Board of Aldermen Meeting

Meeting Agenda

Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING

CITY OF BALLWIN – 300 PARK DRIVE

MARCH 12, 2001

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The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jones at 7:00 p.m.

 

PRESENT	ABSENT
Mayor Robert E. Jones
Alderman Kay Easter
Alderman Terry Byatt
Alderman Kenneth W. Buermann
Alderman Jane Suozzi
Alderman Ronald L. Nichols
Alderman James Robinson
Alderman Stan Huddleston
Alderman Mike Boland
City Attorney Lionel Lucchesi
City Administrator Robert Kuntz

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

 

The Minutes of the February 26, 2001 Board of Aldermen meeting were submitted for approval.

Mayor Jones recommended amending page 2, Citizen Comments, his response to citizen Goetz as follows: "Mayor Jones said the Board will determine, at a regular meeting, if a budget re-appropriation would be necessary due to the additional revenues". A motion was made by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Buermann to approve the Minutes as amended. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

NEW BALLWIN ROAD STUDY

City Administrator Kuntz introduced Mr. Doug Shatto from Crawford, Bunte, Brammeier (CBB), and St. Louis County Highway Director Mr. Mike Dooley, who are present to discuss New Ballwin Road. This presentation is in response to a request from the Board that CBB provide additional details related to pedestrian access, traffic congestion, and a roadway design for New Ballwin Road.

Mr. Shatto said there was confusion about the original proposal. He was asked to look at the New Ballwin Road corridor, evaluate the causes of traffic congestion were within the corridor, and develop solutions for mitigating the traffic congestion. He said there are four locations that are contributing to the congestion. These are Selvidge Middle School, Holy Infant, and Woerther Elementary School, and the intersection of New Ballwin/Old Ballwin/Reinke.

Mr. Shatto said at Selvidge, the primary cause of congestion is that there’s no left turn lane. At Holy Infant, there’s a lack of turn lanes. A right turn lane would be beneficial. At the Old Ballwin/Reinke intersection, turn bays would cut down the time allowed for turning from the side streets and keep the traffic flowing on New Ballwin. At Woerther Elementary School, on-site traffic circulation is a problem, and Woerther has little space to adjust traffic flow because of the temporary classrooms at the front of the school.

New Ballwin Road could be widened to three lanes with a continuous left turn lane or with intermittent raised medians.

Alderman Byatt asked about the options for bicycle traffic. Mr. Shatto suggested widening New Ballwin Road, widening sidewalks to 10 feet, or providing separate bike lanes of 6-8 feet wide, as possible solutions. Alderman Byatt said the on-road bike lane is the safest. Castlewood is a great asset to have on the border of Ballwin and whatever changes are made should tie in the southern part of Ballwin to this area. She said "traffic" is more than cars; it’s also pedestrians, bicyclists, people walking their dogs, and skaters. Equal emphasis should be given to all.

Mr. Shatto explained in detail various options and recommendations for improving the traffic flow and pedestrian usage.

Alderman Nichols said this is going to cost a lot of money and time. There needs to be a master plan that covers all of the things that have been discussed.

City Administrator Kuntz said there is a deadline to receive federal funds for this project. He suggested moving into the next stage quickly so that there is a chance for federal funding in the next grant application cycle.

A motion was made

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Alan Zenhoffer said the Boy Scouts should be recognized at the beginning of the meeting because they have to leave the meeting early to go to school the next day.

The Boy Scouts in attendance from Ballwin Elementary were as follows: Luca Clemmons, Chris Jacobs, Shawn Johnson, Mathew Kirk, Phong Ly, Sean O’Mara, Nathan Plag, Chris Presley, and Mathew Schmidtt.

Lynn Goetz, 14706 Clayton Road

Joe Ruby, 222 Hillsdale Drive

Lynn Goetz, 14706 Clayton Road

Monsignor Buchheit, Holy Infant School

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

LEGISLATION

BILL # 3074 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 15-483 SCHEDULE G ENTITLED LIMITED PARKING OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BALLWIN.

A motion was made by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Buermann for a first reading of Bill No. 3074. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. Bill No. 3074 was read for the first time.

Alderman Boland said he thought the Board previously agreed that the parking would be prohibited on both the north and the south sides of Clayton Ridge.

A motion was made by Alderman Boland and seconded by Alderman Buermann to amend the proposed bill to include both the north and south side of Clayton Ridge Drive as no parking. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Buermann for a second reading of Bill No. 3074 as amended. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. Bill No. 3074 was read for the second time.

A roll call was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3074 with the following results: Ayes – Buermann, Byatt, Boland, Robinson, Nichols, Huddleston, Easter, Suozzi . Nays – None. Whereupon Mayor Jones declared Bill No. 3074 approved and it became Ordinance No. 01-18.

BILL # 3075 - AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING THE MECHANICAL (#20236) CODE OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY, AS AMENDED, AS THE MECHANICAL (ELEVATORS AND AMUSEMENTS ONLY) CODE OF THE CITY OF BALLWIN.

A motion was made by Alderman Buermann and seconded by Alderman Boland for a first reading of Bill No. 3075. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. Bill No. 3075 was read for the first time.

A motion was made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Byatt for a second reading of Bill No. 3075. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. Bill No. 3075 was read for the second time.

A roll call was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3075 with the following results: Ayes – Easter, Huddleston, Boland, Buermann, Suozzi, Byatt, Nichols, Robinson . Nays – None. Whereupon Mayor Jones declared Bill No. 3075 approved and it became Ordinance No. 01-19

 

A RESOLUTION

OF SUPPORT BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF BALLWIN TO ESTABLISH A MANCHESTER ROAD CORRIDOR SIDEWALK ASSESSMENT DISTRICT.

Alderman Buermann expressed concerns about taxing the businesses in this regard. Not all would be paying the same percentage. City Attorney Lucchesi said the purpose of this resolution is to maximize Ballwin’s chances of getting the funds to do this. This is a resolution saying that if the City gets the funds, then the City will consider establishing this district.

A motion was made by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Robinson to adopt the Resolution. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the Resolution was declared passed.

 

CONSENT ITEMS

Record Retention

 

REPORT OF THE MAYOR

Fine Arts Appointments:

A motion was made

Pita King Special Use Exception Transfer

A motion was made by Alderman Buermann and seconded by Alderman Nichols to approve Special Use Exception. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.

 

REPORT OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR

Connector Name

A motion was made

Driveway at the Mobil Station

A motion was made

 

ALDERMANIC COMMENTS

Alderman Huddleston asked if the audit has started yet. City Administrator Kuntz said the audit is finished and will be presented at the next Board meeting.

Alderman Huddleston said the recycling in his neighborhood wasn’t picked up last week or tonight. He said that this is 4 times in the last 6 weeks that it wasn’t picked up on Monday. City Administrator Kuntz said it will be reported and he explained that the representative from Midwest Waste comes in to the Government Center everyday for the list. He said that Jerry Klein is trying to get the best service possible. Alderman Buermann asked if there have been any complaints about residents being on hold for long times when they call Midwest Waste? Jerry Klein said he hasn’t had many complaints of this nature at this time, however, he still gets missed pickup complaints. Code Enforcement Clerk Gabriele Mueller agreed and said that few calls are received complaining of long waits to get the telephone answered.

Alderman Byatt asked if the inspection fees could be adjusted to cover the cost. She asked if the Board is able to get cell phones from the Municipal League. She also asked what can be required during a special use exception transfer. Can a cross access easement or sidewalk construction be required? Alderman Buermann said he would like to see advance notice given to people coming before the Board regarding sidewalks or access. He suggested that Mr. Aiken inform the people of this when they discuss the special use exception transfer. Alderman Buermann said the issue is brought up too late in the process. City Attorney Lucchesi said if the owner of a property asks for the transfer of a special use exception, the Board may require such items. If a tenant asks for a special use exception transfer, the tenant cannot be forced to do these things.

City Administrator Kuntz suggested a goal oriented policy be prepared so that staff can provide the information.

A motion was made

City Attorney Lucchesi said he will compose a memorandum regarding adjusting the fees for the residential single family housing inspections to reflect the cost schedule before a motion for legislation is presented. Alderman Byatt suggested that this fee be periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect the actual cost of this service.

Mayor Jones said, regarding the cell phones, there is a group of cities that are going to litigate, a case has been filed by Southwestern Bell against Maryland Heights at this time to get a ruling on the statutory franchise that they claim the have. This issue is inter-related with what is telephone service. This will determine if we can receive gross receipts, utility, or business license fees from the cell phone provider.

A motion was made by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Buermann to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

______________________________

Robert E. Jones, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________________

Robert Kuntz, City Administrator

by Alderman Byatt and seconded by Alderman Buermann for a policy to be prepared to advise all applicants of the City’s goals and objectives regarding any commercial developments. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Huddleston to advise them that if the City does not have the documents returned by the end of the day tomorrow, March 13, the Board will revoke the special use exception. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.: City Administrator Kuntz the attempt to close this driveway and reconfigure the pavement for westbound to northbound traffic on Manchester and Holloway in conjunction with the special use exception transfer for Ballwin Mobil will probably not happen in time to fit into a MoDOT construction table. This was a condition of the special use exception as a transfer in 1998. MoDOT has agreed to do the closing based on its specifications, with its money, to create a turn lane at the Holloway intersection. The deadline is March 13, but has been extended until Thursday, March 15, to get the clear-cut right-of-way from the property owners so that they can proceed with the improvement. Mr. Kuntz asked the Board if the property owner would then be in violation of the special use exception and should it be revoked? Alderman Nichols suggested that if they don’t execute the documents and return them by the end of the day on March 13, a motion could be passed tonight that includes they will be dealt with in accordance with the special use exception. by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Byatt to have an ordinance prepared by the City Attorney, Kehrs Mill Road, is to be extended to Seven Trails, and the new road from Jefferson to Kehrs Mill, will be called Ball Park Drive.: City Administrator Kuntz said the Vlasis Park connector road construction will be going out to bid next week. A name for this connector road needs to be designated. Alderman Suozzi suggested naming it Kehrs Mill since it continues from the original Kehrs Mill Road. The name change for Lyons to Ball Park Drive needs to be done by ordinance so it can be established in the street list. Mayor Jones recommended that it be named Ball Park Drive from Jefferson all of the way to Kehrs Mill. – Mayor Jones asked if this is going to be the same business. The intended new owner, Syed Rahat Hameed Kazmi, said there will be a new business name for the restaurant. It will be a restaurant with Pakistani and India food. City Administrator Kuntz said that if the number of tables and other features is changed, the owner will have to come back to the Board of Aldermen. City Attorney Lucchesi said the Special Use Exception transfer was based on a certain plan that was previously approved by the Board. As long as the plan is the same, then the special use exception can be transferred. If the operation changes, the number of seats, etc., it will have to be presented to the Board again as a new special use exception. Mr. Kazmi agreed. by Alderman Nichols and seconded by Alderman Buermann to approve the recommendation for the appointments. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed. Mayor Jones said there are two vacancies on the Fine Arts Commission. He has been submitted the names of Lon Meyers and Peggy Potts to serve on the Fine Arts Commission. – A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Buermann to accept the recommendation to destroy certain records as provided by State law. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.: Monsg. Buchheit said the congestion on New Ballwin is not entirely due to the schools. The construction on Sulphur Springs, Ries Road and Kiefer Creek is a major cause at this time. The school traffic is there for 30-40 minutes in the morning and evening, and only on school days. There’s more traffic from the church services, meetings, basketball and volleyball. The citizens of Ballwin who use these facilities shouldn’t be inconvenienced by having to drive several blocks northward in order to go south.: Mr. Goetz asked the Board, if it is the Board’s job to educate the residents and bring them kicking and screaming into the 21^st century, or is it the Board’s job as elected representatives to do the will of the people who elected them?: Mr. Ruby asked about Mr. Lembke. Mayor Jones said Mr. Lembke is the chairman of a Citizens Committee known as "People For Parks". Mr. Ruby asked how Proposition A originated. Mayor Jones explained that Proposition A was placed on the ballot by ordinance. It was previously on the ballot in February, 2000, but was defeated at that time. A citizens committee was appointed to look into the issue of park improvements for the future. The citizens committee developed a long list of recommendations and suggested that the tax increase be put back on the ballot. Alderman Easter said the Board voted to put Proposition A on the ballot as a result of this strong recommendation from the Citizens Committee.: Mr. Goetz said that if bicycles and pedestrians are mixed on the sidewalk, there will be conflicts. Mixing cars and bicycles on pavement could be more than conflict, it could be death and is an unacceptable risk. Alderman Byatt asked if he had information to back up this statement. Mr. Goetz said he was on a bike and hit by a vehicle and so have others. He said he hopes that medians will not be put in New Ballwin Road that could interfere with emergency vehicles getting through traffic. by Alderman Huddleston and seconded by Alderman Byatt to work with St. Louis County in submitting the application for funding for the 2003 funding cycle. In the interim, work with the Church, property owners, and schools to receive input on the design and concepts. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion was declared passed.