City Council - Regular Meetings

CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES June 7, 2022 The City Council met this date in a regular session, in the City Council Chambers, which was available to the public in person, and via teleconference, at 7:38 p.m. Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold Councilmember Pam Bliss Councilmember David Franklin Councilmember Emerson Smith (Via Teleconference) Councilmember Karen D. Alexander Councilmember Sarah Richardson Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd A quorum was present. Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager Mr. Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney Ms. Katie Nakazono, City Clerk PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Arnold read the proclamations in celebration of Juneteenth and Pride month. PUBLIC HEARJNGS Proposed City Budget - Fiscal Year 2023 Mayor Arnold opened the public hearing. Eric Peterson, Director of Finance and Administration and Assistant City Manager, presented the proposed budget. [See Exhibit Al Councilmember Smith asked how often reports on the deficit will be given to Council. Mr. Peterson stated that his recommendation is quarterly. Councilmember Smith clarified that funds we aren't expecting do not go to reducing the deficit. Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm Ave., requested a financial "State of the City". He stated that he hopes that the City explores new, creative, and unconventional ways to drive revenue. He also stated that he thinks a financial advisory board is needed in the City. !See Exhibit Bl Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney, entered the following into the public record: I. Copy of the FY -2023 Budget. 2. Budget Presentation from the Director of Finance. Mayor Arnold closed the public hearing. June 7, 2022 Euclid Elms: An Application by Robert Keeney on behalf of Onder Properties LLC to Establish a Planned Environment Unit Procedure Within the "A4" Seventy Five Hundred Square Foot Residence District on an Approximately 1.09 acre tract of land located at the following addresses: 15 Euclid Avenue, 23 Euclid Avenue, 131 Euclid Avenue, and 133 Euclid Avenue Mayor Arnold opened the public hearing. Mara Perry, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief presentation (Exhibit C). She reviewed the history of Planned Environmental Units, history of the property, existing zoning, comprehensive plan analysis, PEU procedure, zoning, and parking. Councilmember Alexander asked about the parking. Ms. Perry explained the off-driveway parking. Councilmember Franklin asked where the other PEU is in the City. Ms. Perry stated that there is Webster Oaks Place, off of Elm. Councilmember Franklin asked about the water retention policy. Ms. Perry stated that they have to meet all of the stormwater requirements. Councilmember Alexander asked about sidewalks. Ms. Perry stated that they do require sidewalks on the frontage. Ms. Perry reminded them that this is just a preliminary plan to get the regulations in place. Councilmember Hixson Shepherd asked if the plan is for these to become individually owned unit homes. Ms. Perry stated that was her understanding but it would probably be better to ask the applicant. Councilmember Hixson Shepherd asked if there was going to be an HOA plan to take care of the shared space. Ms. Perry stated that they will need to put something in place. Councilmember Hixson Shepherd asked if there was a plan for a footpath to connect to Bell. Ms. Perry stated that there is not at this point. Ms. Perry reviewed the staff recommendations. Connie Evans, 512 Plateau, stated that the team has been responsive to the neighborhood and everyone is generally in favor of this project. The big concern is water runoff onto Bell. She also asked if there will be a building schedule. Are there provisions for an emergency that would prevent completion? Brad Peterson, architect, stated that we have to be careful how we sequence these and we will figure out how to do that. I am thinking we will start at the back or east to west. We are probably not going to build all of them at once. We have offered to meet and get together with the neighbors as the process goes. In terms of connecting Euclid to Bell, I don't know that that is going to happen. 2 June 7, 2022 We are looking at a mixture of different size houses. What you are seeing is the maximum we can do. Councilmember Alexander asked about a commitment to homeownership vs. investors purchasing. Mr. Bruntrager stated that we don't have a redevelopment agreement and can't make these kinds of limitations. These are limitations that would exist between a lender and borrower. All we are doing is making sure it is meeting our zoning requirements. Councilmember Hixson Shepherd asked about the grading. Mr. Peterson stated that that will be taken into consideration. Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm Ave., asked about the goals of the project. [See Exhibit Bl Councilmember Smith stated that he has talked to the bulk of the residents surrounding the development and they are in favor of it. I am in favor of it. I also want to put a memo in the minds of the Council, I would hope we can extend the sidewalks on both sides of the street all the way down. Councilmember Franklin stated that he thinks the Council and City in general need to talk about sidewalks in general and whether it creates walkability and safer streets. Elly Lang, 22 Euclid, stated that she is also overall supportive of the development but echoes concerns for affordable housing. She also commented on the future use of PEUs. Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney, entered the following into the public record: 1. Plan Commission staff report by Mara M. Perry Director of Planning & Development for meeting date March 7, 2022 with the following attachments: a. Tree Study and Contours plan b. Site Plan identifying five lot standard subdivision configuration c. Site Plan identifying five lot standard subdivision configuration with trees and contours d. Townhouse Preliminary Development Plan e. Custer Preliminary Development Plan 2. Minutes of the March 7, 2022 Plan Commission meeting 3. Plan Commission staff report by Mara M. Perry Director of Planning & Development for meeting date April 4, 2022 with the following attachments: a. Aerial Photograph of the site b. 2018 Zoning map of the area c. Site plan with property lines 3 June 7, 2022 d. Site plan with property lines, existing trees and contours e. Site plan four single family homes f. Site plan four single family homes with property lines, existing trees and contours g. Site plan five lot development h. Site plan five lot development with property lines, existing trees and contours 1. Site plan cluster development J. Site plan cluster development with property lines, existing trees and contours k. Considerations and determinations I. Cluster Housing Images 4. Minutes of the April 4, 2022 Plan Commission meeting 5. Plan Commission staff report by Mara M. Perry Director of Planning & Development for meeting date May 2, 2022 with the following attachments: a. Applicant's April submission attachments b. Comments gathered from a meeting of residents with Councilmember Smith dated April 4, 2022 c. Applicant's updated Preliminary Development Plan dated April 27, 2022 6. Draft Minutes of the May 2, 2022 Plan Commission meeting 7. Director of Planning and Development's Powerpoint before the City Council June 7, 2022 8. Zoning Code of the City of Webster Groves Mayor Arnold closed the public hearing. BILL #9186- FIRST & SECOND READING Councilmember Alexander introduced BILL #9186 - ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 53, THE ZONING CODE, BY PERMITTING THE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT 15, 23, 131, AND 133 EUCLID AVENUE, WITH CURRENT ZONING OF "A4" SEVENTY FIVE HUNDRED SQUARE FOOT RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER A PLANNED ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT PROCEDURE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTION OF SIX SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING UNITS AND APPROVING A PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON AN APPROXIMATELY 1.09 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO, and at the Councilmember's request, the Bill was read twice, first and second times by title only, and placed on the agenda for future consideration of the Council. 4 June 7, 2022 REMARKS OF VISITORS Susan King, 445 Sherwood, handed out a copy of the Webster-Kirkwood Times related to her concerns, and commented on safety issues regarding unattended kids in Old Webster. She asked for more police presence, particularly on early dismissal days. Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm, stated that he hopes the Council will continue to work on a Strategic Plan. [See Exhibit BJ NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER No New Business. UNIFINISHED BUSINESS BILL #9185-THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, BILL #9185 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10 "PUBLIC WAYS AND PLACES," ARTICLE II "EXCAVATIONS," SECTION 10.110 PERMIT REQUIRED" TO INCREASE EXCAVATION PERMIT FEES WITHIN THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, having been introduced and read twice on May 17, 2022, was taken up, it's title read a third time, and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9185. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9185. MEMBERS VOTfNG: A YES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER. RICHARDSON. HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9185 was approved. NEW BUSINESS BILL #9187- FIRST AND SECOND READING Councilmember Richardson introduced, BILL #9187 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE DEFINING THE PAY GRADES OF THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, FIXING THE COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES IN SAID CLASSIFICATIONS, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE #9151, #9152, AND #9174, and at the Councilmember's request, the Bill was read twice, first and second times by title only, and placed on the agenda for future consideration of the Council. A PowerPoint from Mr. Peterson related to Bill #9187 will be included in the minutes. !See Exhibit DI Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Franklin asked when the last time was that we did anything with the courts at Larson Park. Scott Davis, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the last time they got artificial turf was 2006. 5 June 7, 2022 Councilmember Franklin asked about the need to get these courts done. Mr. Davis stated that the seams are starting to split and will cause tripping hazards soon. These are the only turf courts we have in town. He asked about usage of the courts. Mr. Davis stated that they don't have a counter but they are pretty well used. There is a different population that likes to use turf- it plays a little bit slower so senior players or people with mobility issues like to play on those surfaces sometimes. Councilmember Franklin stated that he was asking because he sees that they are $25,000 over budget and wondered if they could be delayed. Mr. Davis stated that they have been delayed a couple of times already. They were looking at replacing them with hard courts about two years ago, but people were pushing to keep the turf Councilmember Franklin asked, long term, should we be getting rid of some cou1ts in Webster Groves. Mr. Davis stated that Barnickle is the next one that may need it, and maybe it could be set for pickleball courts. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda. MEMBERS VOTfNG: A YES: FRANKLfN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved. The following Consent Agenda was approved: • Approval of Minutes - May 17, 2022 • Resolution #2022-18 - A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase a Replacement Synthetic Turf Surface for the Tennis Court at Larson Park • Resolution #2022-19 - A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for the Purchase of Tyler Content Manager APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS • Susan Indelicato was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. • Karen Drexler was appointed to the Old Webster Special Business District. • Dan Warner was appointed to the Old Webster Special Business District. • Clark Hotaling was appointed to the Traffic Advisory Commission. • Susan Sunderman was appointed to the Traffic Advisory Commission. • John Buck was appointed as the Webster University appointment to the Police Community Engagement Board. • Ron Zager was appointed to the Webster Groves Historical Society Board in the City appointment slot. • Paul Barrs was reappointed to the Sustainability Commission. • Jeffrey Tomich was reappointed to the Sustainability Commission. 6 June 7, 2022 EXECUTIVE {CLOSED) SESSION Councilmember Bliss made a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, to go into Executive Closed Session per Attorney-Client Privileged Communications [MO Statute 6 I 0.021(I)] and Personnel [MO Statute 610.021 (3)]. Mayor Arnold called for the vote to go into Executive (Closed) Session. MEMBERS VOTING: A YES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that they would go into Executive (Closed) Session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this 7 Exhibit A Public Hearing FY2023 Budget As Amended Eric Peterson Asst. City Manager/Director of Finance and Administration June 7, 2022  FY 2023 BUDGET AS AMENDED The Bottom Lines All Funds General Fund YEAR REVENUES EXPENSES YEAR REVENUES EXPENSES 2022 Budget $24,346,789 $32,843,945 2022 Budget $17,168,865 $19,478,934 2023 As 2023 As $28,137,032 $29,483,155 $18,602,495 $19,416,563 Amended Amended 2023 Over 2023 Over $3,790,243 ($3,360,790) $1,433,630 ($62,371) (under) 2022 (under) 2022  FY 2023 GENERAL FUND STRUCTURAL DEFICIT ITEM AMOUNT FY21-23 General Fund Deficit $20,000,000.00 Revenues $17,728,459 $19,000,000.00 Expenditures $19,416,563 $18,000,000.00 Excess (Deficiency) ($1,688,104) $17,000,000.00 Business Districts Transfer In $102,585 $16,000,000.00 ARP Fund Transfer In $771,450.50 $15,000,000.00 Surplus (Deficit) ($814,068.50) $14,000,000.00 FY21 Actual FY22 Estimated FY23 As Fund Balance Reserve Use $814,068.50 Amended Revenues Transfers Expenditures NOTABLE REVENUE CHANGES FOR FY2023 Use Tax Passage of Prop U $500,000 annual estimate $250,000 for FY23  NOTABLE EXPENDITURES FOR FY2023 Employee Compensation Capital Plan • Implement New Pay Grade • Electric Vehicles & Charging System Stations • 2% COLA