Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, MARCH 18, 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 Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES March 4, 2024 Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Toben made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, March 4, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether 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 Baumann and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS Comments from the Public Tom Welker, resident of 507 Audubon Place Ct, explained he was there regarding Parkway’s proposed Early Childhood Center and that the opposition was not against the Center, but against the location that Parkway had proposed. He continued that the field the building was being proposed on was getting used more now that the weather had gotten better. He continued that if the ECC goes in that location then students would have to walk to Parkway South High School which was not an easy walk. He also brought up a recommendation from the Parkway Early Childhood Steering Committee that increased tuition for some families to offer reduced tuition for students in other zip codes. Lindsay Gerken, resident of 605 Audubon Place Ct, explained he was there regarding Parkway’s proposed Early Childhood Center. He explained that his driveway was on Wren Ave and he had to adjust when he left his house based on the pickup and drop off times of the two schools currently there. He continued that he had heard that Parkway would stagger the start and end times of the schools, but that would just make traffic prolonged and make it harder to get in and out of his house. Jennifer Christensen, resident of 1421 Cedar Bluff Dr, explained that she was a mom of three Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 1 children who went to Wren Hollow Elementary School and worked as a teacher there. She explained that she had asked other teachers at Wren Hollow if they had received information or a survey regarding the ECC and none had. She continued that talking to the teachers at Southwest Middle School she learned that the only questions they had been asked was if they used a wooded lot behind the parking lot, but not about the proposed location of the ECC. She continued that there had been little communication with the residents as well. Ms. Christensen explained that they went to the Parkway Board of Education Meeting and received no answers to the questions they presented and were met with apathy from the Board of Education. She continued that she did not believe they had done their due diligence in this project and had not listened to community input or concerns. She asked the Board of Aldermen to help get the answers the community was seeking. Christy Hefele, resident of 821 Phaeton Dr, explained that she was a Manchester resident and an Earth Science teacher. She continued that she had concern about the additional impervious surface’s effects on the surrounding community. She explained that the increased impervious surface would cause additional runoff that would be bad for Fish Pot Creek and the surrounding residences. Melissa Jones Copeland, resident of 610 Wren Ave, questioned the necessity of a new Early Childhood Center in the area. She explained that local early childhood businesses had openings and a new early childhood center in the area would hurt small businesses by taking students and teachers. Kristen Mayo, resident of 513 Audubon Place Ct, expressed safety concern for the students of Wren Hollow Elementary School and Southwest Middle School. She explained that her husband had sent an email to the Board of Education explaining that there would not be access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency at the schools. She continued that Parkway had chosen the location for financial reasons, but that should not be put before the children’s safety. Jim Mohrmann, resident of 608 Audubon Place Ct, explained that the community took their concerns about the Early Childhood Center to Parkway and were not listened to. He asked the Board of Aldermen to not rush the review of this project when it came to them. He continued that Parkway made the decision without input from those affected, but he hoped the Board would listen to their issues with the proposed project and take that into account in their decisions. Mayor Clement assured Mr. Mohrmann that the review of the project would not be rushed when it came to the City of Manchester staff and Board. Ryan Kerr, resident of 950 Bellestri Dr, explained that his family had long time roots in Manchester, and he requested that the Manchester Police Department perform a threat assessment for an active shooter at Wren Hollow Elementary and at Southwest Middle School outside of school hours. He also requested a traffic assessment for Wren Ave thirty minutes prior to drop off and pick up to one hour after the drop off and pick up of the schools. He continued that he understood that the proposal had not been submitted to the City of Manchester yet, but he wanted to be on the record with his concerns and recommendations. He explained that the school district made it clear that they had no intention of changing the location despite the opposition, but that the community did not need the ECC as they couldn’t guarantee a certain number of enrollments for children in the surrounding zip code. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 2 Lori Winters, resident of 510 Carinal Ln, explained that traffic on Wren Ave and the surrounding streets had gotten worse in the last thirty years. She explained that it got worse when Wren Hollow Elementary was opened and that she saw concern walking around the neighborhood today. Alderman Toben explained that he lived near Wren Ave where Ms. Winters had expressed traffic concerns. He said that the Board was well aware of the traffic concerns and the amount of traffic in the area regardless of the proposal or not and explained he dealt with the traffic daily himself. Kayla Nenenswander, resident of 713 Big Bend Woods Dr, stated that her street was the cut through between Big Bend and Sulphur Spring. She explained that she walked her four children and two nephews to Wren Hollow and Southwest Middle and that though it was nice to be so close to the school that they can walk, the walk is dangerous, and she would not be comfortable having the kids making it without her. She continued that even at home, the kids have to move to the backyard when school was let out because traffic was too chaotic on her street. She thanked Alderman Toben for explaining that he too was impacted by this cut through street. She explained that this development would personally affect the lives of those who had spoken and that would affect her for decades as her children progress through these schools. She continued that the people commuting did not have the same value of the neighborhood as those speaking and that their traffic was already an issue and with the ECC it would be worse. Mayor Clement thanked everyone for coming out and sharing their views. He explained that the City would not rush through this process when it was submitted and that the Board and City Staff would do their due diligence. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Proclamation – Bill Vivrett and Manchester Arts Mayor Clement read a proclamation recognizing Bill Vivrett, the original Manchester Arts Commission, and current Manchester Arts staff for their commitment to providing quality art experiences in the Manchester community. Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement announced that there would be a listening session regarding safety and traffic concerns on April 3rd at 6:30pm at the Parks building. Mayor Clement notified the Board and members of the community of upcoming events including the Manchester Local Business Gathering on March 19th, Conversations with the Mayor on March 20th, a blood drive on March 22nd, Faith Leaders Gathering on March 25th, and the Municipal League Membership Program on March 28th. He reminded everyone of Parkway’s Community Meeting on March 26th. Mayor Clement acknowledged the success of the recent metals and electronic recycling event. He explained that the event was very busy and thanked the Police for their help with traffic during the event. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR MSD Presentation – Executive Director Brian Hoelscher Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 3 Executive Director of MSD, Brian Hoelscher, presented two propositions that would be on the upcoming November ballot for MSD. He explained the funding and details of Proposition S regarding stormwater and Proposition W regarding wastewater. Introduction to Police Officer Misty Heard Chief Will introduced Misty Heard, the City’s newest Police Officer. Officer Heard graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy in 2018 and joined the City from the St. Louis City where she worked as part of the Crisis Response Unit and had been awarded the BHR Lifesavers Award, an Award of Excellence, and a Meritorious Service Award. Officer Heard, joined by her family, had her badge pinned by her wife, symbolizing her addition to the Manchester Police Force. Redistricting City Administrator Klocke announced that the City had not looked at redistricting since the results of the 2000 census and had been working on updating the districts to represent how population was now distributed in the City. He continued that they planned on getting the map to the Board of Aldermen by April 1st. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 03-04-2024 to 03-17-2024) There were no questions. REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEES Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Baumann reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission did not meet. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether reported that the Veterans Commission would meet March 19th at 5pm via Zoom. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated that the Audit and Finance Committee did not meet. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated that the Tree Advisory Board did not meet, and their next meeting would be the following week. He also reminded everyone of the Arbor Day festivities coming up in April. Homecoming Committee Alderman Ottenad stated that the Homecoming Committee had not met yet, and that their first meeting was scheduled for April 17th at 6:30pm at the Parks office. OLD LEGISLATION BILL NO. 24-2529 Amending the 2023 Budget Alderman Toben read for the second time Bill No. 24-2529 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 22-2375 THAT ADOPTED AND APPROVED THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF MANCHESTER FOR THE YEAR JANUARY 1, 2023, THROUGH Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 4 DECEMBER 31, 2023,” by title only. Alderman Toben made the motion that Bill No. 24-2529, become Ordinance No. 24-2412. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Huether – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 5 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0964 City Hall Landscaping Authorization Alderman Dodge read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0964, entitled: “A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH TRC OUTDOOR LC IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED TWENTY- FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS ($24,000.00) FOR LANDSCAPING SERVICES AT THE CITY OF MANCHESTER CITY HALL,” by title only. City Administrator Klocke answered Alderman Dodge’s question and explained the funds were from the amount authorized by the Board in 2022. Alderman Dodge made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0964. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Bill No. 24-2530 Increased Safety Area Designation – Wren Avenue Alderman Baumann read Proposed Bill No. 24-2530 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE FINDING THAT PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIRES THAT WREN AVENUE AND PORTIONS OF CANARY DRIVE FROM WREN AVENUE TO THE INTERSECTION OF CARDINAL LANE AND BIG BEND WOODS DRIVE BE DESIGNATED AS AN INCREASED SAFETY AREA SUBJECT TO DOUBLE FINES,” by title only. City Administrator Klocke explained that this legislation designates an increased safety zone where double fines are assessed for a number of moving traffic violations. Chief Will specified that it does not include parking. Alderman Baumann stated Emergency Legislation had been requested. Alderman Baumann made the motion for approval of emergency legislation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 5 Board of Aldermen. Alderman Baumann read for the second time Bill No. 24-2530, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE FINDING THAT PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIRES THAT WREN AVENUE AND PORTIONS OF CANARY DRIVE FROM WREN AVENUE TO THE INTERSECTION OF CARDINAL LANE AND BIG BEND WOODS DRIVE BE DESIGNATED AS AN INCREASED SAFETY AREA SUBJECT TO DOUBLE FINES,” by title only. Alderman Baumann made the motion that Bill No. 24-2530, become Ordinance No. 24-2413. The motion was seconded by Alderman Toben. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 5 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. City Administrator Klocke explained that now the legislation had passed, it would go into a thirty-day period of public notice prior to enforcement of the change. He continued that Parkway was notified of the legislation being presented and was supportive of it. MISCELLANEOUS Comments from the Public Dan Miller, resident of 809 Henry Manor Court, stated that he was pleased that the legislation designating the increased safety area was passed, but recommended that the City look at all traffic hotspots within city limits and develop a comprehensive plan to approach capacity issues of existing traffic, not just additional traffic caused by developments. Alderman Dodge thanked the residents for their persistence and patience with the process. He continued that as people bring their concerns, they are learning more, but he hoped that Parkway would come forward with details to answer their questions, which were legitimate. Alderman Dodge stated that at this point he did not see the benefits of the proposed third school on Wren Ave to residents and local businesses. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Toben made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 03/18/2024 Page 6