KIRKWOOD CITY HALL
October 18, 2007
7:00 p.m.

Pursuant to notice of meeting duly given by the Mayor, the City Council convened on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Kirkwood City Hall, 139 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, Missouri.  Present were Council Members Godi, Griffin, Karr, Lynch, McDonnell, Yuan and Mayor Swoboda.  Also in attendance were CAO Michael Brown and City Attorney John Hessel.

PRESENTATIONS

            Mayor Swoboda presented a Certificate of Excellence for Environmental Efforts in Storm Water Quality to Todd Rehg, Assistant Director of Public Works that was received from Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD).  The Certificate honors achievement in implementation of goals in the St. Louis County Phase II Storm Water Management Plan.  To meet this goal, Kirkwood has implemented “Best Management Practices,” which include proper storage and disposal of all hazardous materials, training in material-handling for all employees involved in maintenance or construction, and learning waste/spill clean-up procedures. 

RECOGNITION

            Mayor Swoboda announced that City Clerk Betty Montaño was sworn into office as Director of the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association-Eastern Division today.  Mayor Swoboda said the City is proud of the work she does to extend to the community her expertise and sharing with other City Clerks.  It comes back in a helpful mode to the citizens of Kirkwood. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

NONE 

PUBLIC COMMENT

            The following individuals spoke before the Council:

1.   Jason Wagenknecht, 60 Thorncliff, advised that the highest noise you hear from a smoke detector is what he hears all the time in his backyard and supports the installation of soundwalls.

2.   Gary Andrews, 2109 Westview, has lived at this address for about 23 years and has noticed a significant increase in traffic noise.  Supports the installation of soundwalls.

3.   John Pisoni, 58 Thorncliff, has excessive traffic noise and wants to see a study begin with regard to soundwalls.  He believes soundwalls are a necessity for the area.

4.   Amy Wagenknecht, 60 Thorncliff, believes that without proceeding with a sound study it will never be known if the area would qualify for soundwalls.  She supports a sound study for the area.  Ms. Wagenknecht provided more petition forms for soundwalls to the City Clerk.

5.   Lisa Ross Mizes, 58 Thorncliff, believes a sound study should take place to provide accurate date relating to the noise level of traffic noise in the area.

6.   Ray Belz, 2108 Westview, has lived in his home since 1974 and believes a sound study is needed and supports the installation of soundwalls.

7.   Jan Cerny, 2100 Westview, she and her family have lived at this address for 18 years and moved to this location to enjoy nature.  She cannot enjoy this area anymore because of the excessive traffic noise.  She supports a sound study and soundwalls.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by Council Member Lynch and seconded by Council Member Yuan to approve the Consent Agenda.  The motion to approve the Consent Agenda was unanimously approved as follows:

a)         Approval of the October 4, 2007, City Council Meeting Minutes

b)         Resolution 77-2007, renewing the agreement with VSP for vision insurance ($22,155.12)

c)         Resolution 78-2007, transferring funds for repair of street, driveway and sidewalk surfaces damaged by excavations to repair water main breaks ($75,000)

d)         Resolution 79-2007, transferring funds from a Parks and Recreation salary accounts to temporary and part-time salary accounts ($5,820)

e)         Resolution 80-2007, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with US Bank for depository services

f)          Resolution 81-2007, authorizing the submission of a grant proposal to the Municipal Parks Grant Commission of St. Louis County for the development of Monfort Park

g)         Resolution 82-2007, appointing members to the Board of Adjustment and Finance Committee

OLD BUSINESS

Bill 9827, amending Chapter 6, Article II., “Downtown Special Business District,” Section 6-41 “Use of Symbol” to depict the new graphic images of the new logo and typestyle was brought before the council. 

            Roll Call Vote as Follows:

            Council Member Godi                          “Yes”

            Council Member Griffin                                    “Yes”

            Council Member Karr                                      “Yes”

            Council Member Lynch                                    “Yes”

            Council Member McDonnell                             “Yes”

            Mayor Swoboda                                              “Yes”

            Council Member Yuan                          “Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the council, was adopted and became Ordinance 9708.

            Bill 9828, approving a Settlement Agreement with Verizon Wireless was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Griffin and seconded by Council Member McDonnell to continue the bill to November 1, 2007.  The motion to continue was unanimously approved.

The bill was continued to November 1, 2007.

            Bill 9829, appropriating funds in the amount of $40,000 from the Parks and Recreation Sales Tax Fund Balance to Account 302-2001-600.75.04, Project #PR0808, accepting the bid of Cunningham & Associates in the amount of $104,333.75 for playground equipment and authorizing and directing the Director of Purchasing to issue a Purchase Order was brought before the council. 

            Roll Call Vote as Follows:

            Council Member Godi                          “Yes”

            Council Member Griffin                                    “Yes”

            Council Member Karr                                      “Yes”

            Council Member Lynch                                    “Yes”

            Council Member McDonnell                             “Yes”

            Mayor Swoboda                                              “Yes”

            Council Member Yuan                          “Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the council, was adopted and became Ordinance 9709.

            Bill 9830, appropriating state traffic grant funds received in the amount of $12,800 to a revenue account and the to a Police Department expenditure account was brought before the council. 

            Roll Call Vote as Follows:

            Council Member Godi                          “Yes”

            Council Member Griffin                                    “Yes”

            Council Member Karr                                      “Yes”

            Council Member Lynch                                    “Yes”

            Council Member McDonnell                             “Yes”

            Mayor Swoboda                                              “Yes”

            Council Member Yuan                          “Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the council, was adopted and became Ordinance 9710.

            Bill 9831, granting a Special Use Permit for a restaurant at 120 and 122 West Jefferson Avenue subject to certain conditions was brought before the council. 

            Roll Call Vote as Follows:

            Council Member Godi                          “Yes”

            Council Member Griffin                                    “Yes”

            Council Member Karr                                      “Yes”

            Council Member Lynch                                    “Yes”

            Council Member McDonnell                             “Yes”

            Mayor Swoboda                                              “Yes”

            Council Member Yuan                          “Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the council, was adopted and became Ordinance 9711.

            Bill 9832, changing the zoning from R-5 to B-1 on property known as 10545 Big Bend Road and directing such change in the zoning district map was brought before the council.  Questions regarding the sidewalk and ingress and egress to the proposed parking lot were made.  After discussion a motion was made by Council Member Lynch and seconded by Council Member Godi to continue the bill to November 1, 2007.  The motion to continue was unanimously approved.

The bill was continued to November 1, 2007.

NEW BUSINESS

            Bill 9833, appropriating $7,854 from the General Fund (fund balance) to Account 101-1100-418.31.10 to provide full network access for the Kirkwood Train Station was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Griffin and seconded by Council Member McDonnell to accept the bill for first reading approval.  A discussion followed. After discussion a motion was made by Council Member Godi and seconded by Council Member Karr to continue the bill to November 1, 2007.  The motion to continue was unanimously approved.

First reading of the bill was continued to November 1, 2007.

            Bill 9834, transferring $50,000 from Water Department expenditure accounts to the overtime salary account due to the number of water main breaks was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Lynch and seconded by Council Member Godi to accept the bill for first reading approval.  The motion was unanimously approved.

The bill received first reading approval and was held over.

            Bill 9835, transferring funds in the amount of $1,400 from a Parks and Recreation  temporary salary account to a contractual services account was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Karr and seconded by Council Member Godi to accept the bill for first reading approval.  The motion was unanimously approved.

The bill received first reading approval and was held over.

            Resolution 76-2007, approving a site plan to construct a parking lot at 10545 Big Bend Road subject to certain conditions was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Karr and seconded by Council Member McDonnell to continue the resolution to November 1, 2007.  The motion to continue was unanimously approved.

The Resolution was continued to November 1, 2007.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

NONE

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

            Council Member Griffin advised that the Infill Subcommittee has recommendations and a public hearing needs to be scheduled.  A discussion followed.  The public hearing was scheduled for November 15, 2007.  A discussion took place about this issue being placed on a future work session agenda. 

            Council Member McDonnell advised that the Landmarks Commission received proposals for four new landmarks in Kirkwood:

·        St. Peter Cemetery that was established in 1832.

·        St. Peter Church that was built in 1850.

·        Woolworth Building (Gig Gwin Building)

·        Kirkwood Public Library

The Landmarks Commission conducted a Public Hearing on a proposal to make the Jefferson/Argonne district a local landmark district.

            Council Member Lynch asked that the Kirkwood Library be recognized for its achievement of being selected as the Best Library in Missouri.  He also announced that the 11^th Annual Halloween Walk with take place in the Special Business District on Thursday, October 25, 2007.  Council Member Godi said that the Kirkwood Kiwanis Club will sell hot dogs, chips, etc. at the event.

            Council Member Karr requested that if anyone knows who sent the anonymous letter regarding the safety of children waiting for the school bus at Big Bend and Glenwood to please advise.

            Mayor Swoboda advised that the next topic at the Saturday at the Train Station will be Leslie Hoffarth from MoDOT who will discuss Highway 40. 

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORTS

Mr. Brown reported that the City received a request from the Lions Club to have a garage sale on the east parking lot at Rausch Automotive, 11149 Manchester Road, on October 20, 2007 from 7 a.m. to noon.  The event will benefit various local and regional charities.  Motion was made by Council Member Lynch and seconded by Council Member Karr to approve the request.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Brown advised that the city has received a liquor license application from Robert Trevino to sell intoxicating liquor by the drink excluding Sunday sales at Amigos Cantina at 120 West Jefferson.  Motion was made by Council Member Lynch and seconded by Council Member Karr to approve the license.  The motion was unanimously approved.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

            Mr. Hessel had nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.  The next regular council meeting was scheduled for November 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.