Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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 October 16, 2024, Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, October 16, 2024, Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen. The motion was seconded by Alderman Streeter and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. October 21, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, October 21, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Streeter and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Mayor Clement ordered a change of items on the agenda. 7b is to be switched with 7a so that the pinning ceremony of Ed Skaggs proceeds with the pinning ceremony of Brian Yount. 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 None. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayoral Proclamation – Homecoming Committee Member Ed Warhol Mayor Clement presented a proclamation honoring Ed Warhol, a dedicated resident and member of the Homecoming Committee for 37 years. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 1 Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement stated he held a Faith Leaders Meeting last week and they discussed the safety and security of the churches and schools in the area and shared different protocols put in place. Mayor Clement stated the Honeysuckle Hack at Schroeter Park had a large turnout and included the attendance of 20 goats. Mayor Clement shared that the City held the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bath and Body Works this past weekend. The City came to support and had a good time. A big thank you to Lisa Wigger for setting it up and hosting a great event. Mayor Clement shared the events taking place on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. We will honor Veterans by flying flags at the Veterans Memorial. Parks will host a breakfast at the American Legion Post from 7a.m. to 10a.m., serving around 125-140 Veterans and families. In the evening, we will celebrate with local heroes with banners on Manchester Road. Families will share stories of their heroes. It's a day to remember and show appreciation for our Veterans. Mayor Clement stated the next Conversations with the Mayor will be hosted at the Justice Center next Wednesday, November 13. Mayor Clement shared that the next recycling event will be held on November 16 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mayor Clement ended his reports encouraging everyone to get out and vote. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Pinning Ceremony of Chief of Police Ed Skaggs City Administrator Justin Klocke read a letter congratulating Chief Skaggs on his accomplishment and acknowledging his dedication to public safety. The letter emphasizes the importance of his new role in inspiring and supporting the officers under his command to prioritize respect, empathy, and professional excellence. Chief Skaggs is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the department to enhance public safety, strengthen community relations, and address the challenges facing the city of Manchester. His leadership is recognized as essential, and he is assured of the community's support as he guides the police force towards a safer and more united city. Chief Skaggs was pinned by his wife Colleen. Pinning Ceremony of Captain Brian Yount Chief of Police Ed Skaggs shared Captain Brian Yount’s 20 years of experience within the police department. Captain Yount has served in various roles including detective bureau and patrol supervision and he is highly respected among patrol officers; he is known for his expertise and guidance. Captain Yount was pinned by his wife Heather. Dangerous Buildings Discussion – Director Riganti Director Riganti spoke to the Board requesting legislation on a dangerous building and structures ordinance, Bill No. 24-2548. She stated the purpose is to expedite dealing with structures that pose a threat to the community. Currently, we follow the international property maintenance code. Dangerous buildings are cited, given 30 days for abatement, with extensions possible, but no provision for immediate action in emergencies. To address this, a new dangerous building structure is being proposed that would shorten compliance periods and enable the city to act swiftly in imminent danger scenarios. The proposed regulations build upon existing ones and allow the city to determine if a structure is dangerous and needs Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 2 immediate attention. Instead of the lengthy court process, an abatement order can be issued within 30 days, providing a quicker resolution while still ensuring due process. This approach grants the city more oversight and control over potentially hazardous building situations, prioritizing public safety and welfare. Proposal for Lyceum Arts Center – Director Schien Director Kat Schien shared a proposal for utilizing the Lyceum for an Arts Center. The presentation focuses on transforming the Lyceum into an Arts Center to address the lack of arts opportunities in our area. This proposal is broken into three phases. Phase 1 consists of immediate utilization of the existing space with minimal modifications. The Parks Department would hold different art camps and classes which would be a low budget impact using existing budgets to accommodate costs. Phase 2 consists of expanding the program which includes studio rental spaces for artists, additional exhibition space and permanent administrative space. Using the space upstairs, they would be able to offer small gathering performances and rental for theatre groups and/or musicians. Phase 2 would require installation of keypads on doors and ADA evaluation would be needed for the upper level as well as applying for grant funding. This phase would help grow the program, generate revenue for the City and be a permanent home for Manchester Arts. Phase 3 would continue to offer programming, space rental and expand offerings. Director Schien answered questions regarding funding for any future repairs. She stated any repairs would be reviewed at a later stage in the phases of the proposal and funds are available through parks and storm water. Grant fundings are available for programs. Director Schien reiterated the phases of this proposal is to help with not getting in too deep in case the amount of funds needed exceeds with what the City is willing to utilize for the proposed Arts Center. Paul Schroeder Ball Fields Discussion – Director Schien City Administrator Justin Klocke shared this discussion arose from questions at the Audit and Finance Committee about funds allocated for ball field grading and renovation. Director Schien broke down the results of a survey performed in 2020 within the community to get direction on where to start spending funds. Director Schien stated they believe the survey provided enough insight into what the residents were using and how to move forward. She reviewed the participation numbers for T-ball and soccer as well as reviewing the rental numbers on fields and pavilions. She reviewed the special events that the fields are also used for including Homecoming, EID Carnival, Scottish Games and fireworks. Director Schien stated the current upgrades to the fields include extending and reshaping the infields, adding a conditioner and wicking material to help with muddiness. Additional funds will be sought in 2026 for more field conditioner. Budgeted for next year is a basic regrading of the field to address ponding issues before further improvements are made. List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 10-21-2024 to 11-03-2024) There were no questions. REPORTS FROM THE COMMITTEES Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 3 Planning and Zoning Commission Alderman Baumann stated no meeting took place and the next meeting will be on Tuesday November 12. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether stated the Commission has a meeting this Wednesday at 5 p.m. and is looking forward to the events planned for Veterans Day. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated the budget process was reviewed last week, and everything looks good. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated there was no meeting and no report. The Tree Advisory dinner is set for December 10. Homecoming Committee Alderman Ottenad stated the Homecoming Committee met again and the Holiday Appreciation dinner is at Tucker’s at 4 p.m. where they will vote on the theme for 2025. OLD LEGISLATION None. NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0989 Emergency Tree Removal Alderman Dodge read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0989 entitled: “A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH AND EXPEND THE SUM OF FOURTEEN THOUSAND AND SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($14,075.00) TO THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY FOR EMERGENCY TREE REMOVALS.,” by title only. Alderman Dodge made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0989. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. BILL NO. 24-2548 Dangerous Building Procedures Alderman Streeter read Proposed Bill No. 24-2548 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE V, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE MANCHESTER MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 530 PERTAINING TO DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.,” by title only. Alderman Streeter stated Emergency Legislation has been requested. Alderman Streeter made the motion for approval of emergency legislation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Alderman Streeter read for the second time Bill No. 24-2548, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 4 TITLE V, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE MANCHESTER MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 530 PERTAINING TO DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.,” by title only. Alderman Dodge made the motion that Bill No. 24-2548, become Ordinance No. 24-2430. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. 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 Comments from the Public None. Alderman Baumann did want to ask about the pickleball structure and why it was needed. Director Schien stated it would be to accommodate the heavy flow of residents playing pickleball who are also senior citizens and the main focus is to help prevent any overheating of our residents. CLOSED SESSION Alderman Dodge 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: 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)” Alderman Dodge made the motion to go into closed session. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Streeter - aye Alderman Toben – 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 Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 5 Board of Aldermen. 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 8:58 p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 11/04/2024 Page 6