Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 AT 200 HIGHLANDS BOULEVARD DRIVE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Clement called the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Nolte, Alderman Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES January 2, 2024 Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Toben and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the Order of Items on the Agenda, as presented. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS Comments from the Public Steve Macchi, owner of 991 Cardello Dr and president of the Big Bend Woods Condominium Association, explained a problem with speeding on the main street of the subdivision. He continued that Aldermen Toben had helped in getting police presence on the street with radar. He wondered what the officers believed would be the best solution for the speeding problem. He continued that keeping the community safe while they are walking around the neighborhood is a priority for their subdivision. In addition to the speeding, Mr. Macchi explained that people often park too close to the intersection causing issues with visibility. Both issues create a hazard for pedestrians. He requested suggestions and ideas to help with the issue. Mayor Clement requested that he leave his phone number with City Staff and email Alderman Baumann, Alderman Toben, Chief Will, and himself a summary of the issue so they could schedule a time to meet. Aldermen Toben explained that they are in the process of trying to figure out a solution to the speeding issues. Melissa Jones Copeland, owner of 610 Wren Ave, expressed concern about traffic on Wren Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 01/16/2024 Page 1 Ave and the reduction of greenspace on Parkway’s property for the development of a new school. She explained that Parkway’s property has decreased their level of maintenance after contracting out for grounds maintenance and that they don’t take care of the property as frequently as they used to, making it a nuisance and unsightly. She continued with concern on snow accumulation on the side of the street during snow removal. Ms. Copeland continued expressing concerns about trash and debris on the Parkway property, the reduction of the tree buffer to the residential neighbors, water backup into her yard, and the deterioration of a bridge. She stated she would take pictures and bring them to a future meeting. Mayor Clement stated they would meet with Ms. Copeland the following week and that Code Enforcement could meet her and see if any of the items brought up could be addressed with Parkway. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Proclamation – Eagle Scout Michael Collop Mayor Clement played a video and read a proclamation honoring Eagle Scout Michael Collop for his time and dedication to the mission and service of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 631. Mayoral Proclamation – Boy Scout Leadership Mayor Clement read a proclamation recognizing the importance of Boy Scouts in the lives of young men and women and acknowledged Stacey Werts, Cristina Vigil, Mike Whitaker, Dr. Joseph Bradley, and Brian Weiland for their commitment as parents, leaders, and encouragers in their children’s scout troops. Reappointment of Veterans Commission Members (3-year term) Alderman Toben made the motion to re-appoint Kay Bell, Ruth Baker, and Bill Pinkston, as members of the Manchester Veterans Commission. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, without objection. Lobbying Mayor Clement explained that many municipal leaders were concerned at some of the legislation that was being brought up at the state legislature. He continued that there are eight bills that have to do with the removal of sales tax on grocery items explaining that this removal would significantly impact municipalities and the ability to deliver the strong services and amenities that they provide. The Municipal League and local mayors are working to educate on the matter. He continued that he wanted Manchester to become part of a group that would fund a specific lobbyist who would focus on working against this legislation. He continued that Des Peres, Crestwood, and Brentwood had already joined this effort. Alderman Huether made the motion to authorize the City Administrator to enter into an agreement with Palm Strategic Group for professional services related to the education of the negative effects of the elimination of sales tax on the retail sales of food in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00. The City Administrator shall periodically report on the progress of Palm Strategic Group’s efforts to the Board of Aldermen and provide a final report on the firm’s efforts by June 10, 2024. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, without objection. Mayoral Reports Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 01/16/2024 Page 2 Mayor Clement thanked Manchester Police Officers and Public Works for their work during the winter weather. Mayor Clement notified the Board that the Spring Manchester Message would be sent to residences soon and of upcoming events including Conversations with the Mayor on January 17th and Manchester Police Department’s participation in the Polar Plunge on February 24th. Mayor Clement continued that the new trash changes with Republic Services would start February 5th. Mayor Clement informed the Board that Parkway South would have a day of service for their students on April 18th where students would assist in service projects, including Manchester’s parks. He continued that if anyone had projects that would fit high school students, let him or the City Administrator know, and they will pass it along to Parkway South’s planning team. He continued that the City received their blood drive summary for 2023 and had collected 487 units and hosted 20 drives. The next drive would be on January 23rd. Lastly, he reported that the unaudited 2023 financial statement was very strong, and revenues exceeded what was anticipated and that there would be a summary from Director Sieve in February. Mayor Clement thanked everyone who came to the Board of Aldermen meeting for the various recognitions. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Klocke notified the Board that the January 20th electronics recycling event had been cancelled due to the weather and the next event would be March 16th. Waste Cart Delivery Joell Aguirre, representative from Republic Services, explained that they had begun the delivery of the new carts to residents. She continued that she would update the Board on the progress of delivery as it continued. She informed the Board that if residents have questions regarding delivery or trash services, they should contact Republic at their customer service line or their local email at saintlouismunicipal@republicservices.com. Ms. Aguirre explained that in February Republic would work with residents who needed to exchange their cart for a different size, explaining that they are waiting to do these exchanges because their main focus in January was to get each resident a cart. She continued that starting February 5th they would only pick up the new carts and that if residents want to get rid of old trash carts, they could leave them at the curb with a note stating to throw them away from February 5-16. Ms. Aguirre answered the Board’s questions explaining that if a resident missed the selection deadline, they were by default given a 65-gallon cart. They could reach out to the email address provided for an exchange of size if necessary. Alderman Huether acknowledged the work of Administrative Assistant Paglusch on her assisting residents during this trash transition. She requested that now that the customer service would be handled through Republic that the City Administrator should receive communications regarding the volume of calls and questions received from Manchester Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 01/16/2024 Page 3 residents. She continued requesting that Republic tag the residents that put out the incorrect trash cart instead of having them call Republic when their carts aren’t picked up. Captain Craig Smith – National FBI Training Experience Alderman Ottenad congratulated Captain Smith on his graduation from the FBI Academy. Captain Smith recounted his journey through the FBI Academy and briefly explained some items he learned that would be brought back to the Manchester Police Department. Office of the Year – Asmir Zeric Chief Will explained the prestigious honor of being designated Officer of the Year. He continued that this award was bestowed upon officers who showed exemplary service, character, and integrity in their work. Chief Will explained that this year all supervisors were in agreement that Officer Zeric had exemplified these characteristics throughout the year. He continued that Officer Zeric led the Police Department in hazardous tickets and was a close second in arrests, and most importantly he was an officer that was always willing to step up and assist others and has mentored many others in his four years with Manchester. Chief Will bestowed Officer Asmir Zeric with the Officer of the Year Award for recognition of outstanding dedication to duty and law enforcement. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 01-01-2024 to 01-14-2024) There were no questions. Reports from the Committees Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Nolte reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan for 14577 Manchester Road and gave a positive recommendation for a Special Use Permit for 647 Big Bend Road for a restaurant. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether reported that Hometown Heroes banners were now available to order, and the Veterans Commission was working on planning Memorial Day events. The next meeting would be February 22nd at 5:00 p.m. Audit and Finance Committee Mayor Clement stated that there was no Audit and Finance Committee report. The next meeting would be February 5th. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge reported that the Tree Advisory Board was planning for the City’s Arbor Day celebration. He continued that with the help of the consultant they are putting plans in place for the use of the awarded conservation grant, and they are beginning to address the identification and removal of invasive plants. OLD LEGISLATION None NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0955 Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 01/16/2024 Page 4 Contract for 4th of July Fireworks Alderman Nolte read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0955, entitled: “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO EXPEND THE SUM OF TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($20,000.00) AND TO EXERCISE THE CITY’S OPTION TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH ARC PYROTECHNICS INC. FOR ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS NECESSARY FOR THE 2024 FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY,” by title only. Alderman Nolte made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0955. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Resolution No. 24-0956 Essential Services and Municipal Sales Tax Preservation Alderman Dodge read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0956, entitled: “A RESOLUTION URGING SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO OPPOSE ANY LEGISLATION OR PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE THE TAXATION OF RETAIL SALES ON FOOD,” by title only. Alderman Dodge emphasized the importance of retail sales tax on municipal funds explaining that little of paid personal property tax goes to municipalities. City Administrator Klocke explained that about 60% of the City’s revenue comes from sales tax, of that around 30% comes from the sales tax on food. If there were an elimination of sales tax on food items, the revenue loss for the City would be well over three million dollars and hurt the City’s ability to provide essential services. He continued that this was a hot topic in the Missouri Legislature. The Board discussed what would happen if this were to go through and that there would either need to be services cut or additional taxation somewhere else. Alderman Dodge made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0956. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. MISCELLANEOUS Comments from the Public None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Nolte made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 01/16/2024 Page 5