City Council Agendas

CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI MINUTES OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION September 30, 2024 A Work Session of the City Council of the City of Blue Springs, Missouri, was held on Monday, September 30, 2024, 6:00 p.m. in the Administrative Training Room of the Blue Springs City Hall, 903 W. Main Street with Mayor Chris Lievsay presiding. COUNCILMEMBERS IN Jerry Kaylor Galen Ericson ATTENDANCE Katie Tholen - ABSENT Kent Edmondson Ron Fowler Susan Culpepper Also present were City Administrator Christine Cates, Assistant City Administrator Dennis Dovel, Assistant to the City Administrator Sheryl Morgan, Director of City Development Mike Mallon, Director of Public Works Tom Degenhardt and Parks and Recreation Director Justin Stuart. CALL MEETING TO Mayor Lievsay called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Assistant ORDER AND to the City Administrator confirmed a quorum of the Council was CONFIRMATION OF present. QUORUM DOWNTOWN Parks and Recreation Director Justin Stuart presented information IMPLEMENTATION - regarding Central Park design and cost estimates. A copy of the CENTRAL PARK presentation is attached to these Minutes and incorporated herein. Staff recommendations to make a phased approach and have a passive recreational amenity, specifically: Trail Development could be completed in FY 2025-26 or sooner, Shelter House by FY 2026-27 or sooner, and Playground by FY 2027-28 or sooner. Council discussed feedback on the proposed plans and anticipated costs. Council directed staff to work with architect to develop a plan for a phased approach for: • Small restroom near depot • Small playground • Shelter for eating areas • Walking trail without a boardwalk around pond (concern for railroad track); trail does not necessarily need to make a complete loop around the pond due to narrow property line on east side between pond and neighboring houses. • Solar charging station • Screening or fence for adjacent property owners • Leaving community garden in place Staff anticipates a plan within six months and funding could be added to the CIP for next year. BOARD AND Mayor Lievsay presented information and Council provided direction COMMISSION regarding the following: DISCUSSION • Downtown Review Board After discussion, Council directed staff prepare a Code amendment to eliminate the Downtown Review Board. September 30, 2024 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 • Economic Development Council After discussion, no direction to change the scope or membership was given by Council. • Solid Waste Management Commission After discussion, Council directed staff to broaden the scope for the commission to include solar, environmental sustainability (MML), and recycling. Staff will research whether a citizen-advisory commission is required by MARC. • Historic Preservation Commission After discussion, Council directed staff to amend the Municipal Code to redefine the role of the Historic Preservation Commission to focus on the preservation of historic structures. Considering a plan to grade the structures in the District and outline requirements for approvals above a certain grade. The Historic Preservation Commission should review all changes needed to the three historic buildings in the community. • Transportation/Infrastructure Commission After discussion, Council directed staff to create commission to track funding and priorities. • Human Relations Commission - Wellness Commission Mayor Lievsay discussed changing the Human Relations Commission to a Wellness Commission, similar to Lee's Summit. The new Commission would focus on mental and physical health, and social services in general. The Council did not provide direction for further action on this Commission. • Rules of Procedure and Code Establishing Boards After discussion relating to Attendance and Residency Requirements, Council directed staff to not make any edits to the Rules of Procedure or the Municipal Code establishing Boards and Commissions. However, a Board may have non-voting advisory members that would not be required to be residents , but any voting member would need to be a resident of Blue Springs. ADJOURN Councilmember Culpepper moved to adjourn and motion seconded by Councilmember Ericson at 7:54 p.m., there was no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lievsay declared the meeting adjourned.