Minutes of September 2005 Meeting Board of Aldermen

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Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Fru-Con Center), September 6, 2005.
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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
Alderperson Jim Meyer	Ward 1
Alderperson Susan Shea	Ward 1
Alderperson Honora Schiller	Ward 2
	Ward 2	Alderperson Wendell Sittser
Alderperson Scott Schultz	Ward 3
Alderperson Walt Mixson	Ward 3

A motion was made by Alderperson Schiller to accept the Minutes. Alderperson Shea seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with an affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

Mayor Douglass stated it was with extreme delight he announce that a resident of Clarkson Valley, Ms. Stephanie Cabler, was named Miss Teen of Missouri at the Miss Teen of Missouri Scholarship and Recognition Pageant. He read the Proclamation (attached) claiming this day Stephanie Cabler day. He congratulated Stephanie's parents, Stephen and Karen, and Stephanie's sister and stood for pictures. A round of applause was given for Stephanie's accomplishments. The Cabler family resides in the Westhampton subdivision.

Mrs. Rhonda Pitt, a resident of Clarkson Farm, reported that across the street at the CitiMortgage property, there was a pool of standing water 15’ wide and approximately 6” – 7” deep. She said she was concerned with mosquitoes.

Ballwin Police Report: Captain Schicker handed out the Police Summary for August 2005. He said it was an active month.

Court Report: The total amount collected for traffic fines and court costs for the month of August 2005 was $18,274.14.

Soundwall: Discussions are ongoing, although there is nothing new to report.

Kehrs Mill Road “Turnarounds”: Mayor Douglass stated that he and Captain Schicker spoke with representatives of St. Louis County Highway and Transportation about the problems of parents dropping students off and picking them up using the service entrance off Kehrs Mill Road. He explained that left turns are neither allowed into nor out of the service entrance. The problem arises when the student is dropped off, people who need to go east on Kehrs Mill Road must first turn right, or west, proceed however far, and then turn their vehicle around to continue in their intended direction. Kehrs Mill Road has signage prohibiting U-turns necessitating the drivers to turn around in subdivision entrances. Trustees of the subdivisions spoke with Mayor Douglass about this problem, but as Mayor Douglass explained, there are no good alternatives. He has not heard back from trustees to determine if they want further discussion and/or action. Captain Schicker placed officers at the subdivision entrances and has found the turnarounds appear to be dwindling.

U.S. Cellular – Questioning Lease Rights: Mayor Douglass reminded those present that in July, U.S. Cellular approached the City with a request to add three antennas to an existing triangular platform with six antennas on an AmerenUE tower at Marquette High School and they would like to enlarge the existing fenced compound to 24’ x 18’ underneath the tower. All documentation appeared to be in order until Commission Members asked if they had Rockwood approval. The Tower Commission granted approval of the request with the caveat that U.S. Cellular contact Rockwood School District.

St. Johns Medical Office Building - Update: Mayor Douglass reported that St. Johns is still planning to build the medical office building. They pulled permits from St. Louis County. It appears construction could begin this spring.

Circus: Mayor Douglass said there was a request from Mari Cherkas, Event Coordinator for High Wire Productions to hold the Zoppe' Family Circus in Clarkson Valley, however the petitioner has not come forward with the proper releases.

Spirit of St. Louis Airport: Alderperson Schiller reported that the Citizens Advisory and Technical Advisory Committees posted notice that the Public Hearing Open House has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at the Chesterfield City Hall.

Tax Rate: Alderperson Schiller reminded Mayor Douglass that at last month’s meeting, because the allowed tax rate was lower than previous years by almost $0.005 he was going to speak with a representative of the State Auditor’s office. Mayor Douglass said he did speak with Becky Webb who explained that the figure was correct and that our taxes are at the highest amount we are allowed to collect. Alderperson Schiller brought up Ellisville and Chesterfield, stating their amounts did not lower. City Attorney, Patrick Butler, explained those cities have new construction, which allows them to roll back certain assessed valuations. Clarkson Valley has little or no new construction.

Holding Tanks at CitiCorp Property: Alderperson Schultz stated that he heard from residents of Clarkson Farm about holding tanks at the CitiCorp property.

Berm Upkeep: Alderperson Schultz reported that Trustees of Forest Hills Club Estates held their meeting this past month and responsibility of berm maintenance was discussed. Alderperson Schultz said he abstained from voting, however the Trustees voted to decline taking over the berm maintenance.

Excessive Noise: Alderperson Mixson reported that loud noise emanating from a car radio at the construction site across the street from his house prompted him to phone the police. Unfortunately, upon departure of the police, the radio’s volume was again elevated beyond tolerance.

