Kirkwood City Council
Council Chambers
139 South Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Thursday, June 18, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

Pursuant to notice of meeting duly given by the Mayor, the City Council convened on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 139 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.  Present were Mayor Griffin, Council Members Duwe, Edman, Luetzow, Ward, and Wurtz. Also in attendance were Chief Administrative Officer Russell Hawes, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Georgia Ragland, City Clerk Laurie Asche, Public Information Officer Freddy Doss, Director of Public Services Bill Bensing, and City Attorney John Hessel.  Council Member Zimmer was absent and excused. 

INTRODUCTIONS AND RECOGNITIONS 
						NONE

PRESENTATIONS
						NONE

PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE

PUBLIC COMMENTS
	City Clerk Laurie Asche read the following comments received via e-mail into the record:
1.	Michael Carmody, 352 Windgrove Drive. 1)Safer Streets for Kirkwood is pleased to announce the tangible, prompt responsive action from the STL County Transportation Department to address the dangerous water flowing over the roads of W Adams and S Ballas with work starting this past week. A continued effort is being made to complete this ASAP, the first area west of the intersection has been completed. Our communication was sent with-in the past month, the prompt STL County responsive action is noteworthy. As some of you know we have communicated this danger to our local Kirkwood elected officials over the past year. Not only did the County Transportation department respond, MSD also has addressed the storm sewer over flow on Bach, channeling that water away from Ballas Rd.  Much Appreciation to the positive, quick response to remedy this serious problem by the STL County official's. 2) What streets do these Resolutions address 57-2020 /58-2020 /58-2020, these were in the consent agenda and voted approval by the city council.
On May 19th of May a request was sent for what streets were being 

asphalt overlaid. The response back was 3 maps that showed streets which were to be maintenance updated - but it included at least 7 streets already overplayed in the past 16 months. Assuming the maps were sent in error, another request was sent June 9th explaining at least 7 of these streets were recently overplayed, again the same 3 maps were sent with the same roads, nothing corrected.  A third request was submitted on June 11th  requesting clarification to the prior communications, again asking what streets were included in these resolutions, no reply has been received. Can one of you please let us know which streets you voted approval for relaying asphalt?  One council member asked us to submit our suggestions for traffic calming last month but with out knowing what streets were approved to update maintenance at a cost of over $1.4 million we can’t possibly reply. 3) Manchester rd Phase 2 TAP funding.  We have been told by a council member the sidewalk cost for this project is $800k  It is planned to be split with MoDot at a 49/51% which will cost Kirkwood $400.k.  If a TAP application would be submitted 80/20% it could save Kirkwood $240k. Furthermore if the connectivity to Geyer Rd was included which should be bundled into the application, that would also raise the application score and provide that addition at a 80/20% funding opportunity. 4)Train Station Tap funding. East West Gateway TAP funding provides an opportunity to submit a application for $1.5 million. We ask Kirkwood to submit an application for $1.5 million funding.EWG will host a virtual project review workshop via Zoom on July 13 for Missouri applicants. At this workshop, applicants will receive feedback from a panel of experts in regard to their proposed application. This workshop is intended for applicants that have at the very least a specific project concept to present for review. Applicants are required to submit a Project Review Workshop Information Form or preliminary application before the workshop so the panelists can gain some knowledge of the projects they will be reviewing. Each applicant will have 30 minutes to discuss up to two projects. Attendance at this workshop is encouraged, but not required to submit a project application. Please use the link below to register for the workshop.  We recommend Kirkwood elected official's tune into Kirkwood’s 30 minute review.  5) TAP and TIP has no limits of application other then one per project submission as per East West Gateway. The awards are granted based on the submitted application scores that are provided by East West Gateway before application submissions are due.  There have been communications from City Hall on this subject that demonstrate a misunderstanding of the application and the process. What can qualify, how many projects can be submitted in a cycle along with a host of other information. Kirkwood does not compete against itself, Kirkwood competes against a Regional pool of entities. We have provided twice in the past 8 months notice to council members of opportunities to participate East West Gateway Hosted tutorials. We believe being conversant and knowledgeable of these funding matters should be a high priority by our elected official’s serving the citizens. 
2.	Shannon Ross, 576 Andrews Avenue. City Council Members, I am submitting this comment as a resident of Kirkwood asking you to make the City of Kirkwood's current police policies and practices available to citizens of Kirkwood for review. After reviewing the city's current web page, including a review of the municipal code, I have not been able to find any references to current police policies and practices. In addition, a group of concerned citizens including myself and Cynthia Rogers, have reached out to council members requesting this information and received either no response from members, or the promise of a report/statement from the council that never came. I am particularly interested in learning what the City of Kirkwood's police department policies are regarding de-escalation. I believe that transparency on the part of the City in this matter will help build good faith and trust between the City and the Kirkwood community as we all work towards a goal of strong racial justice, defined as policies, beliefs, actions, practices, and attitudes that promote equal treatment for people of all races. I thank you for your time and hope that the council will promptly respond with a public statement regarding current practices as well as making current policies and practices available to the public for review. 
3.	Betty Montano, Former City of Kirkwood City Clerk, 104 Alta Mira Court, Dardenne Prairie, 63368. My dearest Nancy and Ellen I am so sad to see you go from the City Council.  As the former city clerk I had the opportunity to see you in action and found both of you to be compassionate, intelligent and never self serving.  During the time I worked with you I observed your ability to listen to debates, discussions and concerns from the Kirkwood citizens and always choosing to do what was right for the entire Kirkwood Community.  Not only for the present time but having the ability to see what would be best to sustain Kirkwood as a fabulous place to live, work and play.  Thank you for your commitment to the betterment of Kirkwood and its citizenry.  I for one know it was not always easy.  You have done an outstanding service.  Love to both of you.
 
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Ward and seconded by Council Member Edman to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved.

a)	Approval of the June 4, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NONE

NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 68-2020, transferring funds in the amount of $85,695 from various Police and Fire Department accounts to various Police and Fire Department accounts for Fiscal Year 2019/2020, was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Ward and seconded by Council Member Luetzow to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 69-2020, transferring funds in the amount $159,088 from the Electric Purchase Power Account to multiple Electric Department Accounts for Fiscal Year 2019/2020, was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Luetzow and seconded by Council Member Edman to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 70-2020, adopting an Amended City of Kirkwood Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, effective June 19, 2020, was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Ward and seconded by Council Member Edman to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”

Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 71-2020, authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Personal Assistance Services for Employee Assistance Services effective through March 31, 2021 (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein), was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Luetzow and seconded by Council Member Ward to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 72-2020, updating information provided by the City of Kirkwood to UMB Bank regarding Banking Services as indicated in the Organization Resolution and Agreement (a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein), was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Edman and seconded by Council Member Luetzow to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 73-2020, accepting the proposal of Tech Electronics Inc. for Phone System Maintenance and Support Services for the MIS Department at the annual rate of $13,476 with a $138.00 hourly rate for additional support services (not to exceed budgeted funds) for a term of five years and authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into a contract, was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Luetzow and seconded by Council Member Ward to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

Resolution 74-2020, accepting the bid of E. Meier Contracting in the amount not to exceed of $1,142,426.94 (which includes a contingency of $149,012) for the STP 5502(608) Geyer Road Resurfacing – Phase I Project and authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into a contract, was brought before the council.  Motion was made by Council Member Luetzow and seconded by Council Member Edman to accept the Resolution as read.  

Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes”			
Council Member Ward		“Yes”
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Luetzow		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Edman		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		Absent

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
NONE

     CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
	Council Member Ward stated that the peaceful march on Saturday, June 6th was a success.  

Comments regarding Council Member Luetzow:
•	Mayor Griffin recognized the public service of Council Member Luetzow acknowledging that they have worked together for six years. He expressed appreciation for the invaluable work Council Member Luetzow has done in the eight years she has served including work with the Municipal League and that she will be missed. 
•	Council Member Duwe thanked Council Member Luetzow for all her years of service and expressed how much she has learned from Council Member Luetzow. She mentioned she looks forward to Council Member Luetzow’s work with the Mizzou Extension and she will be missed. 

•	Council Member Edman thanked Council Member Luetzow for helping her at the beginning as a new council member and for pushing the council to do a better job. 
•	Council Member Ward thanked Council Member Luetzow for her service. He mentioned that he learned how studious Council Member Luetzow was in learning every subject and sharing all she learned. He thanked her again for the contributions she made on behalf of the residents and the Council. 
•	Council Member Wurtz thanked Council Member Luetzow for all her years of service and for the wisdom she bestowed upon Council. 
•	City Attorney Hessel mentioned it has been a pleasure and honor working with Council Member Luetzow in the Planning and Zoning Committee as well as City Council and the Train Station Foundation Board. He admires her passion and dedication she has given to the City and thanked her for her continued service. 
•	Chief Administrative Officer Hawes expressed how he would miss getting together with Council Member Luetzow and having lengthy sessions on how things are going in the City. He mentioned it has been a privilege and pleasure working with Council Member Luetzow. 
•	City Clerk Asche stated it was a great pleasure to know and work with and for Council Member Luetzow over the years. She mentioned Council Member Luetzow has been a tremendous asset to the City of Kirkwood and will be sorely missed.

Comments regarding Council Member Edman:
•	Mayor Griffin recognized the public service of Council Member Edman’s past four years of service and how much he has learned from her. He mentioned Council Member Edman as being most genuine and competent in everything she was involved with. 
•	Council Member Luetzow mentioned her appreciation of serving with Council Member Edman the last four years on the City Council as well as on sub committees. She hopes to work with Council Member Edman in the future. 
•	Council Member Duwe thanked Council Member Edman for her service the past four years and for teaching her and helping her. 
•	Council Member Ward thanked Council Member Edman for being compassionate and expressing concerns on issues brought before her. He noted and thanked her for her continued work while dealing with personal issues. 
•	Council Member Wurtz mentioned it has been a pleasure working with Council Member Edman for the past two years and she has had a great impact on her life. She thanked Council Member Edman for her service. 
•	City Attorney John Hessel expressed how blessed he feels for knowing and working with Council Member Edman. He mentioned he would sincerely miss her and thanked her for her service. 
•	Chief Administrative Officer Hawes mentioned how impressive Council Member Edman would look at all sides and cared for all issues that came before her. He mentioned it was a pleasure working with her. 

•	City Clerk Asche mentioned how honest and humble Council Member Edman is and she is a pleasure to work for. She has been a great asset to the City of Kirkwood.

Comments from Council Members Luetzow and Edman:
•	Council Member Luetzow thanked everyone for their appreciation and accolades of her service. She mentioned how proud she is of the City of Kirkwood community and thanked her fellow council members and staff for the good job everyone does. It has been her privilege to serve in this position of public trust and has been an experience of a lifetime.
•	Council Member Edman thanked everyone for their expressions of support and kindness. She congratulated Council Member Duwe, Bob Sears and Liz Gibbons for being elected to the Council. Serving the City of Kirkwood and serving on the Council was a chance for her to repay the community that has enriched the lives of her family through three generations. She mentioned the best part of being on the Council was being able to work with and come to know so many amazing people. Council Member Edman showed her appreciation for the staff and a special thanks to City Attorney John Hessel, whom she learned so much about law and government. She showed her appreciation and gratitude to the Mayor and Council.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT
Mr. Hawes had nothing to report. 

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
	Mr. Hessel had nothing to report

                                               CITY CLERK REPORT
Ms. Asche reported that the Swearing In Ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.  Due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, there will be a limited number of attendees.  The ceremony will be live streamed to the City of Kirkwood’s social media sites. 

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.  The next regular council meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. 

_____________________________________
Laurie Asche, CMC/MRCC
City Clerk
Approved:  July 2, 2020