RECORD OF PROCEEDING
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Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley, September 7, 2021
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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 September 2021 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 Scott Schultz Ward 3
Alderperson Lin Midyett Ward 3
ABSENT
Alderperson Julie Blanner
Also in Attendance:
City Clerk: Michele McMahon
City Attorney: Patrick Butler
Alderperson Midyett made a motion to accept the Minutes from the July 6 meeting. 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
Jeff Schweig, a resident of Kehrs Mill Estates, was online and asked about the sidewalk abutting back yards of Kingspointe residents, saying there is no longer a way to cross Kehrs Mill Road to make a walking loop. He commented that since this is on an easement, he was wondering how the sidewalk could be removed? Mayor Douglass said he spoke with the Trustees and St. Louis County but will call them again.
REPORTS
Chesterfield Police Report
Lt. Connelly gave the August Police Report. He further reported that at the request of Mayor Douglass, they conducted surveillance at Marquette High School’s gate area off Kehrs Mill Road. He explained the lack of bus drivers as being a real issue – not just in the St. Louis area, but nation-wide. Because of this, Rockwood students living within one mile of school must walk to school or they must find other transportation. This causes a huge back-up due to this traffic increase.
He went on to say the gate off Kehrs Mill Road remains open all day while school is in session and occasionally while Marquette is hosting an event. He said he positioned officers to observe the traffic situation six days in a row and these officers reported seeing no major problems.
What he recommends is a Memorandum of Understanding from the school. Special events, construction, emergencies, etc. granting times and days for the gate to be open and who has the authority to open and close it; and Marquette’s principle, Dr. Steve Hankins, is willing to go along with this Memorandum. Lt. Connelly said that if any of the Alderpersons would like to add to the list or make changes to the list, now would be a good time to speak with Mayor Douglass about it. He said the bus driver situation will remain for the entire school year and the gate acts as a relief valve, of sorts.
Two Alderpersons expressed concern with the backup of traffic at the Clarkson Road intersection; students darting across Kehrs Mill Road; cars stopping in the middle lane to let their students into the cars; and parents parking on the private streets in Forest Hills Ridge Ct. They concluded by saying the police need to continue monitoring the situation.
Alderperson Meyer inquired about Captain Mike Thompson and was told he recently resigned from the Chesterfield Police Department to pursue a career with Enterprise Holdings. Everyone agreed he would be missed.
Mayor’s Report
Court Report: Mayor Douglass said the amount received in August 2021 for court receipts was $5,809.45.
Pickleball: Mayor Douglass mentioned that the pickleball courts opened this month and limited play has begun with no complaints thus far. The Club’s General Manager reached out to Mayor Douglass recently to say they anticipate the fence structure will be delivered in late September and that should alleviate noise issues, if any, going forward.
‘Bus Stop’ Sign – Valley Road: Mayor Douglass stated we had a situation where students had to cross Valley Road in order to catch the bus because this year, the buses would no longer ingress into Pleasant Valley Forest Subdivision. The parents worried for the children’s safety as they cross the street and requested ‘Bus Stop’ signs to be placed on Valley Road, the full width of which lies in Wildwood’s jurisdiction. He contacted them and the matter was handled expeditiously.
Alderpersons’ Reports
Trash Containers Visible from Street: Alderperson Schultz mentioned the improperly stored containers and said they are making the neighborhoods look bad. He is hoping more will be done about this. Alderperson Meyer agreed. Through discussion it was learned the trustees in Kehrs Mill Estates took the time to note all those homes in their subdivision in violation of the ordinance, create a spreadsheet and gave it to the City asking us to send letters. The Board Members living in other subdivisions than Kehrs Mill Estates said they do not believe their trustees do that.
Copier Update: Alderperson Midyett reported that he conferred with Alderperson Blanner and City Clerk McMahon on the lack of ETA for the City’s new copier and explained to those present the same chip shortage slowing automobile manufacturing is plaguing the copier industry. The Canon supplier we will be using, Americom, offered a free copier for us to use and Alderperson Midyett is recommending we take them up on their offer. Regarding the removal of the existing copier we currently own, a motion was made by Alderperson Schultz to have them remove it at this time, seconded by Alderperson Midyett. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, Schiller, and Schultz. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared we will give the existing copier to Amercom when they drop off the loaner.
Kiddie Pool vs. Swim Pool: Alderperson McNamara mentioned a situation in Kehrs Mill Estates where a resident erected an above-ground pool structure. The City sent a letter stating the code and giving a required removal date. The home owner’s response was the water depth was less than 23” which puts their pool into the category of a kiddie pool. The City Attorney, Patrick Butler, stated that if the pool’s capacity is 4’ or 5’ but is only filled to 23” depth, the Ordinances intent is that it is an above-ground pool, which is not allowed per code. The Board Members were polled and it was decided the building commissioner would determine the height of the pool wall to classify the type of pool.
City Attorney’s Report
The City Attorney had nothing to report and said all is good in the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
BILL NO. 0505 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLARKSON VALLEY, MISSOURI, TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE TO DISCLOSE POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS FOR CERTAIN OFFICIALS.
A motion was made by Alderperson Meyer to discuss and pass Bill No. 0505. Alderperson Schiller seconded the motion. City Clerk McMahon read Bill No. 0505 for the first time. There was no discussion. City Clerk McMahon read Bill No. 0505 the second time. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results. Ayes: McNamara, Meyer, Midyett, Schiller, and Schultz. There were no Nays. Whereby, Mayor Douglass declared Bill No. 0505 as having passed and is now Ordinance No. 21-08.
Marquette Craft Fair Signs and Banner: Alderperson Schiller made a motion, seconded by Alderperson Meyer to approve the request for a banner for the Annual Marquette Marching Band Craft Fair. The requested date for installation of the banner is towards the end of September and the banner will be placed close to the electronic marquee. A voice vote was taken to approve the request for banner with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed
Audit: Alderperson McNamara made a motion to approve payment of invoices in the amount of $75,470.74, seconded by Alderperson Meyer. A voice vote was taken to approve the audit with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.
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 meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Scott Douglass, Mayor
ATTEST: Michele McMahon, City Clerk