RECORD OF PROCEEDING
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Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley, January 5, 2022
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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 January 2022 Regular Meeting of the Board of Aldermen was made available to all citizens.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A roll call for the meeting was taken with the following result:
PRESENT Ward
Mayor Scott Douglass
Alderperson Jim Meyer Ward 1
Alderperson Sue McNamara Ward 1
Alderperson Honora Schiller Ward 2
Alderperson Julie Blanner Ward 2 (Arrived after roll call)
Alderperson Scott Schultz Ward 3
Alderperson Lin Midyett Ward 3
Also in Attendance:
City Clerk: Michele McMahon
City Attorney: Patrick Butler
Alderperson Midyett made a motion to accept the Minutes from the November and December meetings. Alderperson Meyer 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 December Police Report. He said he will meet this month with the Presidents of Trustees from the two subdivisions that requested temporary speed indicators in their subdivision; Kehrs Mill Estates and Forest Hills Club Estates. He reported that in looking at the numbers, there is not a sustained speed in either of the two subdivisions.
Mayor’s Report
Court Report: Mayor Douglass said the amount received in December 2021 for court receipts was $4,975.86.
Email to Residents Regarding Republic Service Notifications: He reported we will send an email to the residents this week explaining how to register your phone number with Republic Services in order to receive updates on trash pickups, e.g. yard waste not able to be picked up, etc.
Requirements for Reporting Expenditures of ARPA Funds: Mayor Douglass said we received notification indicating we will need to submit the first report on the expenditures of ARPA funds by April 30, 2022. The first report will cover the period between the award date and March 31, 2022. We will be going over that this month to see if there are any additional ways of how we can spend that money.
Memorandum from City Attorney Defining Meetings: Mayor Douglass stated everyone should have received a memorandum from Patrick explaining the difference between confidential and non-confidential meeting. He asked the Alderpersons to review the memo and write down questions that arise and in February, he would like to hold a working session in order for us to know what is expected of us going forward.
Alderpersons’ Reports
Survey Markers in Subdivision: Alderperson Midyett asked if anyone knew what the survey markers were in his subdivision. Mayor Douglass speculated that it was MSD or perhaps the water company because they said they were going to do some work in that vicinity. The City Clerk said she would make some calls the next day to find out.
Clarkson Valley ‘Welcome’ Sign: Alderperson Schiller reported the Welcome sign on Clarkson Road is once again visible. It had been obscured due to bushes and vines that, over the years, intruded into the sight line.
City Attorney’s Report
City Attorney, Patrick Butler, said there was nothing legally to report but wanted to mention that this latest strain of virus has affected the first responders, hitting them hard. Not just because they are necessarily out sick but quarantining comes into play. He added that when you call 911, to please be patient.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
BILL NO. 0509 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, MISSOURI, REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN TITLE V: BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS, ARTICLE I. BUILDING CODE, SECTION 500.020 CHAPTER 23 SOLAR SYSTEMS, BY DELETING SECTION M2300 AND ADDING A NEW SECTION M2302 RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND BY REPEALING SUB-PARAGRAPH 15 IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM ARTICLE IV. SPECIAL USE REGULATIONS IN TITLE IV ZONING REGULATIONS.
A motion was made by Alderperson Schiller and seconded by Alderperson Midyett to discuss and pass Bill No. 0509. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0509 for the first time and explained this ordinance removed the necessity to obtain a Special Use Permit when applying for a solar energy system and instead, adds the requirements to the International Residential Code. Alderperson Blanner asked what the benefit was for removing the Special Use Permit requirement and Mayor Douglass stated by doing this way, it ensures every application in the future will be treated the same. There was no further discussion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0509 the second time. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: Blanner, McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, and Schiller. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0509 as having passed and is now Ordinance No. 22-01.
NEW BUSINESS
BILL NO. 0510 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY TO EXECUTE A MUNICIPAL COURT SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI AND THE CITY OF CHESTERFIELD, ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI.
