Board of Aldermen 2010 Budget Work Session and Meeting

Meeting Agenda

 

Meeting Agenda click here

 

Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING
CITY OF BALLWIN – 300 PARK DRIVE
September 28, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pogue at 7:04 p.m.

             PRESENT                                                        ABSENT
MAYOR TIM POGUE 
ALDERMAN JIMMY TERBROCK 
ALDERMAN PRESS MCDOWELL 
ALDERMAN JANE SUOZZI 
ALDERMAN FRANK SCHMER 
ALDERMAN FRANK FLEMING 
ALDERMAN JIM LEAHY 
ALDERMAN RICHARD BOERNER 
ALDERMAN KEN MELLOW 
CITY ADMINISTRATOR ROBERT KUNTZ 
CITY ATTORNEY ROBERT E. JONES 

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the September 14, 2009 Board of Aldermen meeting were submitted for approval.  A motion was made by Alderman McDowell and seconded by Alderman Suozzi to approve the Minutes.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

PRESENTATION
None.

PENDING ISSUES
None.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Walt Young, 634 Lemonwood Drive:  Mr. Young suggested that the City Attorney prepare a “Hosting” ordinance, similar to those already approved in Clarkson Valley, Wildwood, and Eureka for aldermanic consideration.  He said that this is an important issue because people are hosting drinking parties at their home and allowing minors to drink.  The Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition is asking that a hosting ordinance be passed in Ballwin.  Mr. Young said that St. Louis County has asked him to suggest passing the MIP (Minors in Possession) ordinance.  Alderman McDowell asked for more information on the Hosting ordinance.  Police Chief Schicker said that currently, if there are minors in a vehicle with alcohol, all minors are charged. 

Mr. Young asked how much are the revenues down from 2008 to 2009.  City Administrator Kuntz said about 10%.  In 2007, the revenues were down about 5%. 

Mr. Young said that the prescription drug take-back was a huge success in Eureka on September 19.  He said there were over 8,000 pills brought back.  Other police departments are being asked to participate in this program.  He suggested that there be one location in the County where unused and outdated prescription drugs could be dropped off every Saturday of the year. 

Martha Geiger, The Cutting Edge Salon, 15425 Manchester Road:  Ms. Geiger said that she has been in business for 6 years.  She has had a sandwich board sign on display for 1 ½ years that has attracted a lot of business.  She received a letter that the sign is a code violation and should be removed.  She said that there has been a drop in business since the sign has been taken down.  When she called the Government Center and asked about the product displays at Schnucks and Sears, she was told that they have permits for their displays, but other Ballwin Plaza businesses were also issued code violation notices.  She asked that businesses in Ballwin be allowed to thrive as much as possible.  She would like to stay in business in Ballwin Plaza, but it is a struggle since the sign has been removed.  She said that anything the Board can do to help her business and others would be appreciated. 

Barbara Powell, 405 Oakmont Circle:  Ms. Powell asked that the leaf pickup start earlier than October 26.  She said that a tremendous amount of leaves have already fallen from the trees on Oakmont Circle and are in the street.  She asked that future budgets contain funds to continue this service.  She suggested trying again for a property tax increase. 

Ronald Markland, 15908 Wetherburn Rd., Chesterfield, Mo.:  Mr. Markland asked for the opportunity to review the city’s purchasing records to assure that they are in compliance with the Ballwin Code of Ordinances.  He said his Sunshine Law request was responded to by saying that the work done pursuant to his request cost $500 in staff time to compile, and if he paid $500, the records will be made available.  He requested that the cost be removed because it is permissible under the Ballwin Code of Ordinances since it would allow the public to have a better understanding of the way the city operates.  He said his request was denied.  He said that he believes the request is being denied because it will provide information that might not be beneficial to the city and the employees.  He said the Aldermen’s refusal to verify that the purchasing is being done in compliance with the Ballwin ordinances makes them an accomplice to the violations that appear to be taking place.  He said this is based only upon the limited amount of information that he has received to date.  The person that has the final approval on waiving the cost and providing the purchase information is the person who has the final approval on the products.  He asked that his request be reconsidered and Ballwin provide the documents for public review at the Government Center.  No copies are required.  He said he only wants to see the papers, and that has been denied. 

Mr. Markland said that on August 24, he asked questions about the purchasing policy.  He said the minutes did not state his questions accurately.  He said that when he and Finance Officer Loehr looked at some of the paperwork, he found what he thought were some problems.  The Minutes state that there were none found.

Mr. Markland said that regarding revising the limits for going out for bid, the State law should be read because the State has already set a number. 

City Attorney Jones said that he and City Administrator Kuntz have responded to Mr. Markland.  He said that no one has denied Mr. Markland the documents.  City staff spent 25 hours assembling the requested documents.  The cost of 25 hours of research, even waiving the copying cost, is $500.  He said that Mr. Markland decided unilaterally that he does not wish to retrieve the documents.  The statement that this Board is an accomplice to a cover up us ridiculous.  He said that the State law and City ordinances were designed to try to avoid things like bribery, kickbacks, favoritism, and conflict of interests.  He said that none of these things are present in the city’s transactions.  The possibility that the city has not followed to the letter each one of its procedures does not make it illegal.  It does not make it anything more than just simply a mistake.  It is not something that is subject to being set aside or anything other than your Sunshine review.  He said that Mr. Markland asked for documents that have been research, copied, and provided.  Mr. Markland has chosen not to retrieve them. 

Mr. Markland said that there were pavement milling, bids for $120,000, $130,000 and $141,000.  It was awarded to the $141,000 bid.  He said the expenditure ended up at $275,000.  He said he has the paperwork that verifies this.  He asked for the rest of the paperwork to justify this.  He should not have to pay $500.  The cost can be waived if it is in the interest of the public and this is being denied. 

City Attorney Jones said that the documents are available to be picked up for $500 because city staff spent 25 hours assembling the paperwork. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.

NEW BUSINESS

LEGISLATION

BILL # 3592 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HOURS FOR SUNDAY SALES OF ALCOHOL BY LICENSEES.

A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Fleming for a first reading of Bill No. 3592.   A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3592 was read for the first time.

A motion was made by Alderman Terbrock and seconded by Alderman Suozzi for a second reading of Bill No. 3592.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3592 was read for the second time.

A roll call was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3592 with the following results: 
Ayes – Terbrock, Fleming, Schmer, Boerner, Suozzi, Mellow, Leahy.  Nays – McDowell.  Bill No. 3592 was approved and became Ordinance No. 09-35.

BILL # 3593 - AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE EXCEPTION TO ROBERT WILHITE D/B/A THE LOFT, FOR OPERATION OF A RESTAURANT WITH ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES BY THE DRINK FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISES.

A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Leahy for a first reading of Bill No. 3593.   A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3593 was read for the first time.

A motion was made by Alderman Boerner and seconded by Alderman Terbrock for a second reading of Bill No. 3593.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3593 was read for the second time.

Findings:  A vote in favor of the bill finds that the Petition, as submitted, would not substantially increase traffic hazards or congestion; would not adversely affect the character of the neighborhood; would not adversely affect the general welfare of the community; would not over-tax public utilities; would not adversely affect public safety and health; is consistent with good planning practice; can be operated in a manner that is not detrimental to the permitted developments and uses in the District; and can be developed and operated in a manner that is visually compatible with the permitted uses in the surrounding area.  A vote against the bill means that one or more of these findings are absent.

A roll call was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3593 with the following results: 
Ayes – Boerner, Suozzi, Leahy, Mellow, Terbrock, Schmer, Fleming.  Nays –  McDowell.  Bill No. 3593 was approved and became Ordinance No. 09-36.
BILL # 3594 - AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING WILDFLOWER COURT FOR PUBLIC MAINTENANCE AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BALLWIN.

A motion was made by Alderman Terbrock and seconded by Alderman Leahy for a first reading of Bill No. 3594.   A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3594 was read for the first time.

Alderman McDowell asked about the width of the street.  City Engineer Kramer said the street is 26 feet wide, which is the standard width.  He said that Twigwood and Clear Meadows are wider because they are classified as collector streets.  There are a few older streets that are 20 feet wide, but the majority in Ballwin and St. Louis County are 26 feet wide. 

A motion was made by Alderman Boerner and seconded by Alderman Suozzi for a second reading of Bill No. 3594.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.  Bill No. 3594 was read for the second time.

A roll call was taken for passage and approval of Bill No. 3594 with the following results: 
Ayes – Boerner, Fleming, Suozzi, McDowell, Schmer, Leahy, Terbrock, Mellow.  Nays – None.  Bill No. 3594 was approved and became Ordinance No. 09-37.

CONSENT ITEMS:  (Budgeted items which are low bid and do not exceed expenditure estimates and/or items which have been previously approved in concept.)

A. Golf Carts
B. Liquor Licenses - Sunday

Alderman McDowell requested that Items A and B be removed for further discussion.

MAYOR’S REPORT
None.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Golf Carts:  City Administrator Kuntz said it is recommended that 6 golf carts be purchased from M&M Golf Cars, who submitted the low proposal in the amount of $10,917 with trade.  The purchase cycle was changed to the Fall with the idea of purchasing every two years instead of one year.  If the carts are purchased now, the expenditure will not be in the 2010 budget.  Alderman McDowell asked if this is a cycle that can be skipped until the next cycle.  City Administrator Kuntz said that one cycle has already been skipped.  The carts are revenue positive.  If they are down for mechanical reasons, revenue is lost.  The current carts are 5 years old.  Director of Parks & Recreation Bruer said that in the Summer, the carts are all rented.  If they are out of service, revenue will not be generated.  She said the carts have never been kept over 5 years.  Alderman Fleming said that the bid prices came in better than anticipated.  Buying end of the year models cost less than in the Spring when the price is higher for a newer model.  He said he is in favor of purchasing the carts in the 2009 budget.

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Terbrock to accept the expenditure for 6 golf carts as submitted by staff.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

Liquor Licenses:  City Administrator Kuntz said one of the liquor license requests is for the one-day Fall Fest and the other is for Sunday sales because this business wants to capture some of the football season.  Both are current license holders. 

A motion was made by Alderman Schmer and seconded by Alderman Suozzi to approve the two liquor license requests.  A voice vote was taken with a unanimous affirmative result and the motion passed.

Street Lights:  City Administrator Kuntz said that Brian Brader and Pat Hogan from Lighting Resources (3460 Hollenberg, Ste. 400, Bridgeton, MO 63044) presented their concept for the Ballwin street lights.  Mr. Brader said that the proposed light fixtures utilize the latest technology, provide quality white light, save energy and reduce maintenance expenses.  He presented 4 options:  1) do nothing and continue to pay Ameren $400,000 + per year and try to find expense cutting elsewhere; 2) try to buy out Ameren’s system to stop paying to lease the fixtures.  This requires a large initial capital outlay to buy an old antiquated system; 3) take some or most of the lights out, which will change safety and security for the citizens; 4) good lighting is the single most cost effective deterrent to crime, there will be an increase in thefts and vandalism; good street lighting makes an all-around reduction in crime.

Mr. Brader said that he and Mr. Hogan have developed a solution that, with no upfront cost to the city, money that is being paid to Ameren can be reinvested back to give the most advanced lighting system in the metro area.  Over the lifetime of the system, this approach will save conservatively $4 million.  He said that Lighting Resources will take over the maintenance of the lights.  He said that if a storm tears down lights, Lighting Resources will put the lights back up and make sure the lights are back in operable condition at no cost to the city.  Mr. Hogan said there will be a 10-year warranty period wherein Lighting Resources is fully responsible.  After that period of time, the city would be in a mode of generating cash as opposed to paying for a lease with Ameren.  The city would be generating approximately $400,000 per year.  Within the 10 years, Lighting Resources has 100% responsibility.  Mr. Brader said that one piece of the model that he doesn’t have yet are the terms of the agreement with Ameren to sell the system to the city.  The city has to ask Ameren for the cost of the system.  He said that when the cost of the system is obtained, every detail can then be finalized. 

Alderman McDowell asked what will happen with the existing lights.  Mr. Brader said that his company will take the lights down and properly dispose of them through recycling.  Alderman McDowell said that the company will take down all of the lights, put up new lights, and lease the lights back to Ballwin for 10 years.  Mr. Brader said yes. 

Alderman McDowell asked about the initial cost of replacing the street lights.  City Administrator Kuntz said that he believes the cost of the proposal will be close to the $445,000 that we are annually paying Ameren.  Under the Lighting Resources concept, whatever number they bid, probably would be 10 times the annual amount Ballwin is paying.  The city would continue to pay the fee for about 10 years, but we will have upgraded fixtures.  After 10 years, all we would pay is the energy charge.  We would also have to solicit bids with an electrical contractor for system maintenance.  The contractor would have to respond after hours during disasters, and then set aside a certain amount for non-insured losses.  Mr. Brader said that cost would be similar to what is being paid now for a short period of time. 

Alderman Terbrock asked how much energy usage will be saved with the retrofit.  Mr. Hogan said that energy saving will be about 25%.  He said that the purpose is to get out of the lease arrangement that the city has with Ameren.  Mr. Brader said that through Ameren, the city will continue to pay the current amount forever.  The price never goes down, and the same old poles and fixtures are being used.  Mr. Hogan said that Ameren increases will also be paid over the 10-year period of time.  He said that Lighting Resources can lock in a price so that increases down the road will not be an issue.  Mr. Brader said that the 18% Ameren increase can also increase the leasing rates.  The majority of the cost is for leasing of the posts. 

Alderman Schmer asked if they are negotiating with other cities.  Mr. Hogan said yes.  Alderman Schmer said that part of the plan is to replace every light in its current location.  Everywhere there is a light, there will be a new light.  Mr. Brader said yes.  Alderman Schmer asked if there is a plan that only 2/3 of the lights could be replaced.  Mr. Brader said that the current light spacing throughout Ballwin is consistent with every other city.  He said that Ballwin is not over lit compared to other cities.  He said that if poles are removed, they cannot be economically put back.  The posts are grandfathered in so that you can’t put the post on the same line.  The new post would have to have a whole new line with conduit, which would cost big dollars for each individual post.  City Administrator Kuntz said that Ameren recently adopted a new conduit requirement that tripled the cost of new installations.  Anything installed now must be under the new standards. 

Alderman Schmer asked that if every other street light in Ballwin was replaced but not take down the ones that Ameren currently uses, turn off the lights that Ameren uses and charges us for, see if the Lighting Resources system works with every other light.  If we decided that we need the Ameren lights, then take down the Ameren lights and replace them.  Could this be done?  Mr. Brader said that Ameren would have an issue with this because they will not alternate service in this manner.  He said there would be approximately 500 lamps per year that will have to be replaced.  The current lamps last 4 – 5 years.  The lamps proposed by Lighting Resources will last 25 years. 

Alderman Leahy asked has Mr. Brader ever done this with Ameren and another municipality with size volume, and why would Ameren be interested in doing this.  Mr. Brader said that this is not in Ameren’s best interest to do this.  He said the cost that Ameren charges to sell their system is pre-set by the Public Service Commission.  Alderman Leahy asked what will make Ameren have to sell.  Mr. Brader said the Public Service Commission.  Mayor Pogue said that an extra $13 per month is being paid by Ballwin for maintenance and lease fee for a 20-30 year old fixture.  The rate hike is on the lease fee, not the energy part. 

Alderman Boerner asked if this is a proposal.  Mr. Brader said not at this time because the missing information is the acquisition cost from Ameren.  That information won’t be produced unless the city asks for it.  The lights would be sold to Ballwin, not to Lighting Resources.  Mr. Hogan said that Ballwin would purchase the system from Ameren, Lighting Resources will get the financing for this, and the lights would then be leased back to Ballwin over a 10-year period of time.  He said that they will provide new lights, recoat and straighten the current poles, and warrant the system for 10 years.  Alderman Boerner asked why Lighting Resources needs to arrange the financing.  Mr. Hogan said that so there would be no upfront cost by the city.  The city can also arrange its own financing.  Lighting Resources would then provide the program.  City Administrator Kuntz said that the city is paying approximately $37,000 per month for street lights.

Alderman Fleming asked about the rough number from Ameren to buy out the system.  City Administrator Kuntz said it is expected to be about the annual bill times 10.  Alderman Fleming said this would be $4.4 million.  Alderman Fleming said that the biggest cost savings would be saving on the tariff amount that they are allowed to charge for the maintenance of the pole.  We are still buying the electricity.  With the more energy efficient fixtures, less electricity would be purchased. 

Alderman Schmer asked if the coverage of the light is the same with the new fixtures.  Mr. Brader said it is similar, except for the white light instead of yellow. 

Alderman McDowell asked about purchasing the new poles.  Mr. Brader said that the city would have to purchase the entire system from Ameren.  Alderman McDowell asked that when the utilities go out in Ballwin during a storm how will the system be restored.  Mr. Brader said that during the warranty period, Lighting Resources is responsible for everything.  He said that they would have a contractor come in and restore the lighting for the residents.  Alderman Schmer said that after the 10-year warranty, the city will have to have its own electrical contractor. 

Alderman McDowell said that we are charged an average usage per light, not an actual reading because there’s no meter on each light.  Mr. Brader said that Ameren tests the fixtures and determines what each light fixture draws in power, and that is the charge for power.  He said the Public Service Commission determines the pre-set rate.  He said the electricity usage of the Lighting Resource fixtures is 25% lower than the existing fixtures.  The rate doesn’t go down, but the usage goes down. 

Alderman Suozzi said that the tariff that Ameren charges applies to the entire region.  If there are more maintenance issues with older fixtures, we will pay a higher rate even though Ballwin’s units may be newer.  Mr. Brader said yes, that is correct.

City Administrator Kuntz said that we need to direct AmerenUE to provide a system buy out price, put the whole proposal into a sealed competitive bid process, and only then will the Lighting Resource number be known in relation to others that may be interested in providing the same service.  It could then be determined if we are going to proceed or not. 

Alderman Fleming said that his goal is to reduce the street light budget without reducing the number of street lights and making the city dark. 

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Leahy to ask the City Administrator to obtain from AmerenUE the information that is needed, and then the decision can be made if or how the proposal should be sent out.  A voice vote was taken with 7 Ayes, and Alderman McDowell voting Nay.  The motion was approved by a vote of 7-1.

City Administrator Kuntz recommended that consideration be given to eliminating the policy in the Policy Manual to provide free street lighting by petition from the residents.  He said the current policy states that 75% of the residents must sign a petition for a street light, and the city will install the light.  He said that it costs approximately $3,000 to install a light.  We should not add to a bill that we are trying to decrease.  As long as the policy remains unchanged, anyone can present a petition and request a street light. 

City Administrator Kuntz suggested that in the subdivision approval process, procedures should be changed so that the city does not automatically take over the lights for public maintenance after one year.  As it stands now, the lights are installed according to Ballwin standard by the developer, maintained by the developer for one year, and when the streets are accepted by Ballwin for maintenance, the street lights are also accepted.  He asked if the Board wants to continue adding to the aggregate, or keep the lights we have but not add any more lights to the budget.  Such street lights would remain the responsibility of the subdivision. 

City Administrator Kuntz suggested that a higher energy efficiency standard be applied to all new street lighting installations.  It should be the highest energy efficient proven standard that is available on the market.

Alderman Fleming asked if there are any petitions pending for new street lights.  Assistant City Administrator Aiken said that there are about 20 lights pending that are more than 3 years old.  Alderman Fleming said that in the past 2 new lights were installed each year due to cost concerns.  City Administrator Kuntz said that new lights have not been installed in 3 years.  There have been no complaints that the lights have not been installed.  He said that these petitions are most likely deficient at this point. 

Alderman Suozzi said that not taking over new subdivision street lights is treating the new resident differently than the rest of the city.  She said that this could become an issue.  She said that there are not a lot of subdivisions that have associations and structures to pay for the lights.  City Administrator Kuntz said that this new rule would only apply to new subdivisions.  No one would be disenfranchised.  Alderman Suozzi encouraged involvement in the consortium.  She said that other cities are trying to get AmerenUE to not just lower the amount that they are charging, but to also look at the overall system and what we would have to pay for the lights if we bought them back.  She said the consortium is working on that avenue also.  City Administrator Kuntz said that we couldn’t afford to buy back the lights if we didn’t have a third party option such as that presented by Lighting Resources.

Alderman Terbrock said that it would be imperative to now change the standards for the new subdivisions.  It would be foolish to put in lights that will be changed.  He said that he is in favor of not accepting the new subdivision lights. 

Alderman McDowell said that if a new subdivision does not have an association, we would be saying that we may elect not to take over the street lights.  When an individual takes residency in Ballwin, they should receive the same services as other citizens in Ballwin.  To say that we will not take over that service, puts the individual at a disadvantage.  He said that we should not tell them that they must have a subdivision association and pay for the street lights, but we will pay for the lights in the subdivision in the next block over.  He said that all streets should have the same rights as other streets.  He said a new standard should be uniform for all the streets in the city.  Putting lights out on one street, and keeping lights on on another street is not the right thing to do. 

Alderman Boerner asked about the 20 lights that have been petitioned.  Are these for existing subdivisions?  City Administrator Kuntz said yes.  Assistant City Administrator Aiken said that the new subdivision lights are put on Ballwin’s roll from the time they are installed, and never operated by the subdivision.  As soon as the road is built and the lights are installed, they are actually Ballwin lights, but paid for by the developer for 1 year. 

Alderman McDowell asked City Attorney Jones can we legally tell one subdivision that we will not pay for their lights, while we do so in other subdivisions.  City Attorney Jones said yes this can be done, but it may be criticized from a political standpoint.  Alderman McDowell said that all residents should receive the same service. 

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Terbrock to update our street light policy as recommended by City Administrator Kuntz.  A voice vote was taken with the following results:  Ayes:  Fleming, Terbrock, Schmer, Leahy, Mellow.   Nays:  McDowell, Boerner, Suozzi.  Due to unclear understanding of the motion by various Board members, Alderman Fleming withdrew the motion, and Alderman Terbrock withdrew the second.

A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Fleming to change the policy to no longer accept the submission of petitions to install street lights.  A voice vote was taken with the following result:  Aye:  Suozzi, Fleming, Terbrock, Schmer, Leahy, Mellow.  Nay:  Boerner, McDowell.  The motion passed by a vote of 6-2.

A motion was made by Alderman Terbrock and seconded by Alderman Fleming to change the policy to eliminate the automatic take over provision for lights in new subdivisions without a petition.  A voice vote was taken with the following result:  Aye:  Mellow, Fleming, Terbrock, Schmer.  Nay:  Boerner, Leahy, Suozzi, McDowell.  Mayor Pogue cast the deciding vote by voting Nay.  The motion failed by a vote of 4-5. 

A motion was made by Alderman Terbrock and seconded by Alderman Schmer to change the standards of the lighting in the new residential installations to adopt a higher efficiency standard.  A voice vote was taken with the following result:  Aye:  Mellow, Boerner, Leahy, Fleming, Suozzi, Schmer, Terbrock.  Nay:  McDowell.  The motion passed by a vote of 7-1. 

Resident Newsletter:  City Administrator Kuntz asked if the Board wants to continue the concept of publication in the “West Newsmagazine” as opposed to direct mail.  He said that there is a difference in cost.  Alderman Fleming said that switching to the print media format, the cost was reduced from $22,000 to $16,600.  City Administrator Kuntz said that this is published once per quarter but one extra issue is budgeted if it is needed.  Mayor Pogue said that not all of the residents receive the publication.  City Administrator Kuntz said that delivery to condos and apartments is being pursued by the West Newsmagazine. 

Mayor Pogue asked does the Board wish to continue publishing the Resident Newsletter quarterly in the “West Newsmagazine” with encouragement to look into avenues to include apartments and condos as a possibility.  The Board agreed.

Leaf Collection:  City Administrator Kuntz asked does the Board want to continue the program.  This is in the 2010 budget.  Alderman Fleming said that he wants the program to continue and wants to investigate a connection with Allied Waste for cost recovery.  He said that there may be a good reason to start the program earlier.  He suggested 1 or 2 trucks start earlier.  City Administrator Kuntz said that some residents will have to wait longer for their leaves to be picked up because there isn’t enough money to put into the program since this is a non-emergency service.

Goose Control:  City Administrator Kuntz said that last year $3,000 was budgeted, but only $1,500 was spent because of a donation to the program.  He does not expect a donation in 2010.  The critical period is in June before Ballwin Days.  Alderman Schmer asked if the program works.  Director of Parks & Recreation Bruer said it does work, but not this year because the program was not started early enough before the molt.  She said it does help to use the dogs for goose control.  Alderman Fleming said he is in favor of spending money on this program because the original $8,000 funding level is not required for this service.  He said that if we don’t do this, the program is not being run the way we said we were going to run the program.  Alderman McDowell said that he has observed that after chasing the geese, there are more geese in the park. 

A motion was made by Alderman Fleming and seconded by Alderman Suozzi to include $3,000 in the 2010 budget for border collie goose control as listed in staff’s memo.  A voice vote was taken with the following result:  Aye: Suozzi, Schmer, Fleming, Mellow.  Nay:  McDowell, Leahy, Boerner, Terbrock.  Mayor Pogue cast the deciding vote by voting Nay.  The motion failed by a vote of 5-4.

Purchasing Policy / Surplus Property:  City Administrator Kuntz said at the last meeting, there was a 5-4 vote to revise the purchasing policy.  He said that a city of the 4th class is limited to statutory limitations.  If this is going to be pursued, any revision to the current purchasing will require a super majority vote to rescind the policy and create a new policy.  Alderman Fleming said that he won’t vote to rescind it.  He does not want to increase the no-bid policy up to $10,000.  City Administrator Kuntz said that there is an approximate $500 advertising bill every time a bid is published.  He said that it’s important to make sure that as many scarce dollars go toward the product or service and not into a process that involves a third party that does not benefit the city.  Alderman Leahy agreed with Alderman Fleming. 

Alderman Suozzi asked if the requests for proposals are put online.  City Administrator Kuntz said yes, but this is a supplement and does not qualify as a legal advertisement. 

Business Plan:  City Administrator Kuntz asked for Board direction on the suggested business plan for the city.  Alderman Boerner asked that Alderman McDowell prepare a form for this project. 

Budget Meeting:  City Administrator Kuntz suggested that the meeting be continued prior to the October 12 meeting at 6:00 p.m. instead of at the close of this Board of Alderman meeting.  The Board agreed. 

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
None.

ALDERMANIC COMMENTS

Finance & Administration Committee:  Alderman Boerner said the committee met and discussed the role of city government and if a city could be treated as a business.  There are some elements of services provided that there is an obligation to reduce the cost.  He said that the citizens needs and wants have always been responded to either through petition or the strategic plan.  He said money is being wisely spent.  He said he is going to go over the numbers again before the next meeting. 

Alderman Schmer said the Planning & Zoning meeting with Ellisville at Blue Bird Park is set for Wednesday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Alderman Suozzi and seconded by Alderman Leahy to adjourn.  The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

TIM POGUE, MAYOR

ATTEST:
ROBERT A. KUNTZ, CITY ADMINISTRATOR

MC