Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting

DRAFT MINUTES BOARD OF ALDERMEN Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7:00 PM 1 GOVERNMENT CTR. BALLWIN, MO 63011 THE MINUTES ARE PREPARED IN SUMMARY TO REFLECT THE OVERALL DISCUSSIONS, NOT VERBATIM QUOTES. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pogue at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present Absent Mayor Tim Pogue Alderman Mike Utt Alderman Michael Finley Alderman Kevin M. Roach Alderman Mark Stallmann Alderman Frank Fleming Alderman Jim Leahy Alderman Ross Bullington Alderman Raymond Kerlagon City Administrator Eric Sterman City Attorney Robert Jones MINUTES The Minutes from the August 24, 2020, Board of Aldermen meeting were submitted for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Finley to approve the minutes from the August 24, 2020 Board of Aldermen meeting. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed. The minutes from the August 24, 2020, Board of Aldermen closed meeting were submitted for approval. A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Bullington to approve the minutes from the August 24, 2020 Board of Aldermen closed meeting. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed. City of Ballwin- Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes DRAFT SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 1  DRAFT MINUTES BOARD OF ALDERMEN Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7:00 PM 1 GOVERNMENT CTR. BALLWIN, MO 63011 Before the presentation, Mayor Pogue announced that, regarding Bill 4067, the petitioner has asked for a continuance so the Board would not be taking any action at this meeting. If anyone had completed comment cards, they were welcome to speak at this meeting or wait as the matter will be taken up at the September 28, 2020 Board Meeting. PRESENTATION_____________________________________________________________ Todd Fagan and Allen Meyer from Spire were attending the meeting to present their Silver Shovel award to Public Works Director Jim Link. Mr. Fagan spoke of safety being a core value at Spire and they like to recognize municipalities who meet their standards regarding safety during excavation work and Ballwin has had no damaging incidents. This award has been given to only five cities. CITIZEN COMMENTS________________________________________________________ None LEGISLATION_______________________________________________________________ Bill 4067 - AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE EXCEPTION TO NETWORK REAL ESTATE ON BEHALF OF AT&T MOBILITY FOR A COMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT 15407 CLAYTON ROAD. In discussion of Bill 4067: As previously noted, per the petitioner’s request for continuance, this Bill is tabled until the September 28, 2020 Board meeting. CONSENT ITEMS____________________________________________________________ PARKS – Utility Vehicle Staff recommends declaring a Chevrolet Cargo Van as surplus. The vehicle was purchased in 2007 for $12,882 and was replaced this summer. Discussion: None A motion was made by Alderman Roach and seconded by Alderman Utt to accept the staff recommendation. A voice vote was taken with unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed. City of Ballwin- Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes DRAFT SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 2  DRAFT MINUTES BOARD OF ALDERMEN Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7:00 PM 1 GOVERNMENT CTR. BALLWIN, MO 63011 MAYOR’S REPORT__________________________________________________________ Mayor Pogue stated that it appears St. Louis County has agreed to distribute approximately $47 million in funds under the CARES (Coronovirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act on a per capita basis to municipalities for eligible expenses relating to Covid. A resolution of support has been drafted and will be sent to St. Louis County if the Board adopts it. Alderman Roach asked if the City Attorney has reviewed the resolution and also voiced a concern regarding item three. City Attorney Jones responded that he had reviewed and then discussed the concern. City Administrator Sterman shared guidelines on how funds should be used and that the City will fall within those guidelines. A motion was made by Alderman Stallman and seconded by Alderman Bullington to adopt the resolution. A voice vote was taken with unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT___________________________________________________ City Administrator Sterman stated there would be a Finance and Administration Committee meeting prior to the September 28, 2020 Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. This meeting would be to discuss the funding options for the proposed police facility. Mayor Pogue noted that, due to the delay in elections earlier this year, changes had not been made to committee designations and they would remain the same. He asked Alderman Roach if he would serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission again and Alderman Roach agreed. STAFF REPORTS____________________________________________________________ ADMINISTRATION – Employee Compensation Finance Officer Denise Keller presented the employee compensation portion of the budget. A 3% merit increase is recommended in 2021; the police department will receive a 3% step increase as required per their collective bargaining agreement. The expected cost for merit increases would be just under $270,000 which includes FICA and LAGERS. Employees who are topped out will receive a one-time merit check; this totals $12,528. The updated salary survey of 10 peer cities was included for the Board’s review. This will be year three of the five- year statutory increase of the minimum wage, which will go up to $10.30/hour. Parks has proposed a step plan for part-time employees to address compression issues. The adjustment for compression is about 2% making the overall average increase approximately 5%. The contribution rate increase for LAGERS will be .9% for general staff and .4% for Police. We are budgeting 5% for health insurance (typical increases have been 4%); 2% is being budgeted for dental insurance. Both health and dental insurance plans renew mid-year. We are currently in a three-year rate lock for life insurance. City of Ballwin- Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes DRAFT SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 3  DRAFT MINUTES BOARD OF ALDERMEN Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7:00 PM 1 GOVERNMENT CTR. BALLWIN, MO 63011 There was a discussion regarding the City’s early retirement plan. Ms. Keller stated that, thus far, the plan has paid for itself, but it appears that in 2021, it will barely break even and 2022 appears to be an expense. It is recommended the early retirement age be modified from age 60 to 62. If the Board agrees, a resolution would be prepared. Alderman Roach asked if implementing this in the next several months would have an effect on those already wanting to retire. Ms. Keller stated the start date of the modified plan can be adjusted, for instance, making the start date in one year. Mayor Pogue asked Ms. Keller to get feedback from those who would be affected to see if this would change their plans as we would want to give them notice of any changes. Alderman Roach asked if we need to adjust the city salary survey. City Administrator Sterman stated we want to continually look at this. PARKS – Amending Park Hours Staff is recommending amending Ordinance 18-1 to change City parks hours. Discussion: Parks Director Chris Conway stated that, at the request of the police department, a review was conducted of park hours. It was realized hours were missing for two parks and others did not align with what is posted. Parks being added are Ferris and the pavilion/playground at the Pointe. Vlasis and Holloway tennis courts would close at 11 p.m. and New Ballwin and Ferris parks would close at 9 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Roach and seconded by Alderman Utt to have the City Attorney draft legislation with these changes. A voice vote was taken with unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT_________________________________________________ Nothing to report ALDERMANIC COMMENTS__________________________________________________ Alderman Stallmann commended the Parks staff on handling the crowds at the North Pointe and Pointe. He and his son had visited both facilities and noted that staff did an excellent job with crowd control and keeping everyone safe. Alderman Roach congratulated Public Works Director Jim Link and his staff for receiving the Silver Shovel award from Spire. He asked that the Board’s appreciation is passed along to staff. City of Ballwin- Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes DRAFT SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 4  DRAFT MINUTES BOARD OF ALDERMEN Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 7:00 PM 1 GOVERNMENT CTR. BALLWIN, MO 63011 CLOSED SESSION___________________________________________________________ A motion was made by Alderman Bullington and seconded by Alderman Stallmann to move to closed session pursuant to Section 610.021(2), real estate matters. A roll call vote was taken to move into closed session at 7:34 p.m. Ayes - Aldermen Finley, Roach, Stallmann, Fleming, Leahy, Bullington, Utt, Kerlagon Nays - None OPEN SESSION______________________________________________________________ A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Leahy to reconvene. The motion was passed by unanimous affirmative vote. A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Finley to adjourn. The motion was passed by unanimous affirmative voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. ______________________________ TIM POGUE, MAYOR ATTEST: ____________________________________ POLLY MOORE, CITY CLERK City of Ballwin- Board of Aldermen Meeting Minutes DRAFT SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 5