A motion was made by Alderperson Schiller to discuss and pass Bill No. 0510. Alderperson Meyer seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0510 for the first time. There was no discussion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0510 the second time. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: Blanner, McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, and Schiller. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0510 as having passed and is now Ordinance No. 22-02.
BILL NO. 0511 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF CHESTERFIELD, MISSOURI, FOR RENDITION OF POLICE SERVICES.
A motion was made by Alderperson Meyer to discuss and pass Bill No. 0511. Alderperson Midyett seconded the motion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0511 for the first time. There was no discussion. Mayor Douglass read Bill No. 0511 the second time. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: Blanner, McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, and Schiller. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0511 as having passed and is now Ordinance No. 22-03.
Swim Pool: Mayor Douglass stated we have a swim pool ordinance formatted and based on tonight’s discussion we will fill in those blanks for a vote at next month’s meeting. Alderperson McNamara opened the discussion by stating she would not like an ordinance prohibiting all above-ground pools, but rather have this ordinance clearly define a wading pool with pool height and pool size but with small enough parameters that families cannot leave it on a front lawn or driveway overnight with the idea the kids will use it the next day. In doing this, she said, we will not be deemed arbitrary and capricious when dealing with the issue throughout the city of what is allowed and not allowed.
Mayor Douglass referred to the language used in the straw-man which states 23” in wall depth. Alderperson McNamara stated she believes that is excessive. Discussion then centered on what the Board would consider an agreeable maximum depth for a child’s wading pool; along with the overall size. Alderperson Blanner said when she Googled kiddie pools, the maximum depth mentioned is 13”. The Alderpersons mentioned varying maximum depths, but in the end decided 15” maximum side wall depth (from ground height to top of wall).
Mayor Douglass asked if it should be the City or the Home Owners Association that regulate wading pools and if we want the ordinance to stipulate where these pools are situated on a lot. Further discussion centered on time limits for allowing these to be up without change of water (due to mosquito issues and pets or wildlife having access to the rancid water). Alderperson Schiller mentioned that if these remain overnight, it becomes a structure. In which case, it needs to be contained in the back yard. Alderperson Midyett said he would not be in favor of regulating the location and in the end, everyone agreed.
Alderperson Meyer asked if the Board is only going to consider the depth, mentioning the possibility of also regulating the diameter, saying he thinks 6’ maximum diameter would be adequate. Everyone agreed and settled on that number. Mayor Douglass said we will put that in the proper ordinance and we’ll send it out for Aldermanic review and ready for a vote in February.
Appoint Gregg Bogosian Interim Alderperson in Ward 3: Mayor Scott Douglass asked the Board for its approval for Gregg Bogosian to fill the vacancy left by Alderperson Schultz who resigned last month. Mayor Douglass mentioned that Mr. Bogosian is on the ballot to fill the one-year unexpired term and the election will be held April 5. Mr. Bogosian was asked to speak about himself and he informed everyone present of his family, his servitude thus far to the city, and his professional background. He concluded by stating his belief that Clarkson Valley is truly a jewel in the West County area. Alderperson Meyer made a motion to approve Mr. Bogosian’s nomination, seconded by Alderperson McNamara. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Mayor Douglass declared it approved and passed and declared Gregg Bogosian as its newest Board Member. Everyone congratulated him.
President of the Board of Aldermen: Alderperson Schiller made a motion to nominate Alderperson Lin Midyett as President of the Board, seconded by Alderperson Meyer. A roll call vote was taken with the following results: Ayes: Blanner, McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, and Schiller. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared Alderperson Midyett as the Board President and everyone thanked and congratulated him.
Audit: Alderperson Meyer made a motion to approve payment of invoices in the amount of $67,120.40, seconded by Alderperson Schiller. A voice vote was taken to approve the audit with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
Good of the Order: Mayor Douglass thanked everyone for attending and said he looks forward to another year of success. He concluded by asking the Alderpersons to review his Mayors Corner and think of how best we can spend the ARPA money.
Alderperson Meyer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Schiller. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Aldermen adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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Scott Douglass, Mayor
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ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk