RECORD OF PROCEEDING
Meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Clarkson Valley, November 5, 2024
Mayor McNamara called the meeting to order.
A roll call for the meeting was taken with the following result:
ATTENDANCE
Present – Mayor Sue McNamara
Present – Alderman Andrew Low, Ward 1
Present – Alderman Jeff Schweig, Ward 1
Present – Alderman Honora Schiller, Ward 2
Present – Alderman Brock MacDonald, Ward 2
Present – Alderman Lin Midyett, Ward 3 (Virtual)
Present – Alderman Gregg Bogosian, Ward 3
The City Clerk, Michele McMahon, announced that a quorum was met.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
City Attorney: Patrick Butler (Virtual)
City Clerk: Michele McMahon
Building Commissioner: Brad Holmes
Assistant City Clerk: Andrea Burns
Mayor McNamara led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor McNamara announced there will not be a Closed Meeting tonight.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Alderman Low made a motion to approve and accept the minutes as posted, Alderman MacDonald seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Alderman Honora made a motion to waive the reading and accept both the 10/01/24 Regular BOA Meeting Minutes and the 10/21/24 Closed BOA Meeting Minutes. Alderman Schweig seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
REMARKS, PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS
Leslie Macari, a Forest Hills Club Estates resident discussed her concerns regarding safety with the newly installed MoDOT bump-outs and median. She believes the bump-outs do not allow space for emergency vehicles and cyclists. The median creates a hazard because of the backup of traffic turning into the subdivision off Clarkson Rd. The back up blocks the northbound traffic exiting the subdivision. Ms. Macari requested MoDOT install “Do Not Block Intersection” signage at the median. She would also like a meeting to take place where the residents can express their concerns to city officials.
Valerie Denton, a Forest Hills Club Estates resident took the floor to discuss her safety concerns regarding the MoDOT bump-outs and median. She has met with many subdivision residents who have shared the same safety concerns. Valerie would like to be notified of any opportunity allowing residents to present their concerns to MoDOT and/or city officials.
REPORTS
Chesterfield Police Report:
Lt. Connelly presented the Police Report.
Mayor’s Report:
Court Revenue for last month: $2,886.79
The MoDOT Bump-Outs and median on Clarkson Rd is still an on-going issue she is pursuing.
Procedural reminder: virtually attending Alderman must be visible when casting votes.
The mayor learned of free security service for the city’s web site offered by Robert Graham, Cyber Security Advisor. Further details are discussed below under New Business.
Status Reports from Aldermen:
Alderman Low discussed the possibility of changing the schedule of the Monthly Board of Aldermen meetings. Patrick, the City Attorney stated that meeting the first Tuesday of each month is not mandated by State Statute and can be rescheduled at the Board’s discretion, however, ensure to notify the public of the date change and a change to the code will be necessary.
Alderman Midyett announced the Westhampton Annual HOA Meeting will be held on Monday, 11/11/24 at 7:00 p.m. at Hyatt Place, 333 Chesterfield Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017
Alderman Schweig stated he is still working with the MSD Engineers on a solution for the reoccurring sewer odors in the subdivision.
Alderman Schiller asked Mayor McNamara to mention the City of Clarkson YouTube channel in her monthly Stroll article to increase awareness.
City Attorney Report:
The City Attorney, Patrick Butler, reported that all is good in the city, and had nothing to report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss Regulations for Pillars and Driveway Entrance Monuments:
The ordinance has been drafted and may be revisited at a future BOA Meeting.
Discuss Contracting for HR Services:
Alderman Low indicated a need for the city to contract an HR firm to assist with HR related issues that will arise in the next few months. Alderman Schiller stated the city does not need an outside HR firm for two employees but does feel we need an employee manual and determine the details for the upcoming vacant City Clerk and City Administrator positions. Alderman Schiller added the policies for the mayor and Aldermen should also be included in the Employee Policy Manual. Alderman Midyett suggested the HR Committee send the draft to Patrick and he will have an employment attorney review it. The HR Committee will finalize the draft to be forwarded to Patrick.
Discuss Duration for Parking Commercial Vehicles:
Discuss the conflict of the following three City Codes regarding parking of commercial vehicles.
Title II: PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELFARE- 215.010.18.a
Title III: TRAFFIC CODE – 355.010.a.4
Title V: BUILDING CODE – 500.020.d.3, Section 302.8.
Brad, Clarkson Valley Building Commissioner, submitted the following rough draft to the Board for their consideration to replace the three codes indicated above.
Title II: PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELFARE
Title 215.010 Paragraph 18 – Exterior Vehicle Parking: It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle being used for a commercial purpose, a commercially licensed vehicle, or other vehicle bearing commercial advertising in a Zone “A” semi-rural district for a period exceeding two (2) daytime hours unless said vehicle is owned and driven by a resident who resides at the property and who has obtained a variance for said signage or is engaged in providing a residential service, loading or unloading at said site and can show intent to deliver or pick up at said site. This section does not apply to the daytime parking of contractor vehicles, contractor trailers, or construction vehicles when a valid building permit is in effect for the site, subject to the approval of the Building Commissioner. Vehicle parking on any unimproved surface is prohibited. Enclosed trailers, recreational vehicles, equipment, boats, campers, and similar wheeled devices can be parked for loading and unloading only, unless the parked vehicle is not readily visible from the right of way or street where the vehicle is located, as determined by the Building Commissioner.
Alderman MacDonald asked if the police would be able to issue tickets for offenses under Title II, in which the Building Commissioner stated they could.
Alderman Schiller had issue with “visible from the right of way or street where the vehicle is located “. Alderman Schiller believes “visibility” should include “neighbors view,” including back yards, street and rights-of-way. Brad stated if the commercial vehicle is seen from a back yard, it becomes an HOA issue.
Alderman Schiller added that if a resident has a current building permit a commercial vehicle should be able to be parked and left overnight. Mayor McNamara felt the city would be able to manage individual circumstances on a one-on-one basis.
Valerie Denton, a resident from Forest Hills Club Estates and former HOA President expressed her concern over the visibility wording because there are many areas within the community where backyards are visible from other streets.
Alderman Low stated he will not support the proposed ordinance unless there is an exception for residents with passenger vehicles with commercial door signage vs. large commercial vehicles such as ambulances, box truck, dump truck, etc. Brad explained this is selective enforcement and cannot be enforced, Patrick concurs, and added that the city must be “content neutral” and the regulation must be equally enforced between a non-resident and resident. Mayor McNamara suggested we revisit the topic at the December BOA Meeting next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Obligating Remaining ARPA Funds:
Bill Schuchat, HOA President from Kehrs Mill Trails stated the reason for the delay in the revised ARPA application was due to an archeological study performed by the Army Corps of Engineer, which has now been completed. The revised application was delivered to City Hall last week but missing the required documentation; (3) Engineering bids, (3) Contractor Requests for Bids, awarded Contractor proof of insurance, and Engineer Licensing Information. Cindy Watson, Kehrs Mill Trails HOA Trustee/Secretary, reiterated the items needed to ensure completion of the application. Alderman Schiller asked Bill to submit the information to City Hall so we can prepare an ordinance for the December BOA. Bill stated he can have the supplemental documentation to City Hall by the end of the week.
Adopt Official City Holiday Calendar:
Mayor McNamara asked the Board if they would be interested in adopting an official holiday schedule for City Hall to be closed. Prior to May 2024 the city observed the following eleven (11) holidays:
01/01/25 New Year’s Day
01/20/25 MLK Jr. Birthday
02/17/25 Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day
05/26/25 Memorial Day
07/04/25 Independence Day
09/01/25 Labor Day
11/11/25 Veteran’s Day
11/27/25 Thanksgiving Day
11/28/25 Day After Thanksgiving (Proposed)
12/24/25 Christmas Eve (Proposed)
12/25/25 Christmas Day
The city does not observe the following Federal and State holidays:
02/12/25 Lincoln’s Birthday (State not Federal)
05/08/25 Truman Day (State not Federal)
06/19/25 Juneteenth (Federal and State) (Proposed)
10/13/25 Columbus Day (State not Federal)
Alderman Low is in favor of the city observing all Federal holidays. The mayor proposed adding the Federal holiday of Juneteenth and keeping Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as days City Hall is not open. After discussion it was determined that the HR Committee (Mayor McNamara, Aldermen MacDonald, Midyett) will draft a proposed holiday schedule for review at the December BOA Meeting.
Operation of Banking Committee:
Alderman Bogosian stated the importance of finalizing the Investment Policy draft that was completed by the former Banking Committee (consisting of Aldermen Blanner, Bogosian, Midyett, and Mayor Douglass). In addition, Alderman Bogosian stated the need to name an Investment Officer who will oversee the city’s banking transactions. Discussion ensued as to whether to hire a financial entity or have an Alderman fill the role. Alderman Low stated that the Board should only approve the policy; the execution of transactions should fall under the administrative arm of the city. Discussion continued and the Board agreed to have Patrick revisit the draft. Additionally, ensure that language is included that the Investment Officer will be an Alderman selected by the Board of Alderman. Patrick will collaborate with Alderman Bogosian to construct a formal Investment Policy and present it to the Board at the December BOA Meeting.
BILL 0551 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR 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.
Alderman Schiller made a motion to discuss and vote on Bill No. 0551, Alderman Low seconded the motion. The City Clerk, Michele McMahon read the Bill for the first time. No discussion ensued. The City Clerk read the Bill a second time. Roll call was taken with the following results: Ayes: Schiller, Midyett, Schweig, Low, Bogosian, MacDonald. Mayor McNamara declared Bill No. 551 passes.
Discuss/Approve Employee Dental Plan:
Alderman Schiller made a motion to discuss and vote to approve the Employee Dental Plan, Alderman Schweig seconded the motion. After no discussion ensued a voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
Discuss Cyber Security:
Mayor McNamara discussed the possibility of bringing in Robert Graham from the Department of Homeland Security to discuss cyber security needs and to perform a security sweep on the City Hall computer system. Alderman MacDonald was in favor of the visit. Mayor McNamara will schedule the visit in January or February.
Discuss/Approve Bid Received for Moving City Hall Files to Storage Area:
Alderman Schiller made the motion to approve the invoice, seconded by Alderman Low. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
Discuss Increasing the Discretionary Spending Ceiling:
Mayor McNamara asked the Board to increase the discretionary spending limit due to unforeseen expenses that may be incurred during the office remodel. Alderman Low stated the amount approved at the Closed Meeting on 10/21/24 should be used for these types of expenses. Mayor McNamara asked for consideration to increase the amount going forward. Alderman MacDonald offered to compile data from past purchases that may support an increase.
AUDIT
Alderman Midyett made a motion to accept the audit as posted. Alderman Schiller seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
MISCELLANEOUS
Discuss the meeting dates. Alderman Low made a motion to table that discussion. Alderman Schiller seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed.
ADJOURN
Alderman Low made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Schiller seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, which resulted in a unanimous affirmative result. The motion was declared as passed. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Aldermen adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
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Sue McNamara, Mayor
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ATTEST: Andrea Burns, Assistant City Clerk