informed.  He further felt that since this was in our jurisdiction, Ballwin Police should have the option of whether they want to train on the premises or not.  As it turns out, he stated, the Ballwin Police were informed in a round-about way.  They were aware, however, not through official formal procedure.  What was finally agreed upon between the Monarch Fire Protection, St. Louis County Tactical Unit and Mayor Douglass, was if they are going to conduct training in March, they are required to come to our city sometime before February in order to discuss it at the February meeting.

REPORTS

Ballwin Police Report: Captain Steve Schicker disseminated the Police Summary for December 2004.  He reported the majority of vehicular accidents resulted from following too closely.  He suggested we all slow down and back up a good distance. 

Mayor Douglass thanked Captain Schicker for the report.  Then congratulated him, saying he will be missed these next ten weeks while attending the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. 

Mayor's Report:

The total amount collected for traffic fines and court costs for the month of December 2004 was $15,476.00.  

Audit Report:  Mayor Douglass reported the Auditors took a look at our books this year and declared we were in good shape.  The report is available at City Hall for those who are interested. 

Revisiting the 2004-2005 Budget:  Mayor Douglass explained that post-budget data were included in this month's packet.  He asked that everyone review the information and come up with ideas and suggestions for the next meeting. 

Alderpersons’ Reports: 

Arizona Department of Transportation:  Alderperson Sittser stated he contacted two members of Arizona's DOT regarding their use of rubberized asphalt on highways.  They are mailing all available material to him.

West St. Louis County Deer Task Force:  Alderperson Shea said she attended the Deer Task Force meeting.  She said they discussed the presentation for the first Open House - Public Forum, which will be held Wednesday, January 26th at Queeny Park.  She stated she would be out of town for the forum, but the Mayor was going to attend to in her absence.  Everyone is invited to go.  All comments will be taken into consideration before the findings are presented to the State. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no Unfinished Business .

NEW BUSINESS

There was no Unfinished Business .

Audit:  Alderperson Shea made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Sharp to have invoices in the amount of $72,522.55 approved for payment.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. 

Alderperson Shea made a motion for the Board of Aldermen of Clarkson Valley to hold a closed meeting immediately after the adjournment of the regular open meeting to discuss matters falling under the provisions of RSMo Section 610.021, paragraph 1 regarding possible legal action.  Alderperson Mixson seconded the motion.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. 

Alderperson Twichell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Shea.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.  The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

  

  
________________________________
Scott Douglass, Mayor

________________________________________________________
ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk



Back to Main Page