Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2015 AT 200 HIGHLANDS BOULEVARD DRIVE 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor David L. Willson called the Regular Board of Aldermen meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Clement, Alderman Stevens, Alderman Hamill, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Baumann, Alderman Diehl, Mayor Willson and Attorney Gunn. A quorum was present. 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES a. Minutes of the October 19, 2015 Regular Board of Aldermen meeting Alderman Hamill made the motion to approve the Minutes of the October 19, 2015 Regular Board of Aldermen meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Clement and carried unanimously, without objection. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Alderman Diehl announced that he would like to postpone 9 (a). Alderman Baumann advised that he wanted to add an item 10 (b). Alderman Clement made the motion to approve the Order of Items on the Agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Alderman Hamill and carried unanimously, without objection. 5. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC a. Presentation on proposed energy savings improvements for the Police and Public Works Facilities Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 1  Ms. Kate DeWulf, Graybar Electric Company, Inc. stated they have a division called Power Smart and the objective is to work with end users. Her focus is to work with municipalities and school districts to help them save energy and to reduce their utility costs, as utility costs continue to rise. Ms. De Wulf stated they sat down with Director Ruck to figure out which facilities are using the most energy. The Police Department and the Public Works Building were pinpointed; they walked the two buildings and did an energy analysis which she discussed. Ms. DeWulf stated the project cost is for materials and some for labor. She announced the amount Ameren Missouri will pay to the City of Manchester as an incentive. Ms. DeWulf advised that the incentive expires on November 30, 2015. She suggested that the City go forward with this program while Ameren has money to assist. Ms. DeWulf stated the overall payback is nine months for the interior and the exterior is two years for the Police Department. The payback for the Public Works Department is close to two years for both the interior and exterior. Director of Public Works Bob Ruck explained that the Parks Department was not included because it would be full replacement with the fixtures and would cost around $22,000 and the payback would not be for 3.8 years. Alderman Ottenad asked what the City would save with the Public Works and the Police buildings. She wondered what Ameren is going to give the City of Manchester. Ms. DeWulf answered Ameren is going to give a little over $5,000 for the total project in incentives, and approximately $7,500 - $8,000 in savings annually. The expected life of LEDs is 3 to 5 years. Director Ruck explained that the Public Works Department will do the installation. He said that Graybar would be supplying the products. Alderman Clement asked how the City of Manchester got involved in this tight deadline. Ms. DeWulf answered that the City of Manchester is not alone with this tight deadline, everyone was expecting the Ameren utility incentive program to renew for 2016, and it was just announced there would be no incentives for 2016. Alderman Ottenad asked if the City of Manchester has to apply to Ameren for this rebate. Ms. DeWulf answered that she has already submitted an application to Ameren on behalf of the City of Manchester. She said all she needs is approval and then they will send an offer letter with a dollar amount. b. Comments from the Public Mayor Willson read a prepared statement: “If you have a comment to offer to the Board, please come forward to make your comment. If you have a question to ask, please complete the card that can be found on the table in the Board Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 2 Chambers and when you come up to the podium direct your question to me, and I will see that the City Staff gives you a reply to your question within two business days. Staff will also make sure that the members of the Board and I know the reply that has been given to you.” Mr. Pat Kelly, the new Executive Director of the St. Louis County Municipal League since July, stated one of his initiatives that he started as the new lead director is to try and go around and introduce himself and the League and answer any questions. He said the next St. Louis County Municipal League meeting is on November 19 in University City. Mr. Kelly said the priorities will include funding sources for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT); that is a local and statewide issue and the St. Louis County Municipal League will be working with the Missouri Municipal League. He said the League will also be working on changing some of the legislation on Senate Bill 5 (SB5). Mr. Kelly advised that there is a group of municipalities in North County working together to file a lawsuit against the State of Missouri in regard to SB5. Alderman Clement stated that the issues Mr. Kelly spoke about are issues that he feels strongly about, and the forced consolidation that everyone needs to be aware of and fearful of. He encourages Mr. Kelly’s organization to oppose this in any way possible, because there is a constant drum beat to unite us. Mr. Kelly said that they have been working with two professors from the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) and analyzing some of the reports that “Better Together” has been putting out with their propaganda, as they seem to be the leading force on putting this information out. He said as many may be aware of in the public sector was the comparison of St. Louis and Indianapolis where they consolidated their government in the 1970’s. Mr. Kelly advised that Indianapolis made a “uni-gov” of one large government, but if you look at their organization they really still have 80 different governments inside their government. Mr. Kelly stated that last week County Executive Stenger announced his new standards for municipal police departments in St. Louis County. Mr. Kelly said he is confident in saying that he would imagine that Manchester already does all the things that are done within the policies and standards that County Executive Stenger is proposing. He said there are a few municipalities that are not. Mayor Willson commented that County Executive Stenger stated that in his article that he was going to sue the Mayor, fine the Mayor and throw the Mayor in jail if the City is not in compliance. Mr. James Bottorff, 580 Larksmore Court, stated it is nice to come to the meeting when things go so smooth compared to other Cities. Mr. Joe Townsend, 805 Bublin Lane, read a prepared speech in reference to NV Social Life and spoke about a couple of the topics: “A view of the NV Social Life website reveals what will be offered, numerous night club photos showing groups of ladies dressed to party in short black dresses and stockings.” He quoted from their website “NV is an upscale sports bar that transitions into a place for dancing and entertainment in the evening, NV