for non-unionized • Sustainability Measures employees • Aquatic Center Design Employee Health Care • Playground Improvements • 7% Increase in Cost to • Fire Department Ladder Truck Employee & City • Single Employee Plan now contributes $600 annually  AMENDMENTS ADOPTED TO THE FY2023 PROPOSED BUDGET ITEM INTENT ITEM INTENT R1 Revenue Increase of $163,000 in the Capital Fund PW1 Corrected a salary calculation in the unit R2 Revenue Increase of $113,000 in the Park Fund EC1 Provided a salary compression reserve in the Park Fund R3 Moved Public Safety Sales Tax receipts to the CIP1 Transferred certain projects to the Park Fund, allocated General Fund Capital and ARP Funding to a new Fire Ladder Truck EL1 Provided $3600 for certain boards and ARP2 Increased ARP Spending for electric vehicle charging commissions stations, solar roofs and energy efficient window replacement EL2 Provided $5000 for the Charter Review Advisory ARP3 Reallocated $100,000 in ARP Fund to Sustainability Board Initiatives EL3 Reduced Meeting and Conferences line item by ARP4 Provided $100,000 in ARP Fund to $5000 Bicycle/Pedestrian/Traffic-Calming Improvements www.webstergrovesmo.gov/budget  ARP FUNDING PLAN ITEM AMOUNT ITEM AMOUNT Electric Police Patrol Units (2) $130,000.00 Low-Income Seniors Utility Tax Rebate $50,000.00 Electric Fleet Vehicles (2) $60,000.00 Ladder Truck Replacement – Fire $550,000.00 Department Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (10) $158,000.00 City Hall Windows $165,000.00 Solar Roofs (2) $200,000.00 City Technology $367,000.00 Sustainability Initiatives Fund $100,000.00 PROGRAMMED TOTAL $2,030,000.00 Bicycle/Pedestrian/Traffic-Calming $100,000.00 Revenue Replacement 771,450.50 Improvement Plan Business Development Fund $100,000.00 FY22 Appropriated - City WiFi 111,000.00 DEI Initiative $50,000.00 REMAINING ARP FUNDS $1,692,094.46 www.webstergrovesmo.gov/ARP  DEFICIT REDUCTION GOAL FOR CLOSING LAPSE GROWTH RATE UNPLANNED REVENUE STRUCTURAL DEFICIT During FY2023, a lapse City leadership shall Unplanned revenue shall The City declares its goal (reduction in spending) of prepare for and be dedicated to the fund to close the structural $1,000,000 is to be implement a no growth balance, not provided for deficit in three years (by implemented. rate of expenditures from expenditure the end of FY2025). FY23 to FY24. appropriation. City Council to consider a resolution codifying the above measures on June 21  GENERAL FUND FIVE-YEAR PLAN - STRUCTURAL DEFICIT AS AFFECTED BY FY2023 BUDGET AS AMENDED $26.00 General Fund Expenditures Deficit Reduction Expenditures Revenue WITH transfers General Fund Revenue $24.00 $23.05 $22.25 $22.00 $21.48 $20.73 MILLIONS $20.01 $20.00 $19.42 $18.97 $18.60 $18.23 $18.42 $18.42 $18.42 $18.42 $18.42 $18.42 $18.00 $18.18 $18.27 $17.24 $18.04 $18.10 $16.91 $18.00 $16.76 $17.77 $16.61 $16.67 $17.73 $16.50 $16.05 $15.81 $16.00 $16.21 $15.40 $15.02 $14.75 $14.00  Questions? www.webstergrovesmo.gov/ www.webstergrovesmo.gov/ www.webstergrovesmo.gov/ budget ARP 626/Five-Year-Fiscal-Plan PUBLIC BUDGET & FINANCIAL RESOURCES  Exhibit B CITY BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING I appreciate and thank you for your hard work in putting the pieces of the city budget together by your June 21 targeted deadline. In that regard, I have just one question and one hope as you move forward: My one question is inspired by the very first sentence uttered by the President of the United States at every State of the Union Address: "The State of the Union is ___________." Strong? Healthy? Growing? Struggling? Etc.? So, I ask Council, given your budget work to date, "The financial state of the City of Webster is _______________." I wish someone would please fill in this blank to help us everyday common citizens better understand where things really stand. We just want a straight & honest answer. My one hope is that I would much rather see the city play offense and drive revenue growth versus playing defense and cutting spending and staff, the absolute worst action and last resort. The only notable revenue change in Eric's presentation, that I can see, is the Use Tax, budgeted to contribute $250,000 in 22‐23. Therefore, beginning July 1, I hope the city explores new, creative and even unconventional ways to drive revenue. Other cities around the country are doing it and reaping low hanging fruit. Plus, Webster has 17 different advisory boards and commissions but one is noticeably missing. Kirkwood has its "Citizens Finance Committee". Our School District has their Financial Advisory Committee that advises Pam Frazier and the School Board. In fact, Proposition S was developed and recommended by this committee. Personally, I think establishing this board would be far more relevant, valuable and urgent than the new Charter Review Advisory Board and its $5,000 budget. 1 EUCLID ELMS This may seem elementary, but Mara just covered the WHY. Now comes the WHY, or the goals to be achieved for this development project. Ideally, I hope they are SMART Goals ‐ Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and with a targeted timetable. We have been burned before. For if we learned anything from Douglass Hill, it is that setting weak, vague & broad goals upfront, with no clear strategic direction or focus, leads to weak outcomes. (Emily, you referenced this at least twice during your election campaign). Thus, I am simply asking what are the SMART Goals of Euclid Elms? For example, affordable housing at a specific price point for a specific primary target? A housing solution that fights gentrification versus elevates it? Etc? REMARKS OF VISITORS In the 21 years I have lived here, the city has never developed a true, comprehensive strategic plan. Marie & Eric initiated a genuine Strategic Planning Process last December that unfortunately got curtailed due to the election campaigns and city budget crisis. As such, I sincerely hope Council picks up this critical task after July 1. And if you need any inspiration, I encourage you to review the 19‐page strategic plan of the City of Kirkwood, a plan they officially revisit and update every 5 year cycle. It is excellent, in my opinion and extremely well‐thought out. Kirkwood, like other St. Louis cities, was impacted by the pandemic but, to the best of my knowledge, it is weathering the storm better than Webster is. The very big elephant in the room is that Webster has long lacked a strong, growing and resilient tax base. Yet, we vote down economically attractive projects like The Mills Project and Douglass Hill, and reject any box stores, whereas Kirkwood has a different vision and approved, built and benefits long‐term from Kirkwood Station and its big box stores south of Big Bend while preserving Old Kirkwood and its beautiful neighborhoods, resulting in lower residential taxes than Webster. In short, they made it work!!! Bottom-line: when you return and engage once again in serious strategic planning, take a long look into the future. What kind of Webster Groves do you see and want to be? 2 Exhibit C 6/8/2022 1  6/8/2022 • • • • • • • • 2  6/8/2022 • • • • 3  6/8/2022 • • • • • • 4  6/8/2022 • • • • • • • • 5  6/8/2022 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 6  6/8/2022 • • • • 7  6/8/2022 • • • • • • 8  6/8/2022 • • • • • 9  6/8/2022 • • • • • • • 10  6/8/2022 • • • • 11  6/8/2022 Recommendation – Recommendation Continued – 12  6/8/2022 Recommendation Continued – Recommendation Continued – 13 Exhibit D Ordinance 9187 Implementing A Pay Grade System Eric Peterson Asst. City Manager/Director of Finance and Administration June 7, 2022 WHAT THE ORDINANCE DOES? 1. Establishes 17 Pay Grades for the Classified and Unclassified Service. 2. Creates new pay ranges for each grade based of the market average of comparable local governments. 3. Authorizes the City Manager to adjust compensation for individuals as they enter their new grades. 4. Replaces the past practice of enacting two separate salary ordinances. WHO DOES THE ORDINANCE APPLY TO? 1. One ordinance now applies to all positions as positions will be placed in a pay grade. 2. All positions in the Classified and Unclassified service are included in this ordinance. 3. Police Officers, Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, Firefighter/Paramedics, and Fire Captains are not included at this time as they are subject to ongoing collective bargaining. 4. Council appointees, the Clerk and Municipal Judge, have their position explicitly stated in the ordinance. 5. Non-benefitted part-time staff are included in a range, however, individual pay is set by position and available funding at time of hire. WHEN THE ORDINANCE DOES APPLY? 1. The ordinance establishes the new pay grades and any specific salaries on July 2. 2. The City’s planned 2% COLA would occur at the same time. 3. The ordinance would need to be enacted on June 21. HOW DOES THE ORDINANCE WORK? 1. Salary ranges and/or specific salaries are set by the Council by ordinance. 2. Human Resources provides the City Manager recommended salaries within ranges, subject to appropriation, to address compression. 3. Unless explicitly set by the Council, a salary is determined by the City Manager. 4. The Personnel Board, pursuant to the Charter, has recommended approval of the new Pay Grade system. WHERE IS THE ORDINANCE AT? 1. The public and employees will find the adopted pay grades and job listings by grade at: www.webstergrovesmo.gov/632/Employees 2. Compensation and Classification Study Recommendations at: https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentC enter/View/10366/Compensation-- Classification-Study---Executive-Report- WHY ADOPT THIS ORDINANCE? Compensation Simplify and Matters to Recruit update to market and Retain Great rates the City’s Staff Pay Plan