Minutes of May 2001 Meeting
Board of Aldermen

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 Victoria Brenner
Alderperson Mary Ann Gatto	Ward 3
Alderperson Melinda Twichell	Ward 3

Also in Attendance:

City Attorney: Patrick Butler
City Clerk: Michele McMahon

The City Clerk asked to amend the Minutes (second page, fourth paragraph, seventh line) to delete a duplication of words. A motion was made by Alderperson Gatto to amend the Minutes of the April 3, 2001, meeting. Alderperson Twichell seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous affirmative result, and the motion was declared passed. A motion was then made by Alderperson Gatto to approve the Minutes as amended of the April 3, 2001, meeting. Alderperson Twichell seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous affirmative result, and the motion was declared passed.

REMARKS, PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS:

Mayor Douglass welcomed everyone to the well-attended Open House. The Mayor gave a State of the City Address by saying he spoke with confidence on saying the City is moving forward on a positive note. He then introduced the newest Members of the Board, Honora Schiller and Jim Sharp. He also introduced one of the new City Attorneys, Patrick Butler, and stated that Katherine Butler was unable to attend. Mayor Douglass also noted that the Building Commissioner and Court Clerk were expected to arrive later. He introduced Frank Hodgdon, the Commissioner of Planning and Zoning, and spoke about the 2000 Census whose unofficial figure for the City is 2,675 people. That is a gain of 71 people, which is not quite the gain the City was expecting since there was an increase of 80 new homes this past decade.

Continuing his State of the City Address, Mayor Douglass explained that the Municipality of Clarkson Valley is the purest type of democracy. He stated the City's basic objectives, which are protection of individual safety, property, property values, and the environment. This translates into police protection for individuals and property, zoning ordinances, and residential trash collection. Currently, the City contracts with the neighboring city of Ballwin for police protection and with Midwest Waste for trash collection. He commented that, because there is no City Administrator, Board members have to serve on the Personnel Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Boundary Commission/Annexation Committee. In addition, an alderperson puts together the newsletter.

Mayor Douglass also reported the following: a new company started serving as the City's trash hauler; a Planning and Zoning Hearing will be held later this month for a simple boundary adjustment for a resident of Forest Hills Club Estates in order to resume construction of a swimming pool; two of the four newly-created lots are nearing completion in Westhampton Subdivision and one of the houses has recently been sold; applications for building permits for new construction were received this week for two lots on Kehrs Mill Road; a meeting of the West County Citizen's Airport Noise Committee will be held this month; the former trash hauler for the City spilled hydraulic fluid on a street in Kehrswood Subdivision, which entered the sewer system, created a hazardous condition, and cost the Subdivision a considerable amount of money for clean-up.

Regarding the Budget, Mayor Douglass said that the City currently has over $900,000 in surplus funds. With annual expenditures running at approximately $800,000, there is enough money in the bank to carry the City for one year. He said this year's expenditures may come in even with revenue and, at the end of the fiscal year, may show revenue ahead of expenditures. He further explained that the Board Members would be looking at the preliminary Budget for 2001/2001 at this meeting. When he concluded his report, Mayor Douglass opened the meeting to speakers from the audience.

Mr. Darryl Brody, President, Kehrswood Home Owners Association, made a formal request to the City to withhold funds from Suburban Suns Carting, Inc. and to reimburse the Subdivision with a City check for the damage caused by the trash hauler. Mayor Douglass declared that the City would be withholding payment from Suburban Suns Carting, Inc.

Mr. Steve Waltman, a resident of Westhampton, spoke about an issue in his back yard regarding a neighbor's pool that leaks runoff onto his property. His back yard is continually wet. City Attorney Patrick Butler indicated that there were overlaying levels of legality regarding this issue: municipal, civil and subdivision code violations. Mayor Douglass said the City would contact its Prosecuting Attorney, as this is an ongoing problem.

Mrs. Mary Swearingen, a resident of Clarkson Farm Subdivision, stated her desire for the City to become involved with increasing the curb cuts on Clarkson Road to allow Jackson Products (2997 Clarkson Road) separate ingress and egress driveways. She believes that would alleviate some congestion from the parking lot. Mayor Douglass replied that he would contact the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

Ballwin Police Report: The Monthly Report Summary for April was handed out and a comment was made regarding the five DWI's. Lt. Ike McClure stated most occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Alderperson Gatto spoke about an accident that was listed in the Police Report. The accident occurred in the Westhampton Subdivision. She related that the young man was attempting to "get air-time" on a bump on Kettington Road, when he lost control of his car and ran into a stone retaining wall. He then fled the scene.

Mayor's Report: Mayor Douglass reported on the following:

Court Report: For the month of March 2001, the total amount collected for traffic fines and court costs was $12,527.00.

Sidewalk on Kehrs Mill Road: St. Louis County Department of Highways and Transportation have requested bids for the proposed sidewalks along Kehrs Mill Road in front of the High School.

Welcome Signs - Refurbished and Vinyl Clad: Mayor Douglass briefed the Board that Michael Radcliff was under contract for services to vinyl clad the City's Welcome Signs. He explained that Mr. Radcliff's original contract was amended $660 to include dentil block molding to be vinyl clad at $45 per sign, for a total of $840. Mayor Douglass explained that Mr. Radcliff was not aware the signs were 33% larger on Clarkson Road than the two on Kehrs Mill Road with which he had based his original estimate. Also, when Mr. Radcliff attempted to vinyl clad the dentil block molding, it did not look appropriate and he did not do any of the signs' dentil block molding. He is making a special request of the Board to be paid the contract amount to cover the cost of the extra materials incurred due to the difference in sizes. Alderperson Gatto made a motion to pay the authorized amount, which was seconded by Alderperson Shea. A voice vote was taken with four ayes and one nay. Motion passed. The City Clerk was directed not to release funds until the Building Inspector approved the newly covered signs.

Alderpersons' Reports:

Budget Committee: Alderperson Sharp reported the 2001/2002 Budget Committee met and the packet contained the preliminary figures. He observed that Draft I indicates a $60,000 deficit, and further reported that, when finalized, it may only be a $40,000 difference. One reason for the difference, he explained, is that the level of trash service our residents desire incurs a larger cost.

Swing sets Located Outside of Building Lines: Alderperson Sharp stated that at last month's Board Meeting he reported he would like to re-address the swing set issue. The packets contained an item from Alderperson Sharp (attached) regarding Considerations for Changes to Restrictions Effecting Playsets. Mayor Douglass polled the Board, asking if they were ready to discuss Alderperson Sharp's recommendations at this meeting. Because the voice vote was not unanimous and in order to give the new City Attorneys a chance to review the material, it was determined that the subject would be tabled and addressed at the next Meeting of the Board of Aldermen. Alderperson Schiller suggested that the City consider them to be non-permanent structures and grant a permit with a five to ten year time limitation.

Brick Mailbox Without Permit: Alderperson Shea referred to a letter she received from the Building Commissioner regarding a brick mailbox. She stated the structure was built without a permit and felt it was a problem because the owner placed it on a curve on Kehrs Mill Road. The question of liability was discussed by the City Attorney, Pat Butler. Mr. Butler stated that, if the structure had been built on a private street, it would not be a City issue. However, since it is located on a St. Louis County roadway, there may be liability. He referred to the ordinance recently passed by the Aldermen and said that rather than scrap the existing ordinance, a proviso might be in order.

Newsletter: Alderperson Gatto indicated that she would like to see the City issue another short Newsletter telling everyone about the new City Attorney. Everyone agreed that this would be an ideal time to mention the new trash hauler as well.

Handbook of Information: Alderperson Gatto thanked the City Clerk for updating the Handbook and stated that she would like to better inform the residents of some general rules of the City. This might include rules on mailboxes and swing sets. A few other suggestions were mentioned and Alderperson Gatto said she would proceed. Frank Hodgdon, as a resident of Forest Hills Club Estates, stated that he would like to see an item mentioned in the Newsletter regarding not putting trash and yard waste at the curb until the day of service.

Domain Name and Web Page: Alderperson Gatto mentioned that she would like Clarkson Valley to obtain its own domain name for the Web Page. Everyone agreed the City should have a Web Page and they liked the idea of a domain name. She will have a report next month and include prices.

Utility Flags in Right-of-way: Alderperson Twichell notified the City that utility companies were placing markers (flags of varying color) in the right-of-way along Clarkson Road. Mayor Douglass said he would speak to MoDOT about this problem.

Mowing Grass Into Street: Alderperson Twichell stated that when her new neighbors mowed their lawn, grass would go onto the street. Mayor Douglass said that was a Subdivision issue and she should call her Trustees.

Council Meeting Signage: Alderperson Gatto announced that she was pleased the City placed signage at the subdivision entrances announcing the Council Meeting and she would like to see this take place every month. After some discussion, Mayor Douglass asked the Board Members if they would like to see this placement of signage to continue. Alderperson Gatto made a motion requesting that every month, signage be placed on the Friday before the meeting, to be removed Wednesday morning, after the meeting. A voice vote was taken with the following results: 4 ayes, 1 nay, whereupon motion passed. Discussion ensued regarding verbiage and by a motion made by Alderperson Schiller, seconded by Alderperson Gatto, and voice vote taken, it was determined by a vote of 4 ayes, to 1 nay the signage would read "Tuesday." Mayor Douglass vetoed the motion. Further discussion brought forth another motion made by Alderperson Schiller, seconded by Alderperson Gatto to once again use the word "Tuesday" as opposed to a date. This time a roll call vote was taken with the following results: Ayes: Brenner, Gatto, Schiller, Sharp and Twichell. Nays: Shea. The motion was declared passed.

Berm Maintenance: Alderperson Gatto stated that she placed several calls, as did the City Clerk, to David Clerk requesting that he weed and maintain the berm. He had not responded and Alderperson Gatto said that, if this inactivity continues, it might necessitate the City looking for someone else to do the work.

Meeting with New Principal - Paige Munch: Alderperson Schiller stated that she would like to see a date set for a meeting with the new principal of Marquette High School. Mayor Douglass and the Alderpersons agreed this would be a good idea but all felt it appropriate to wait until July 1, when she officially takes on full responsibility of the position.

City Attorney's Report:

Patrick Butler observed that, as he was retained last week, there is not a lot to report. The major item of discussion so far has been the terms of the Midwest Waste contract.

Unfinished Business

BILL NO. 0225 - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH ALLIED SERVICES, LLC d/b/a MIDWEST WASTE SERVICES OF ST. LOUIS, FOR COLLECTION OF RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLES, COMPOSTABLES AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE SAME ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI.

A motion was made by Alderperson Gatto to discuss and pass Bill No. 0225. Alderperson Schiller seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0225 for the first time. Mayor Douglass described the stipulation that was written into the contract with Suburban Suns Carting, Inc. whereby a penalty of $50 was imposed for every missed location not picked up within twelve hours (12) notification by the City. Midwest Waste has agreed to the proviso but is requesting a twenty-four (24) hour notice deadline. Discussion took place regarding the pickup day of yard waste and it was unanimously decided to maintain the current Monday yard waste pickup. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0225 the second time. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: Gatto, Schiller, Sharp, Shea, and Twichell. Whereupon Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0225 passed and it is now Ordinance 01-04.

New Business

Elect President of Board of Aldermen: Alderperson Twichell made a motion nominating Alderperson Gatto to be President of the Board of Aldermen. Alderperson Schiller seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass asked for further nominations. Since there were none, Mayor Douglass stated that there was no need for a vote and the motion was declared passed. Everyone congratulated Alderperson Gatto.

City Attorneys Appointed: Mayor Douglass announced that the City Attorneys had been appointed Friday, April 27.

City Clerk/Collector Appointed: A motion was made by Alderperson Twichell, seconded by Alderperson Sharp to re-appoint Michele McMahon as City Clerk/Collector. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous, affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

Re-appoint Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission: Mayor Douglass explained the term of office for Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, saying they are appointed to serve for four (4) years if they are citizen members, and serve a one (1) year term if they are appointed members and also serve as a Member of the Board of Aldermen. Alderperson Twichell made a motion to appoint Dennis Ahal and Del Germann to serve four (4) year terms and Susan Shea to serve a one (1) year term. Alderperson Sharp seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous, affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

Re-appoint Member of the Board of Adjustment: Mayor Douglass explained the term of office for Members of the Board of Adjustment, saying they are appointed to serve for five (5) years. Alderperson Sharp made a motion to appoint Del Germann for a five (5) year term. Alderperson Shea seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous, affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY REQUESTING THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FILES CONCERNING THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY FROM CHARLES H. STEIB, ATTORNEY AT LAW TO THE LAW FIRM OF BUTLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Alderperson Shea made a motion to introduce and pass Resolution No. 01-02. Alderperson Sharp seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous, affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

Draft 2001-2002 Budget: Mayor Douglass said the preliminary Draft is in the packets. Alderperson Schiller asked if the fax lease amount and copy lease amount could be segregated from the Office Expense line item.

2000-2001 Snow Removal Invoice Submittals: Alderperson Twichell made a motion to pay in full the amount turned in by six subdivisions whose total invoice amount for snow removal exceeded their budgeted amount. Alderperson Shea seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, with a unanimous, affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

The spouses of Alderpersons Sharp and Shea were introduced, Diane Sharp and Dick Shea. Mayor Douglass introduced the Building Commissioner, Norman Fott and the Building Inspector, Matthew Fott. He also introduced the court clerk, Susan Prichard.

Audit: Alderperson Shea made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Sharp to have invoices in the amount of $91,787.51 approved for payment. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

There being no further business, Alderperson Schiller made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Sharp. Mayor Douglass declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

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Scott Douglass, Mayor