Patrick Butler reported that he staved off a potential lawsuit this month. He described the situation whereby US Cellular attended a Planning & Zoning Hearing in late July. The Tower Commission held a hearing in early August, granting their request to locate three additional antennas on an existing platform on an AmerenUE high-voltage tower at Marquette High School, add additional cabinets and enlarge the fenced compound underneath. The stipulation the Tower Commission mandated was that Rockwood School District must be made aware of the project. Apparently Rockwood School District’s attorneys are positioning for lease monies from the cellular companies. Eventually, it was determined that we would issue the Building Permit.

Mayor Douglass explained that discussion was going to take place regarding selection of a new Board of Adjustment member, however, the packets did not contain a biography of the potential member. This matter will be placed on next month's agenda.

BILL NO. 0315 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, MISSOURI, IN TITLE III: TRAFFIC CODE, CHAPTER 310: ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, BY DELETING SECTION 310.070: OPERATION OF VEHICLES ON APPROACH OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 310.070: OPERATION OF VEHICLES ON APPROACH OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

A motion was made by Alderperson Shea to discuss and pass Bill No. 0315. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. Mayor Scott Douglass read Bill No. 0315 the first time. He explained that Ballwin found that state statutes had changed and they are asking us to update our code regarding the operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles. The new sub-paragraph includes language allowing the driver of an emergency vehicle to drive as necessary. An error was noticed in the section number of Bill No. 0315. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0315 the second time, with the correction made. A roll call vote was taken with the following result: Yeas: Meyer, Mixson, Schiller, Shea and Schultz. There were no nays. Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0315 as amended, as passed and it became Ordinance No. 05-13.

Auditing Firm: A spreadsheet listing proposed fees from five local auditing firms was reviewed. A motion was made by Alderperson Schiller to engage the services of Fine and Associates for a three-year contract to complete an annual audit of the City's accounts. Alderperson Shea seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

BILL NO. 0316 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, MISSOURI, IN TITLE II: PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE, ARTICLE V. OFFENSES CONCERNING PUBLIC PEACE, BY DELETING SECTION 210.160: DISTURBING THE PEACE AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 210.160: DISTURBING THE PEACE.

A motion was made by Alderperson Mixson to discuss and pass Bill No. 0316. Alderperson Shea seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0316 the first time. Alderperson Mixson explained that the current starting time for construction noises could begin as early as 6:00 a.m. He would like to discuss the possibility of moving that time to 7:00 a.m. Alderperson Schiller’s concern was the 6:00 a.m. starting time was set because of the golf course. Discussion ensued. Alderperson Schiller then made a motion to table Bill No. 0316, seconded by Alderperson Shea. A voice vote was taken with four ayes and one nay, whereupon Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0316 tabled.

BILL NO. 0317 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH ALLIED SERVICES, LLC d/b/a AS ALLIED WASTE OF BRIDGETON, 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.

Alderperson Meyer made a motion to discuss and pass Bill No. 0317. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0317 the first time. Mayor Douglass explained that this contract increases last year’s contract by 1%. He said that at the end of May 2006, Allied Waste would add a 3% surcharge for gasoline. At that time, we will go out for new bids or change to a once-per-week pickup for a 5% increase. Alderperson Meyer stated, this aside, he viewed the contract as less favorable for his subdivision than that of subdivisions off Clarkson Road. He explained that those subdivisions off Kehrs Mill Road could potentially have trash trucks on their streets five days a week. Whereby the subdivisions off Clarkson Road have trucks on their streets only three days a week. He concluded by saying this is unfavorable to the constituents he represents and would like to reverse the schedule. After further discussion, Alderperson Meyer asked if there is a more equitable solution? Alderperson Shea asked for the vote to be delayed a month due to Alderperson Sittser’s absence, stating that his ward is directly impacted. To which Alderperson Schiller declared she has a problem with asking the Board to wait for a person to be present in order to vote the way she would. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0317 a second time. A voice vote was taken with the following result: Yeas: Mixson, Schiller and Schultz. Nays: Meyer and Shea. Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0317 as defeated.

Alderperson Schiller then made a motion authorizing Mayor Douglass to sign the sanitation contract as it is written; however, he would discuss with Allied Waste an alternative to Schedule A for those subdivisions which have pickups on five days per week. The Board could approve any proposed changes to the schedule. Alderperson Schultz seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the following result: Yeas: Meyer, Mixson, Schiller, Shea and Schultz. There were no nays. Mayor Douglass declared that Bill No. 0317, approving the contract, as passed along with the above-stated stipulation, and it became Ordinance No. 05-14.

Audit: Alderperson Schiller made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Shea to have invoices in the amount of $77,478.63 approved for payment.

Alderperson Schultz made a motion for the Board of Aldermen of Clarkson Valley to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Schiller. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

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ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk