_____________________________________________________________________________________
Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley at City Hall (Clarkson Executive Center), April 6, 2021.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The virtually-held meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. It was duly noted that in an attempt to be as open and transparent as possible, the April 2021 Regular Meeting of the Board of Aldermen was made available virtually to all citizens.
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 Scott Schultz Ward 3
Alderperson Lin Midyett Ward 3
ABSENT
Also in Attendance:
City Attorney: Patrick Butler
City Clerk: Michele McMahon
Alderperson Midyett made a motion to accept the Minutes from the March 3 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
There were no remarks, petitions or complaints.
REPORTS
Chesterfield Police Report
Lt. Connelly gave the March Police Report. He spoke about golf carts being driven by children as young as 7-to-15, and asked if we could tell our constituents to call police immediately whenever they see a situation like that.
He reminded everyone the police will be holding the annual spring drug take back event in front of city hall on Saturday, April 24.
Mayor’s Report
Court Report: Mayor Douglass said the amount received in March 2021 for court receipts was $2,616.79.
Marquette High School Senior Prom: The senior prom will be held outdoors this year for the senior class only. This will be held with a large outdoor tent erected on the football practice field on May 1, 2021 from 7-9 p.m. and there will be food trucks. The question was asked if this is something the Alderpersons need to vote on but Mayor Douglass responded that since it will not impact residents, it is not necessary.
Stimulus Package: He reported that we are not sure when our portion of the 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus package will be released but St. Louis County is no longer involved in handing this money out. We will have a better idea of how much money to expect later in May.
Alderpersons’ Reports
Two Mishaps in Forest Hills Club Estates: Alderperson Blanner reported there were four people hitting golf balls at the neighbor’s house and also, during a FHCC holiday event, four boys were yelling obscenities at one of the workers. She reported there should be better ways of handling it than what is currently being done.
Open Garage Doors: Lt Connelly mentioned the number of open garage doors the patrols see on any given night. Alderperson Blanner reminded us of an app her family uses which allows the status of your garage door to be monitored from your smart phone, or set up a time at which the door will automatically close. She said the device is fairly easy to install and the cost ~$30 or less, and it’s worth considering. Mayor Douglass asked Alderperson Blanner to send the link again, if she wouldn’t mind and we’ll mention it to the residents.
City Attorney’s Report
Patrick Butler was pleased to report there is nothing to report other than the Board of Adjustment met last month for an adjustment on a previously-approved swim pool
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
Bees Hives and Bat Houses: Mayor Douglass reported the City has received at least two inquiries on bee hives and also at least one on bat houses on whether the City allows these, or has any special provisions. Alderperson Sue McNamara asked experts on the subjects of beekeeping and bat houses if they could both enlighten us and answer any questions. We are lucky to have them tonight as guest speakers at the meeting. Eugene Makovec who is a third-generation beekeeper, and serves as the Editor for American Bee Journal spoke first. A few notes from items mentioned: Bees can travel 2-5 miles each day foraging for a source of nectar. He recommends that if you begin beekeeping, you have no less than two but two to three hives is better. You can buy a new queen if your hive collapses.
The second expert speaker we heard was Anthony Elliott, who is with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Division and whose expertise extends to bat ecology and small mammals. A few notes from items mentioned: Bats like tight crevasses to roost. Bats also travel 2-5 miles to forage and the larger bats can travel up to 15 miles in a day.
Mayor Douglass thanked both gentlemen for their time. He also thanked Alderperson McNamara for asking them to attend our meeting.
Audit: Alderperson Blanner made a motion to approve payment of invoices in the amount of $61,024.44, seconded by Alderperson Schultz. A voice vote was taken to approve the audit with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
Alderperson McNamara 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 7:40 p.m.
_______________________________________
Scott Douglass, Mayor
________________________________
ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk