Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024 AT 200 HIGHLANDS BOULEVARD DRIVE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Clement called the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting to order at 6:59 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 October 7, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Huether made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, October 7, 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 Jim Walaitis, resident at 1288 Cottagemill Drive, shared his displeasure with the consideration of chicken farming on specific lot sizes as well as the illegal farming at his neighbor’s house. He would like the City to investigate the regulations with Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act and how they do not apply to the neighbor’s chickens. He urges the City’s leaders to address the issue promptly to restore peace in the neighborhood. Melissa Copeland, resident at 610 Wren Avenue, highlighted some information regarding Parkway’s traffic study. The study by Parkway indicated 184 students and 65-70 staff members, while a previous estimate mentioned 304 students with a maximum of 185 at a time. There were also 80 employees, 35 administrators, and around 25-40 students arriving by bus. It is important to verify these numbers for our traffic study. Waiver of Sunshine Law Fees – City Clerk Melugin City Clerk Melugin stated Mr. Matthew J. Halbert requested a waiver of the Sunshine Law request fees totaling $279.96. The estimated costs include 2 flash drives at $3.50 each and 8 hours of police personnel time for obtaining various footage and recordings. The city's policy requires the Board of Aldermen to Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/21/2024 Page 1 approve fee waivers for Sunshine Law requests under Missouri Statute section 610.026, fee waivers are permitted but not mandatory, with the condition that they serve the public interest and not the requester's commercial interests. City Administrator Justin Klocke stated state statute allows fees to be waived by the Board of Aldermen in the public interest. The documents requested by Mr. Halbert allege law enforcement felonies, triggering internal investigations. Manchester has policies in place, outlined in General Order 301, to handle such complaints. Mr. Halbert is encouraged to follow the employee misconduct policy before seeking a fee waiver. This involves filing a written statement and cooperating with an internal investigation to determine if misconduct occurred. Mr. Halbert is offered the option to file a formal complaint or complete it at a later time. The Board of Aldermen is requested to consider a motion on whether or not to waive fees for Mr. Halbert's Sunshine Law request. Mayor Clement clarified the motion would be to deny the request until the normal process is completed and then if there is still a want to bring the matter back to the Board of Aldermen, that option stands. Aldermen Streeter verified the Board was denying the request to waive the fees but not blocking the Sunshine Request. Aldermen Huether made the motion to deny the request to waive the City’s fees for fulfilling the Sunshine request because the requester hasn’t demonstrated that it is in the public interest as being likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the City. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Proclamation – Lafayette Industries Mayor Clement presented a proclamation to Lafayette Industries to thank them for being active in the Manchester community and to honor their work in providing employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Many members of Lafayette Industries were present to hear the reading of the proclamation. Mayoral Proclamation – Bathukamma Flower Festival Mayor Clement shared a video showing part of the Bathukamma Festival. Bathukamma is a 9-day festival from October 2, 2024 – October 11, 2024 and celebrates the connection between humans and Earth. Telugu-speaking communities contribute significantly to the region's vibrancy through various activities. Mayoral Proclamation – Jerry Meyer’s Retirement Mayor Clement stated he presented the proclamation to Jerry Meyer in person to thank and recognize him for his dedication and participation in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Holiday Time Off – 12/24/2024 – 12/27/2024 Mayor Clement proposed to the Board to consider designating December 26th and 27th as additional holidays to give staff a longer holiday break due to Christmas falling in the middle of the week. Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve adding December 26th and 27th as additional holidays. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. Lafayette Center Community Appointment – Carin Kohlmeier and Patrick Cunningham Mayor Clement requested an appointment for Carin Kohlmeier and Patrick Cunningham, who are both Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/21/2024 Page 2 affiliated with a capital land company that owns the Dierberg property and the Lafayette Center Community. These appointments are needed for a community improvement district. Alderman Toben made the motion to appoint Carin Kohlmeier and Patrick Cunningham to a 5-year term. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann. Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement stated a local dentist is offering free dental care to Veterans. Mayor Clement shared a thank you note from Circle of Concern for the latest donation made from funding at the last recycling event totaling a donation of $588.00. Mayor Clement thanked Lisa Wigger and Andrea Riganti for organizing the Planning and Zoning banquet dinner. He had a great time, and it was an evening of fun. Mayor Clement acknowledged the Mercy Mobile Mammogram van that was at the Justice Center on October 15, 2024. He suggested the Wellness Committee look at wellness issues of staff as well as within our community to see what else we can offer staff and residents. Mayor Clement stated that Civic Season had their last concert on Saturday in Schroeder Park from 1-3 p.m. Mayor Clement visited the second graders at Piermont Elementary and this was another huge event with lots of fun. Mayor Clement shared Bath and Body Works is planning a ribbon cutting ceremony and would like the City to participate. Mayor Clement will host the Faith Leaders gathering on October 29, 2024, where they will discuss any concerns regarding the swatting calls that came in earlier this year. Mayor Clement also shared he contacted a previous Mayor, Mayor Mike Wood who served as Mayor from 1966 – 1968. Mayor Clement is looking forward to meeting Mayor Wood and having the opportunity to speak with him in person. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR City Administrator Justin Klocke thanked the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the additional holiday time approved. It is sincerely appreciated and he wanted to give thanks on behalf of the staff. Lafayette Center Community Improvement Board of Directors Meeting Report City Administrator Justin Klocke shared that the Lafayette Center Community Improvement District held its annual meeting to discuss the 2024 budget, fiscal year 2025 budget, and officer appointments. The district, established in 2016, imposes a 1% sales tax for improvements within the designated areas. Currently, only two areas in Manchester have this additional tax. The district's finances are strong, with the loan balance decreasing from $4. 5 million in 2017 to over $1. 8 million by the end of 2024, projected to drop to $1. 5 million in 2025. It is anticipated that the district will be paid off before the 2041 deadline. The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for the approval of Mayor Clement's nominations during the meeting. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/21/2024 Page 3 List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 10-07-2024 to 10-20-2024) There were no questions. REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEES Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Baumann stated no meeting took place and no future meeting has been planned. 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 where our hometown heroes will share their stories. Mayor Clement stated the American Legion did have a fire but it was not a major fire and everything should be back to normal soon. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated the Budget Workshop is October 29, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated there was no meeting and no report. Homecoming Committee Alderman Ottenad stated the wrap-up meeting for Homecoming took place and this year’s Homecoming was successful with beautiful weather. The event aims to bring the community together rather than make a profit. Gross revenue increased from $50,000 in 2022 to $64,000 this year, despite higher expenses. The holiday dinner to decide the 2025 theme will be held on December 8th at Tucker's at 4 p.m. OLD LEGISLATION None NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0988 Canon Solutions Agreement Alderman Ottenad read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0988 entitled: “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH CANON SOLUTIONS AMERICA, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY- SEVEN DOLLARS AND FORTY-FIVE CENTS ($31,257.45) FOR A SIXTY-THREE MONTH LEASE FOR THREE NEW COPIERS TO REPLACE THE CURRENT COPIERS AT CITY HALL, PARKS OFFICE, AND THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER.,” by title only. Alderman Ottenad made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0988. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. BILL NO. 24-2547 Appointment of Chief of Police Edward Skaggs Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/21/2024 Page 4 Alderman Dodge read Proposed Bill No. 24-2547 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING EDWARD SKAGGS AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF MANCHESTER, ESTABLISHING A RATE OF PAY FOR THAT POSITION, AND, FURTHER, APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THAT POSITION,” by title only. Alderman Dodge stated Emergency Legislation has been requested. Alderman Dodge made the motion for approval of emergency legislation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Toben and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Streeter – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Dodge read for the second time Bill No. 24-2547, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING EDWARD SKAGGS AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE FOR THE CITY OF MANCHESTER, ESTABLISHING A RATE OF PAY FOR THAT POSITION, AND, FURTHER, APPROVING AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THAT POSITION,” by title only. Alderman Dodge made the motion that Bill No. 24-2547, become Ordinance No. 24-2429. The motion was seconded by Alderman Toben. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Streeter – aye Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Huether – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 6 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. MISCELLANEOUS City Clerk Melugin sworn in Chief of Police Edward Skaggs. Comments from the Public None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Toben made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:53p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 10/21/2024 Page 5