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Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Clarkson Executive Center), June 1, 2021.
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The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. and was in-person
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and was called to order at 6:30 p.m. A roll call was taken with the following result:
PRESENT
Mayor Scott Douglass
Alderperson Jim Meyer Ward 1
Alderperson Sue McNamara Ward 1
Alderperson Honora Schiller Ward 2
Alderperson Julie Blanner Ward 2
Alderperson Lin Midyett Ward 3
ABSENT
Alderperson Scott Schultz Ward 3 via Zoom
Also in Attendance:
City Attorney: Patrick Butler
City Clerk: Michele McMahon
The City Attorney, Patrick S. Butler, was stuck at an airport with a delayed flight and unable to attend this in-person meeting. This was the first in-person meeting held in over a year. Everyone welcomed Alderperson Blanner, as this was her first meeting, in-person, serving as an Alderwoman since she’s been on the Board beginning May 2020.
Clarkson Valley’s six Unit Officers and four of Chesterfield Police Department’s top brass were present, including Chief Ray Johnson; Captains Mike Thompson, Dan Dunn and Cheryl Funkhauser; and Lt. Chris Connelly. We welcomed them all and thanked them for coming. Mrs. Bonnie Krueger with the West Newsmagazine was also present.
MAYOR’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:
Mayor Scott Douglass reminded those present that last month we celebrated National Police Week but since that meeting was held virtually, we are here tonight to honor the six members of the Clarkson Valley Police Unit. He explained that for the past four years, the City of Clarkson Valley has contracted with the City of Chesterfield to designate six permanent police officers who provide 24/7 police protection to the Clarkson Valley Community. He then called each officer by name to the front and these officers were presented with The Clarkson Valley “Mayor’s Award of Excellence.” On behalf of the Board of Aldermen, Mayor Douglass expressed his appreciation for the manner in which each officer consistently dedicated themselves to noble service. The Award read in part; “We, as private citizens have hunkered down and weathered the storm, often from the comfort of our homes. During that same time period, you have remained at the ready, demonstrating bravery as you seamlessly and selflessly provided continuous services to our residents in spite of the constant threats associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Everyone congratulated officers Kim Beckmann, Craig Friemel, Michelle Hrivnak, Christopher Pollman, Ken Quach, and Donald Schlemmer and thanked them for their commitment to the City of Clarkson Valley.
Alderperson Midyett made a motion to accept the Minutes from the May 4 meeting. Alderperson Blanner seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken to accept the Minutes with an affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
REMARKS, PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS
Joell Aguirre, Account Manager with Republic Services, introduced herself and thanked the Board for its consideration for approving the contract at tonight’s meeting. She briefed the Board on Republic’s plan to begin servicing the residents July 5. She said Republic will mail a communication piece to each of our 913 households either the week of June 14 or June 21. The carts are scheduled for delivery the week of June 28. There were questions asked by the Board for a few finer details, such as the three cart sizes (in terms of capacity and dimensions); who will get the carts; and what Republic will do if they do not want the carts.
Mr. and Mrs. Coulis were present and had questions regarding Forest Hills Country Club’s Special Use Permit granted November 2020 for the fence at the pickleball court site. Mayor Douglass responded if the Club deviates from what was granted in that SUP, they will have to go back through the process; which is the Planning and Zoning Public Hearing and then to the Board of Alderpersons for a vote. There was further discussion.
REPORTS
Chesterfield Police Report
Lt. Connelly gave the May Police Report. He spoke about a bad element coming back to the West County area. The hiatus was due in-part, to the “Lock it, or Lose it” campaign. He said they come into the subdivisions with 4 or 5 people in one vehicle checking for unlocked cars on the street; in driveways; and even in open garages. Once again, the lieutenant stressed the importance of removing all valuables from vehicles and locking all doors; especially if the car is parked in the driveway overnight. This is particularly important if residents leave garage door openers in the vehicle, or have programmed the car to automatically access the garage which allows immediate access to homes even if the garage door is closed.
