Board of Aldermen Meeting

Meeting Agenda

December 12, 2016 7:00 p.m.
#1 Ballwin Commons Circle – The Pointe at Ballwin Commons
www.ballwin.mo.us

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Approval of Minutes: November 28, 2016 Board of Alderman meeting minutes

5. Citizen Comments:

6. Public Hearing: Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2017

7. Pending Issues:

a. Bill No. 3946 Contract for Electricity and Lighting Facilities with Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri

New Business:

8. Legislation: Legislation Next Ordinance # 16-34

a. Bill No. 3947 Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2017
b. Bill No. 3948 Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2017

9. Mayor’s Report

a. Ballwin Days Chairmen Appointments

10. Presentation:

a. Officer Michael Flamion will be presented with the Law Enforcement Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor. The Gary Sinise Foundation will be presented a check for the Hold the Line fundraising proceeds in support of Officer Flamion’s new home in Ballwin.

11. Aldermanic Comments

12. Adjourn

NOTE: Due to ongoing City business, all meeting agendas should be considered tentative. Additional issues may be introduced during the course of the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to Section 610.022 RSMo., The Board of Aldermen could, at any time during the meeting, vote to close the public meeting and move to closed session to discuss matters relating to litigation, legal actions, and/or communications from the City Attorney, as provided under Section 610.021(1) RSMo., and/or personnel matters under Section 610.021(13) RSMo., and/or employee matters under Section 610.021(3) RSMo., and/or real estate matters under Section 610.021(2) or other matters as permitted by Chapter 610.

Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
CITY OF BALLWIN – 300 Park Drive
December 12, 2016

THE MINUTES ARE PREPARED IN SUMMARY TO REFLECT THE OVERALL DISCUSSIONS, NOT VERBATIM QUOTES.

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

 

Roll Call

PRESENT                                                        ABSENT                   

Mayor Tim Pogue
Alderman James Terbrock
Alderman Michael Finley
Alderman Kevin Roach
Alderman Mark Stallmann
Alderman Frank Fleming
Alderman Jim Leahy
Alderman Ross Bullington
Alderman Raymond Kerlagon
City Administrator Eric Hanson
City Attorney Robert E. Jones 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the November 28, 2016 Board of Aldermen meeting minutes were submitted for approval. 

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Bullington to approve the November 28, 2016Board of Aldermen meeting minutes as presented.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Tim Pogue opened the public hearing and read the following:

 

Mayor’s Budget Message

In the spring of this year the Board held a planning session to establish goals and objectives for the City and to prioritize those goals for budgeting and implementation purposes.  The proposed 2017 operating and capital budgets reflect these priorities in addition to addressing ongoing issues from the current year budget. 

The highest priority for Ballwin is the maintenance of its streets. The City takes great pride in the quality of its streets and is known area wide for having the clearest roads during snow events. The City will spend $3.5 million dollars in 2017 for the replacement and improvement of streets and bridges. Two major projects to undergo construction next year– the resurfacing of Henry Avenue and the replacement of the Ries Road culvert - will receive federal reimbursements totaling almost $1.8 million dollars. To enable us to do more in-house work for street, sidewalk and curb ramp repairs, the budget also includes the purchase of paving equipment and a 2 ton swap loader truck. This vehicle is easily converted from a conventional dump truck to concrete mixer to a plow and salt spreader.

Another high priority is the continual upgrade of facilities for recreation and parks. Funding is included in the budget for repairs and improvements to the tennis courts at both Vlasis and Holloway Park, re-surfacing of the two-story water slide at North Pointe and painting of the indoor pool area at the Pointe among other projects.

A long term project for the City which commenced in 2015 is the trimming and removal of trees in the right of way considered to be in dangerous condition. With the invasion of the emerald ash borer, all of the City’s 2,000 ash trees will ultimately need to be removed. Ballwin staff will perform as much of this work as they are able to do safely, with the remainder to be done contractually.

Increased police department engagement with the community through onsite programs and social media will continue to be emphasized in the upcoming year along with the cultivation of collaborative relationships with our surrounding police neighbors.

The use of social media to communicate with and engage citizens will continue to be expanded. Enhancements to the City website will be ongoing. The new quarterly publication of Ballwin Life, which will be mailed to all residences within Ballwin, will feature information about City services, programs, and recreational opportunities.

I invite each of you to visit the City’s website to view the budget in its entirety, which includes a full listing of the goals and priorities for the City of Ballwin. I am confident in the underlying financial stability of the City and am extremely optimistic and enthused about the direction that Ballwin is taking and its continued ranking as one of America’s best places to live.

Mayor Pogue inquired if anyone would like to speak against the proposed 2017 budget.  No one came forward.

Mayor Pogue then asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the 2017 proposed budget.  No one came forward.

Mayor Pogue closed the public hearing for the 2017 Proposed Budget.

 

PENDING ISSUES

BILL NO. 3946   CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICITY AND LIGHTING FACILITIES WITH UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY D/B/A AMEREN MISSOURI

City Attorney Robert Jones stated that the City is still trying to reconcile the list of streetlights and facilities that will be covered by the ordinance and recommended the matter be held over again until the next meeting.

A motion was made by Alderman Stallmann and seconded by Alderman Roach to hold over Bill No. 3946 until a future meeting.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Bill No. 3946 was held over.

NEW BUSINESS

 

LEGISLATION

BILL NO. 3947   OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Bullington for a first reading of
Bill No. 3947.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Bill No. 3947 was read for the first time.

Alderman Finley wanted to state for the record that he found everything in order with the budget.  He also thanked the City staff for their hard work.  He has not received any negative feedback from his constituents and the budget is ready to go.

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Bullington for a second reading of
Bill No. 3947.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Bill No. 3947 was read a second time.

A roll call vote was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3947 with the following results: 

Ayes – Aldermen Fleming, Bullington, Kerlagon, Finley, Terbrock, Stallman, Roach, Leahy;

Nays -- None. 

Bill No. 3947 was approved and became Ordinance No. 16-34        

 

BILL NO. 3948   CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Bullington for a first reading of
Bill No. 3948.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Bill No. 3948 was read for the first time. 

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Stallmann for a second reading of
Bill No. 3948.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and Bill No. 3948 was read a second time.

 A roll call vote was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3948 with the following results: 

Ayes – Aldermen Fleming, Stallmann, Terbrock, Roach, Bullington, Finley, Kerlagon, Leahy;

Nays -- None. 

Bill No. 3948 was approved and became Ordinance No. 16-35        

 

MAYOR’S REPORT

BALLWIN DAYS CHAIRMEN APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Pogue asked the Board to approve his recommendation to re-appoint as Ballwin Days Co-Chairman Jim Lieber.  If approved, his new term expiration will be 12/31/19.

A motion was made by Alderman Terbrock and seconded by Alderman Stallmann to accept the Mayor’s recommendation and appoint as Ballwin Days Co-Chairman: Jim Lieber. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

Mayor Pogue asked the Board to approve his recommendation to appoint as Ballwin Days Co-Chairman Dan Aiken who will train under Darryl Holman during this Ballwin Days.  If approved, his new term expiration will be 12/31/19.

A motion was made by Alderman Stallmann and seconded by Alderman Terbrock to accept the Mayor’s recommendation and appoint as Ballwin Days Co-Chairman: Dan Aiken. A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

ALDERMANIC COMMENTS

Alderman Finley – Pointed out to the public that the Metropolitan Sewer District is having a storm water meeting in Ballwin at The Pointe this Thursday, December 15, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  MSD is having five or six of these to discuss storm water projects.  For those who work downtown, you may be able to attend a meeting at lunch on Tuesday, December 20^th.  MSD is holding this meeting at the administrative office on Market Street.  He encouraged everyone to go, especially those who have storm water issues in their neighborhood.  This is something that will need to be addressed and this is a good time to learn and inquire of the MSD officials.

Alderman Roach – Welcomed all joining to help celebrate Officer Michael Flamion, one of our true hometown heroes.  He thanked Officer Flamion.  Alderman Roach shared his experience growing up on the south side of Ballwin as a son of a police officer in a police family. When someone calls for help, there are officers there every day to respond and stand between a citizen and dangerous people.  The sacrifices officers make every day are immeasurable.  To assist them, the things that can be bought, the City has provided.  The City has been blessed in the things that cannot be bought, such as the leadership of Chief Kevin Scott and Lieutenants Lorne, Bergfeld, and Saitta.  

Since July, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised by a community and nation wanting to express their support of Officer Flamion and their appreciation of the daily work of law enforcement.  Ballwin showed the world what the people here have known for a long time, that Ballwin is a truly special and caring place, a family of 30,000. He again thanked Officer Flamion, thanked our Ballwin officers, Chief Scott, our neighboring police and first responders and our Ballwin community.   

Alderman Finley - Asked the officers there to be strengthened by the fact that the overwhelming majority of people in our country are still good and offer love and support.  He stated that just because one or two crazy people do something evil, be strengthened in the fact that the rest of us really support you.  Thank you and God bless you.          

Alderman Stallmann - Thanked everyone for being there and our community for the tremendous support given to Officer Flamion and the Ballwin Police Department.  The City saw the worst and very best of our world; and he has never been prouder of our community than he has been of the response to those awful events on July 8^th.  The City has shown the world what a community is and what a family is. He thanked everyone for being here and for their support as a community. 

Alderman Fleming – He told Officer Flamion that he is in awe of his courage and positivity.  He said he felt it is key to have a strong support network of family and friends and a police department that loved him. He wanted Officer Flamion to know he had a city-wide group of people he could call family as well and thanked him for his service.

Mayor Pogue turned the meeting over to Chief Scott.

PRESENTATION

Chief Scott took the podium and thanked the leadership of Mayor Tim Pogue, City Administrator Eric Hanson, and the entire Board of Aldermen for their strong and unwavering support during this difficult time.  Chief Scott said he will forever live with the day Michael Flamion was shot in the 300 block of New Ballwin.  To be able to stand here tonight and proudly re-present him to this community is hugely important.  

Chief Scott introduced the Patriot Guard Riders, positioned on the track above the gym. He thanked these men and women for their unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.  

Chief Scott thanked the neighboring police departments of Ellisville Missouri, Manchester Missouri, Chesterfield Missouri, and Des Peres Missouri that are patrolling Ballwin in order to allow the Ballwin officers to be here in this evening. He also expressed appreciation for the St. Louis County Police Department.

Chief Scott welcomed the commissioned and civilian personnel of the Ballwin Police Department, who entered and lined the center aisle of the gymnasium.  They were accompanied by the men and women of the Metro West Fire Protection District who were paramount in helping to save Michael Flamion’s life on July 8, 2016. 

He offered thanks for the quick reaction of the citizens on the scene, the actions of the initial responding units, the communications personnel in the 911 center, the lifesaving efforts of the paramedics from Metro West, the trauma staff at Mercy Hospital, and finally the specialized expertise of the nurses and doctors at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.  The efforts of all these people have made it possible for the City of Ballwin to welcome back Ballwin Police Officer Michael Flamion and his wife Sarah.

As the Officers stood at attention along the aisle, St. Louis County Police Department Pipes and Drum Band led the procession into the gymnasium followed by Michael Flamion, his wife Sarah and his patrol unit to the front near the podium. The remaining officers, Ballwin staff and Metro West employees also proceeded to the front of the room.

Chief Scott addressed Officer Flamion at length commending him for his service. He declared Mike is the epitome of bravery and heroism; he is indeed Ballwin strong and thanked him for his dedication to the Ballwin community and the broader region.

City of Ballwin staff organized the Hold the Line for Flamion fundraiser in Vlasis Park on September 30, 2016.  The event included a performance by Ballwin Police Sgt. Ron Moushey’s band, an auction, t-shirt, magnet and blue light sales, as well as community groups and restaurants that made donations of time and proceeds.  Proceeds from the event totaled $17,166.55. A check was presented to Mr. Jim Shubert of the Gary Sinise Foundation on Officer Flamion’s behalf by Finance Officer Denise Keller, City Engineer Gary Kramer, and fellow officer Mike Dahm.  The Gary Sinise Foundation, at the urging of locals Jim Shubert and his wife, Linda, will be building a smart home for Officer Flamion in Ballwin, the first to be built for a first responder.

Several proclamations were presented to honor Officer Flamion. The Missouri State Senate Proclamation was read by Chief Scott in the absence of Senator Eric Schmitt who was unable to attend. The St Louis County Council Proclamation was read and presented by Councilman Mark Harder of Ballwin.

Students of Selvidge Middle School accompanied by their Principal, Dr. Michael Anselmo, presented a flag to Officer Flamion while the meanings behind the 13 folds of the flag were read by Chief Scott.

On November 17, 2016, a ceremony sponsored by the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association and Americas Crusade Against Crime was held at which Chief Scott received the Medal of Valor on Officer Flamion’s behalf and presented it, with the assistance of Sgt. Dan Hawk, to Mike’s father.  The medal was held by the police department in order to be presented to Officer Flamion this evening.

Prior to presenting the Medal of Valor, Mr. Carl Shultz, a member of the Medal of Valor Executive Board and retired FBI Agent, spoke on behalf of the Board.  He stressed the importance of the thin blue line separating civilians from the violence of the world. As each officer swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend they did so feeling they could make this world a safer place; they could make a difference. Lastly, he thanked Officer Flamion for his service to our nation.

Officer Flamion was recognized for his dedication and sacrifice to the Ballwin Community as a police officer, as well as to the entire St. Louis region, exemplifying true honor and heroism.  In conjunction with the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association and America’s Crusade Against Crime, Chief Scott was honored to be able to re-present the Medal of Valor to Officer Flamion.  The medal was presented by Sgt. Dan Hawk and Sgt. David Fisher.

For the first time, the Ballwin Police Department issued the Law Enforcement Purple Heart.  The injuries sustained by Officer Flamion on July 8, 2016 were catastrophic, and have altered his life and the lives of his family forever.  It is because of those injuries that he is eligible and received the Purple Heart.  The award is sponsored by the American Police Hall of Fame and was presented in conjunction with that organization.  The medal was presented by Sgt. Dan Hawk and Sgt. David Fisher.

In early September, Officer Flamion had to set an official retirement date in order to access all of his benefits.  Though that was done of necessity, Chief Scott assured the crowd that Officer Flamion is a Ballwin police officer and will always be a Ballwin Officer.  As an official retiree, Michael Flamion was presented with his retirement badge and Identification card.  He was also presented with a door access card that is always to remain active, allowing him the freedom to come and go at the Ballwin police station. 

A closing procession, led by the St. Louis County Police Department Pipes and Drum Band, escorted Michael Flamion from the room.

Chief Scott turned the meeting back over to Mayor Pogue.

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Stallmann to adjourn the Board of Aldermen Meeting.  A roll call vote was taken with a unanimous result, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Tim Pogue, Mayor 

ATTEST:

Eric Hanson, City Administrator

 

K Medlin

APPROVED:  January 9, 2017