Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 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 Streeter, Alderman Dodge, Alderman Huether, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES August 5, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, August 5, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann 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 Streeter and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS Picnic License for St. Joseph’s Church City Clerk Melugin explained that St. Joseph’s Church has an upcoming annual event and are applying for a picnic license to sell alcohol. Alderman Toben made the motion for approval of the Picnic License for St. Joseph’s Church. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Comments from the Public Mike McCluskey, resident of 1205 Priest Drive, wanted to address the potential risk of the pond that is located on John Ryan Lane. This could be unsafe to children who could get caught in the water retention when it’s flowing outward. He suggested looking into the possibility of building a fence around the pond. Paul Bracher, resident of 343 Autumn Creek Drive, stated that there has been no update since the police chief was placed on paid administrative leave and the deputy police chief resigned. He is wanting more details into the investigation and the public be updated. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 1 Tom Welker, resident of 507 Audubon Place Court, stated that the public needs a sense of trust built between the board and the residents, along with needing more transparency and communication on projects happening in the municipality. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement read a letter from Loris Clifford thanking the board for her celebration of her 100th birthday. Mayor Clement spoke about the city hosting the West County Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs and Transportation Forum on Friday morning at the Parks. The group appreciated the venue and found it very impressive. Mayor Clement spoke about the prostate screening that is offered and mentioned the Flags of Valor, First Responders installation that will be in September. Mayor Clement announced there will be a short ceremony on September 11, 2024, at the Veteran’s Memorial with guest speakers in attendance. Mayor Clement stated the blood drive on Friday was successful. Mayor Clement announced our next Board of Alderman meeting will be Tuesday, September 3rd, and we are looking forward to our 50-year Resident Luncheon on Wednesday, August 28th, at 11:30am. Mayor Clement spoke about the Good Neighbor Week coming up September 28th through October 4th where we will nominate a resident to be considered. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Introduction to Parks Maintenance Worker Taylor Norsworthy Director of Parks, Recreation, and Arts, Kat Schien, introduced Taylor Norsworthy. Audit Presentation– Mollie Malone Mollie Malone explained the process of the audit, noted highlights of the audited 2023 financial statements. There were two major accounting standards that are reflected in the financial statements this year. Number one, we had to adopt the GASB Statement number 68; this is due to us joining Lagers. Number two, GASB Statement number 96, subscription-based information technology arrangements. 6 Month 2024 Financial Statements – Director Shawn Sieve Director Shawn Sieve presented the 6-month financial report. He stated revenue exceeded expenses by $669,000, 57% of budget, where it was projected to be at 50%. Total taxes are ahead of schedule by 1.46%. He summarized the financial reports for each fund for the first half of 2024. We have fully paid off the TIF bond and this is the final year for Prop S. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 2 Solid Waste Code Amendment Report City Administrator Klocke reviewed Solid Waste Amendment that was previously brought to the Board of Aldermen. He also discussed the guidelines for storing waste containers and provided information about code enforcement data related to violations for the 25-ft set back rule on storing waste containers. He asked the Board of Aldermen for direction on finalizing the amendment. City Hall Monument Sign Report and Discussion City Administrator Klocke provided revised designs for the City Hall Monument that are constructed from real brick. The previous consensus was to proceed with the real brick monument sign and include a LED sign. He reviewed the pixel sizes and information for the LED sign. He summarized the cost of the monument that varies due to options on size, design and pixel density. He reviewed the budget for phase 3 of the City Hall renovation project. Alderman Ottenad asked for a visual on the difference of the pixel choices. City Administrator Klocke informed Alderman Ottenad that Kelly Signs would be able to bring out demos to view. He also went into detail on the size of the sign and how it would be seen from Manchester Road. Mayor Clement notated that there would be a possible discount if we were to decide on a sign by the end of September. City Administrator Klocke stated he will look into that discount and can follow up with the Board. The lead time on the monument sign is 3-6 months to be installed. Beerfest – 2025 – Alderman Baumann Alderman Baumann reviewed the revenue and expense breakdown of the event from previous years detailing how expenses and revenue between Manchester and Circle 7 were divided. He made different suggestions that he believed would benefit Beerfest. Alderman Baumann, Director Shien and City Administrator Klocke agreed to meet for a follow-up meeting to discuss some of the suggestions made. Policy regarding Conflicts of Interest – Alderman Baumann Alderman Baumann stated that concerns from Ward 3 residents have been raised about potential conflicts of interest involving Alderman Megan Huether and the Parkway School District. Alderman Baumann said that his concerns center on Alderman