Alderperson McNamara reported the two subdivision entrances of Kehrs Mill Estates are missing both “Lock it, Lose it” signs. Alderperson Meyer asked if there is value to the placement of cameras at subdivision entrances such as the ones recently installed at both Forest Club Estates. Lt. Connelly said it is more of a reaction than a deterrence, mainly because the cars that are entering have either been stolen or have stolen or missing plates.
Mayor’s Report
Court Report: Mayor Douglass said the amount received in May 2021 for court receipts was $3,192.16. He reported speaking with the Prosecuting Attorney and was told the courts in St. Louis County will re-open mid-June. Since our court day precedes the June date, our court opening is scheduled for July 13. This will be Clarkson Valley’s first court to be held in-person using Chesterfield’s facilities due to the pandemic requirements of St. Louis County Health concerning the number of persons in attendance at a gathering, and per The Honorable Chief Justice, George W. Draper III of the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri. Our new Judge will be discussed later on the Agenda.
Bat Houses: Mayor Douglass mentioned bat houses and asked if the Board desired to place this on the table to regulate them. The majority said they did not and the subject died for a lack of motion.
Alderpersons’ Reports
Marquette High School – Kehrs Mill Road Entrance: Alderperson Meyer asked about the west entrance to the school and the gate open at all times and Mayor Douglass said he has placed a call to the school but has not spoken with anyone. He will touch base this month.
Excessive Speeders in Kehrs Mill Estates: Alderperson McNamara mentioned excessive speeding in the subdivision and asked Lt. Connelly about the possibility of using a temporary speed indicating trailer. There was further discussion but the Lieutenant promised to look further into the matter. He said the problem with those trailers is the size. He said they would have to go on someone’s lawn. He did mention the signs they have that are much smaller and can be mounted on existing street sign poles temporarily.
St. Louis County COVID-19 Update Email Blasts: Alderperson Blanner reported she raised the subject these emails may no longer be necessary and said this will be discussed later on the Agenda.
Construction in Westhampton Subdivision: Alderperson Midyett raised the subject there is a contractor in his subdivision doing excavation work. Mayor Douglass said it is part of the big MSD project to alleviate flooding basements on the far east portion of his subdivision. The project actually begins in Forest Hills Club Estates and extends across Clarkson Road and will eventually end at the Westhampton retention lake.
City Attorney’s Report
Mayor Douglass stated the City Attorney was not able to attend.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
BILL NO. 0504 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT 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 Meyer to discuss and pass Bill No. 0504. Alderperson McNamara seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0504 for the first time. The City Clerk explained the performance bond amount on the executed contract contained an erroneous amount which has subsequently changed to $50,000 (as stated in the Request for Bid) and Mayor Douglass stated this will be changed in Bill No. 0504 to reflect that change. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0504 the second time, as amended. A roll call vote was taken with the following results. Ayes: Blanner, McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, and Schiller. There were no Nays. Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0504 as having passed and is now Ordinance No. 21-07.
Appoint New Judge: Mayor Douglass reported he spoke with Mayor Bob Nation regarding the judge’s hiring and was informed they interviewed our previous judge, April Porter. He said she gave a fine interview according to Mayor Nation, but ultimately the decision went to Mark J. Gaertner, whose appointment goes into effect June 11. Alderperson Schiller made a motion to approve the appointment of the Honorable Judge Gaertner, seconded by Alderperson Blanner. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
Discuss COVID-19 Notifications: Alderperson Blanner explained that if these notifications are not conveying anything new and are causing more of the City’s emails to go to spam it is time to determine if they are still necessary. Alderpersons Schiller and Meyer agreed. Through discussion, it was determined the City would send one last email giving explanation and end further notifications regarding COVID-19 updates.
Audit: Alderperson Schiller made a motion to approve payment of invoices in the amount of $63,129.26, seconded by Alderperson Meyer. A voice vote was taken to approve the audit with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
Request for Cart Delivery Time Adjustment: Account Manager, Joell Aguirre requested that the Board consider delivery of carts at 6:00 a.m. versus 7:00 a.m., as stated in the contract. Discussion centered on the Noise Ordinance, which allows construction noises to begin at 6:00 a.m. The Board agreed this one-time occurrence was acceptable.
Alderperson Meyer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Midyett. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
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Scott Douglass, Mayor
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ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk