Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 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 September 16, 2024, Public Hearing Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, September 16, 2024, Public Hearing Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. September 16, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, September 16, 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 Baumann and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS Comments from the Public Kristen Krause, resident at 1005 Hazel Falls Drive, addressed previous health concerns that were mentioned in past meetings regarding the topic of backyard chickens. She shared updated statistics from the CDC related to human cases of bird flu and shared statistics from the Wildlife Rescue Center related to coyote attacks. Anna Friday, resident at 917 Brookvale Terrace, shared her support and positive lessons she experienced from growing up with chickens. She also stated she preferred the chickens to not be along the property lines. Debbie Rogers, resident at 823 Simone Court, stated she is happy with the current City regulations. Distance is needed when neighbors are in close proximity and is concerned with current, irresponsible Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 1 pet owners regarding dogs and cats and is unsure about future issues chickens may bring. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Proclamation – Community Planning Month Mayor Clement read a proclamation expressing the importance and value of our City’s planners. Mayor Clement proclaimed the month of October as Community Planning Month. Mayoral Proclamation – Chinese Gospel Church Mayor Clement stated he presented the proclamation for the Chinese Gospel Church over the past weekend. Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement acknowledged Alderman Ottenad and the volunteers at the shredding event this past weekend and also thanked Alderman Dodge regarding his project for prostate screening that also took place over the weekend. Alderman Dodge hopes to do the testing event every year. He stated blood testing is important for early detection of prostate cancer and shared his personal story with having prostate cancer. He is 7 years cancer free because of having a PSA testing that indicated something was wrong. The event for next year is set for October 4, 2025. This test takes roughly 15 minutes and can save your life. Mayor Clement spoke about the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Gospel Church that took place over the weekend. It was a large crowd, but welcoming. They shared about their past and future, leaving us feeling positive. It was a joyous celebration and they’re happy to be a part of Manchester. Mayor Clement announced Crunch Fitness will be spending roughly 6 million dollars to convert the old Best Buy into a 45,000 square foot modern gym. They plan to open early next year. He also acknowledged Bath and Body Works that had a soft opening. A new restaurant, Shawarma House, will also be an addition to the City. The Marine Corps Band will be in concert on Thursday night at Manchester Methodist Church this week. This is a free event however tickets are required. All 1,300 tickets were gone within four hours of being available. Police will be assisting whether it be for parking or general security. Mayor Clement shared that the Mercy Mobile Mammogram Bus will be at the Justice Center on October 15, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments are needed, and they ask that you bring an ID and insurance card. Mayor Clement also acknowledged a post from Yelp that stated the best tacos in Missouri are here in Manchester at El Jeroco. He encouraged all of us to go give them a try if we haven’t yet. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Introduction of Administrative Assistant/ Permit Technician Kaylee Kuechenmeister Planning and Zoning Director Andrea Riganti introduced Administrative Assistant/ Permit Technician Kaylee Kuechenmeister. Introduction of Public Works Maintenance Javier Chavez Director of Public Works Errol Tate introduced Javier Chavez. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 2 Introduction of Public Works Maintenance India Thon Director of Public Works Errol Tate introduced India Thon. Chicken Survey Discussion – Director Andrea Riganti Director Andrea Riganti discussed the results of the Chicken Survey. She explained that current regulations permit hens on properties of 2 acres or more to be kept in enclosed areas at least 150 feet from property lines without the need for permits and without limiting the number of hens allowed. This came after a resident requested a review of regulations, citing more relaxed regulations in surrounding communities. A survey conducted from July to September received 651 responses, with majority of respondents supporting backyard chicken keeping. The recommended number of chickens per household ranged from 3 to 6, with regulations desired for rooster prohibition, permit requirements, coop standards, and egg sale restrictions. Additionally, the survey highlighted benefits like fresh eggs and concerns such as cleanliness and odor. Regarding other communities, 4 out of 23 municipalities in St. Louis County prohibited backyard chicken keeping, while the others had varying regulations on lot size, permits, and the number of hens allowed. No specific recommendations were made based on the survey findings presented to the Board of Aldermen. Schroeder Park Playground Discussion – Director Kat Schien Director Kat Schien presented an update on the Schroeder Park Playground. She stated that the master plan includes a playground for 5 to 12-year-olds, a structure for 2 to 5-year-olds, a double zip line, decking, and a large nature-inspired water play area. We have purchased equipment, including structures for different age groups and musical equipment. The initial plan for the water play area included channels, streams, bubblers, and a waterfall. However, additional Stormwater management requirements from MSD led to a $238,000 increase in costs. To address this, two options were proposed: reducing the water play area or the deck scope. The decision was made to reduce the water play area to stay within budget. The water play area will still feature bubblers, a waterfall, and an ADA-accessible pump system. Moving forward, meetings with MSD and engineers are planned to ensure compliance with Stormwater regulations. The construction management company will conduct a cost analysis and schedule review. Some playground equipment on lower tiers will be removed to preserve the upper layers until construction begins. Bidding for construction services is expected to occur within the next two months. The emphasis is on staying within budget constraints, addressing Stormwater management requirements, reducing the water play area to mitigate costs, and ensuring compliance with regulations during construction. The focus is also on preserving existing playground equipment until construction commences and obtaining accurate cost estimates through bidding. Mayor Clement expressed his concern about the MSD update and was curious on when the meeting with MSD would take place. Director Shien stated the meeting with MSD would take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Mayor Clement questioned if there was a contingent clause and if so, did we ever see that. Director Shien stated she reached out to Matt Wolf, the original architect, and he stated the building would not be possible without meeting MSD's requirements and this has caused some confusion regarding MSD’s requirements. City Administrator Justin Klocke will join the discussion to challenge and clarify the situation. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 3 Mayor Clement asked City Attorney, Paul Rost about the matter regarding MSD’s deferment and Paul Rost stated he is unaware of any matters relating the subject. Director Shien and City Administrator Justin Klocke stated that MSD’s deferment said they would defer it to a project that was planned in 2020. Neither Director Shien nor City Administrator Justin Klocke were aware of any projects around that timeframe pertaining to MSD’s deferment plan. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 09-16-2024 to 10-06-2024) There were no questions. REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEES Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Baumann stated there will be no meeting on Monday, October 14. There was nothing to report. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether stated Veterans Day, November 11, will start with a breakfast at the American Legion. Our Flags of Valor will be displayed in the park, followed by a special evening ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Justice Center to honor hometown heroes and veterans. Their next meeting is on November 6, at 5 p.m. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated, Shawn Sieve, Director of Finance, has sent out the proposed budget workshop for October 29, at 7 a.m. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated the last meeting of the year took place last week. They are planning for Arbor Day 2025. The honeysuckle hack will be on November 2, 2024, and the Parks Department is looking for volunteers who will be joined by 25 goats this year. Homecoming Committee Alderman Ottenad stated the Homecoming Committee did not meet. They will have a meeting on October 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Parks building to wrap up the 2024 Homecoming. OLD LEGISLATION Bill No. 24-2546 Special Use Permit for 211 Old Meramec Station Road Alderman Dodge read for the second time Proposed Bill No. 24-2546 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO MANDY ZATORSKI, MANDY K9 LLC TO ALLOW A DOG TRAINING FACILITY AT 211 OLD MERAMEC STATION ROAD IN THE PBD-PLANNED BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.540 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER.” Alderman Dodge made the motion that Bill No. 24-2546 become Ordinance No. 24-2428. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Ottenad – aye Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 4 Alderman Streeter – aye Alderman Dodge– aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Baumann – 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. 24-0985 Unite Private Networks Agreement Alderman Baumann read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0985 entitled: “A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 20-0767 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO EXPEND AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS ($130,477.00) FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AREA KNOWN AND REFERRED TO AS THE 2020 CLOVERLEAF LANE STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.,” by title only. City Administrator Justin Klocke informed the Board on the new communication agreement. UPN was asked about future plans of installing additional fiber. They informed us that they have no current plans for additional fiber, as their work is mainly driven by customer requests. Therefore, we do not expect any major permits to be issued to them. Alderman Baumann made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0985. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Resolution No. 24-0986 LaBonne Construction Management Change Order Alderman Huether read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0986 entitled: “A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 23-0951 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO EXECUTE A CHANGE ORDER AND EXPEND AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND NINE DOLLARS AND NINETY-THREE CENTS ($34,309.93) FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF LABONNE PARKWAY.,” by title only. Alderman Huether made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0986. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Resolution No. 24-0987 Shade Structure Alderman Streeter read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0987 entitled: “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH AND EXPEND THE SUM OF TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($20,000.00) TO ALL Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 5 INCLUSIVE REC, LLC FOR A SHADE STRUCTURE AT THE PICKLEBALL COURTS.,” by title only. Alderman Streeter made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0987. 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 Alderman Baumann showed his ring that the Parkway West Junior Feeder team won this past weekend. Alderman Baumann helped coach the team and came out of the season with a 9-1 record. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Baumann made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:53p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/07/2024 Page 6