Huether’s previous role as co-chair of the Citizens for Parkway Community, as well as her involvement in government relations for Parkway Schools. Alderman Baumann expressed concerns about Alderman Huether's social media presence and how she promotes both her achievements as an alderman and her community involvement. Alderman Baumann suggested that Alderman Huether’s involvement with the school district may bias her vote on any development proposed by the Parkway School District. Mayor Clement reported that City Attorney Paul Rost submitted a report to the Board of Aldermen stating that there was no conflict of interest according to state statute, which defines conflicts of interest as involving a financial benefit. Further, Mayor Clement explained Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 3 the limitations the City has when it comes to voting for developments proposed by the school district. The Board discussed the possibility of revisiting the City's conflict of interest policy. Alderman Baumann asked who on the Board would be supportive of a review of the policy. Alderman Baumann and Alderman Dodge indicated they would like staff and the city attorney to review the policy. Mayor Clement said the City would review other municipalities’ policies. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 08-05-2024 to 08-18-2024) There were no questions. REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEES Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Baumann stated that there was a meeting this past week regarding a house off Hanna and there will be another meeting coming up in two weeks. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether stated we will be participating in the Homecoming Parade and encouraged Veterans to come by the tent and chat with the Commission. Flags of Valor installation takes place on Friday, September 20th at Stoecker Park. Following the Flags of Valor is our annual commemoration of the POW MIA remembrance. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 4th. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated that the meeting previously scheduled was cancelled. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated there was no report. Homecoming Committee Alderman Ottenad stated that the theme this year is “Down on the Farm.” The next meeting is Wednesday, August 21, at 6:30pm at the Park office. OLD LEGISLATION BILL NO. 24-2543 Conveyance of Easement (Manchester Road/ Gaywood Drive) Alderman Ottenad read for the second time Bill No. 24-2543 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE GRANT TO THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EASEMENTS FOR SIDEWALK UPGRADES ALONG MANCHESTER ROAD AT GAYWOOD DRIVE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE EASEMENTS DOCUMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY,” by title only. Alderman Ottenad made the motion that Bill No. 24-2543, become Ordinance No. 24-2425. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 4 Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Streeter – aye Alderman Ottenad– aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 6 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0981 2024 Electronics Recycling Collection Grant Alderman Baumann read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0981 entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER BOARD OF ALDERMEN ENDORSING SAINT LOUIS COUNTY’S GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE CITY’S WASTE REDUCTION EFFORTS,” by title only. Alderman Baumann made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0981. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Alderman. MISCELLANEOUS Comments from the Public Don Conine, a resident at 835 Heron Wood Drive, notated there are more signs in the neighborhood and would like to see more police presence with the number of new drivers coming to the high school. He mentioned seeing 3-4 drivers going right through the intersection. Mayor Clement asked Don Conine what timeframe he would suggest having police presence. Don Conine stated between 8-9am and just have presence there enforcing the law. Joshua Jones, a resident at 470 Oakland Drive, questioned members of the Board on the addition of the ECC. He believes the Board is not listening to what the residents want/ do not want. Mayor Clements stated we are not in a position to say yes or no to the ECC and our only position to have a say in is if it does not meet our code, then it would not go anywhere. If the planning director determines that it meets all our requirements, there is not a lot the Board can do. City Attorney Erin Seele stated that the City amended the agenda with good cause being an item came up Friday evening that requires a timely response by the City. CLOSED SESSION Alderman Toben read “Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Chapter 610, Section 610.021 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (the Missouri Open Meetings and Records Law) and subject to a motion duly made and adopted by roll call vote, the Board of Aldermen will hold a closed meeting for the purpose of dealing with matters relating to the following: Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 5 Legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys (Sec. 610.021(1) RSMo). Hiring, firing disciplining, or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body when personal information about the employee is discussed or recorded, including individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment (Sec. 610.021(3)&(13) RSMo)”. Alderman Toben made the motion to go into closed session. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Ottenad - aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Streeter – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 6 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. 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 9:18 p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 08/19/2024 Page 6