fills a void for supplying nightlife in West County, our servers and bartender’s staff is composed of beautiful ladies dressed in a sexy, Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 3 flirty manner. Our ladies have years of experience combining top of the line professional bartending and wait staff skills with their individual fun upbeat personalities.” He pointed out their website only uses the words “sports bar” once. Mr. Townsend stated he drove past the business and it appears the large windows have been painted black on the inside. He said this establishment is out of character for our City and ironically it is in the heart of our City right next to the historic Lyceum building. He is wondering what specific actions can be planned to fix this error and when will they be taken. Alderman Clement asked the City Attorney to explain the Special Use Permit process. City Attorney Gunn responded by saying that application for the Special Use Permit was made based upon that submitted application and the matter was considered by the City Staff based upon the information that was provided. That matter was then brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission and they held a public session to consider it. The minutes are available online. After that process there was a published notice of the Public Hearing, and that was more than 15 days after the Planning and Zoning Commission had its hearing. Attorney Gunn said it was not rushed in any fashion. The representative of the holder of the Special Use Permit appeared and made public comment. At that time, the public was afforded an opportunity to ask questions and the Board of Aldermen did ask questions. The matter was then taken under consideration by the Board of Aldermen and based upon the information that was provided in the application of the Special Use Permit, the Public Hearing for the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Public Hearing before the Board of Aldermen, the Aldermen granted the Special Use Permit. City Attorney Gunn stated he believes this business has not opened yet, but in anticipation of the opening and the questions that were raised, the Director of Planning and Zoning and the Chief of Police have met with the owners of the business and they are aware of the City’s feelings concerning the obligation of every business to abide by the terms of the Special Use Permit. Attorney Gunn said that as with all special use permits the City will monitor the situation to make certain that the applicant will do what they told the City they were going to do. Mr. Townsend asked if any comment was made as to the nature of the business. City Attorney Gunn answered that the City isn’t sure what the nature of the business is and that will be something determined when it is open. He said that from what the website says, it will be a sports bar until later in the evening, and then it is not going to be for children any longer and only be for adults. He said that is permitted by our Zoning regulations. 6. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR a. Mayoral Report Mayor Willson reported on October 22nd, he visited the Charter Communications facility and recorded his annual Public Service announcement; he also went to St. Louis County Municipal League meeting and Ameren did an update regarding meeting electrical needs of the future. He reported that on October 23 for the Halloween at the Park, there were hayrides. He reported that he has attended three “Trunk or Treats” with the Police Officers at different schools and churches. Mayor Willson stated that on October 28, the City had a grade school class visit the Board Room and the students had a mock Board of Alderman meeting and voted on a Resolution. After the mock Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 4 meeting, the students toured the Police Facility. Mayor Willson attended the staff meeting on October 29. Mayor Willson stated the Lyceum has been repainted gray and it looks very nice. 7. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR a. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of October 18 – October 31, 2015) There were no questions. 8. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES a. Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Clement advised that the Planning and Zoning Commission did not meet, but there is an Agenda for next Monday, so there will be a meeting. b. Manchester Arts Alderman Stevens reported that they are planning the future with the photo show and the band concert. There are new opportunities that they are looking at and planning for the future. Alderman Clement stated that on November 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 there will be a new Open House for the Artist Guild display. 9. ACTION ON OLD BILLS a. BILL # 15-2240 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING OUTDOOR SMOKERS Alderman Diehl advised that this Bill would be deferred until the next meeting. 10. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BILLS a. BILL AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE Alderman Ottenad introduced Bill # 15-2243, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 110.025 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE AND REPEALING SECTION 105.045 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES”, by title only. City Attorney Gunn explained that the City has in its Code a regulation which prohibits a person who had been convicted and pled guilty to, or did not contest a criminal violation, from being elected to public offices. It has taken some time for the State of Missouri to realize that it was a good idea. The State of Missouri has now enacted a Statute which allows for that and also expands that beyond what the City of Manchester did in our Code. The legislators made it a little simpler to enforce provisions concerning those who file for office who have not paid certain taxes. Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 5  No further action at this time. b. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY SAVINGS PRODUCTS FOR THE POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS FACILITIES Alderman Baumann read Proposed Resolution # 15-0539, entitled: “A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SIXTEEN THOUSAND EIGHT DOLLARS AND SIXTY-TWO CENTS ($16,008.62) FOR THE PURCHASE OF LED LIGHTING PRODUCTS AND ROOM LIGHTING CONTROLS FOR THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FACILITIES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER THEREFOR”, by title only. Alderman Baumann made the motion for approval of Resolution # 15-0539. The motion was seconded by Alderman Clement and carried unanimously, without objection. 11. MISCELLANEOUS a. Comments from the Public There were none. 12. ADJOURNMENT At 7:44 p.m., there being no further business, Alderman Baumann made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Clement and carried unanimously, without objection. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ruth E. Baker, MMC/MRCC-S City Clerk Note: This is a journal of the Board of Aldermen meeting held November 2, 2015 (summary); not a verbatim transcript. If a recording of the meeting is desired, please contact City Hall. Regular Board of Aldermen 11/2/2015 Page 6