Kirkwood City Council
Via Zoom
Thursday, August 20, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

Pursuant to notice of meeting duly given by the Mayor, the City Council convened on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Virtual meeting.  Present were Mayor Griffin, Council Members Duwe, Gibbons, Sears, Ward, Wurtz, and Zimmer. Also in attendance were Chief Administrative Officer Russell Hawes, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Georgia Ragland, City Clerk Laurie Asche, Public Information Officer Freddy Doss, and City Attorney John Hessel.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney John Hessel stated for the record that under Section 610.015 of the Mo. Sunshine Law provides that members of the City Council who are not physically in the Council Chambers can participate and vote on all matters when an emergency exists and the nature of the emergency is stated in the minutes.

So, let the minutes reflect that the U.S., and the world, is in a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus—Covid 19. The Missouri Governor and the County Executive directed all citizens to limit meetings and gatherings to a few people to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus. Therefore, members of the City Council have elected to participate in this meeting electronically so that we are compliance with such Orders and for the public health and safety of each other and the general public.  

INTRODUCTIONS AND RECOGNITIONS 
						NONE
						
PRESENTATIONS
	Mayor Griffin presented the Centennial of the 19th Amendment Proclamation recognizing August 26, 2020, as the Centennial of the 19th Amendment Celebration Day.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing #1
Mayor Griffin recessed the meeting for the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding a request establishing the property tax rates for the City of Kirkwood. Mr. Hessel entered the following exhibits into record: an Affidavit of Publication the St. Louis Countian on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 1; an Affidavit of Publication in the Legal Ledger on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 2; and the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances as Exhibit 3. 

Director of Finance Sandy Stephens presented the matter to the council:
•	The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is on the City website.
•	Each year council certifies the property tax rates.

•	Assessed valuation for residential and commercial increased for both the City of Kirkwood and the Special Business District.
•	The rates remain level in the Police and Fire Pension Fund, Parks and General Government Services.

The bill will be placed on the September 3, 2020 agenda for first reading consideration.

Public Hearing #2
Mayor Griffin recessed the meeting for the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding a request establishing the property tax rates for the Kirkwood Municipal Library.  Mr. Hessel entered the following exhibits into record: an Affidavit of Publication the St. Louis Countian on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 1; an Affidavit of Publication in the Legal Ledger on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 2; and the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances as Exhibit 3. 

Director of Finance Sandy Stephens presented the matter to the council:
•	Assessed valuation for residential increased and commercial decreased.
•	The same procedures are followed in determining the proposed rates.

The bill will be placed on the September 3, 2020 agenda for first reading consideration.

Public Hearing #3
Mayor Griffin recessed the meeting for the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding a request of reversal of voluntary reduction in property tax rates to the voter approved level.  Mr. Hessel entered the following exhibits into record: an Affidavit of Publication the St. Louis Countian on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 1; an Affidavit of Publication in the Legal Ledger on July 30, 2020, as Exhibit 2; and the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances as Exhibit 3. 

Director of Finance Sandy Stephens presented the matter to the council:
•	The voluntary reduction, if reversed, will add revenues to the General Fund.

The Resolution will be placed on the September 3, 2020 agenda for consideration.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
	City Clerk Laurie Asche read the following comments received via e-mail into the record:

1.	Christa van Herreweghe, Director of the Kirkwood Library expressed thanks to the Council for their support.
2.	Patrick Richmond, 444 N. Clay Avenue stated the Grant's trail is really a form of recycling the Carondolet Branch of the former Missouri Pacific Railroad line which now Missouri Pacific is owned by Union Pacific.  The trail starts at the 

Kirkwood trailhead located at Leffingwell and Holmes.  It provides a good connection with the city of Crestwood, Grant's farm and it is now a direct link to the Republic Services Recycling facility in Lemay, Missouri.  On the trail there is even a wall where you can place your arms thru to deposit recyclables while enjoying your journey on the trail.  Current options for the trail is to go via the sidewalks of the streets in Kirkwood's historic neighborhoods.  The other option was to follow the remainder of the Kirkwood portion of the Carondolet Branch of the Union Pacific line.  I think following the rest of the old branch line track is much more useful since it is more direct into downtown Kirkwood.  There is one thing that could be done if the rail route is selected.  That is over by Fillmore and Monroe is a coffee factory and that could also be a good place to open a small restaurant for the trail users so they can get their morning cup of coffee before they start their journey on the trail.  Also near that section we should have an electronics recycling facility so that people using the trail can also get rid of old electronics and used batteries.  To have the trail cross the old Frisco tracks, I would love to see a pedestrian tunnel go under the tracks. 
3.	Michael Carmody, 352 Windgrove Rd., stated From Kirkwood’s website- Focus on Pedestrian Safety Takes Priority in Kirkwood “The City of Kirkwood is a walkable, bikeable community, where pedestrian safety takes priority.  City Council and City staff have been proactive in researching and planning ways to keep pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists all safe while they navigate the City and its neighborhoods”.
Report on ﻿this past Wednesday 8/19/20. A virtual meeting was held to review the many dangers of the Big Bend corridor with in Kirkwood’s city limits. The meeting was requested by Safer Streets for Kirkwood. It was well represented with over 25 Government officials at the meeting. 
This meeting was facilitated by The Federal Highway Administration, 6 officials from across the country, all experts in Transportation safety. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation's highway system (Federal Aid Highway Program). These folks have been engaged with Safer Streets for Kirkwood, providing Transportation Safety council of our efforts to bring forth safer streets in Kirkwood.
Attendees included;
MoDot’s District Engineer and 6 specialist participated.  MoDot has worked with Safer Streets for Kirkwood incorporating Safety enhancements on phase 2 Manchester rd. MoDot is also overseeing the upcoming South Kirkwood rd maintenance pavement overlay that will include new additional safety 

enhancements. MoDots Stated mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that is safe, innovative, reliable and dedicated to a prosperous Missouri.

Trailnet CEO who is one of the key entities working on St. Louis County’s Bike Walk plan. Trail net has worked with Safer Streets of Kirkwood for a number of years providing council on best safety practices for walking and biking. 
 
East West Gateway Council of Government (EWG) Senior Manager of Transportation planning and programming and 2 other official’s. Originally charged with coordinating transportation funding for St. Louis regional projects, EWG’s purview has expanded through the years to bring together governmental officials, planning professionals, citizens, and private sector partners to develop regional and local plans for transportation, environmental quality, housing, emergency preparedness, and access to employment. EWG has a good supporting working relationship with Safer Streets for Kirkwood.
 
St Louis County Councilman Fitch was traveling, his Executive assistant participated and immediately after the meeting communicated a report to Councilman Fitch. Councilman Fitch has meet with Safer Streets for Kirkwood in the past, he has been very supportive of our Safety endeavors. He also has stated communication from Kirkwood officials in the form of a resolution or a written statement requesting safety enhancements on St. Louis County maintained roads inside of Kirkwood is needed. 
 
 St. Louis County’s Director of Transportation and Public works along with 7 other key officials.

Dr. Page and his St. Louis County Executive staff has meet with Safer Streets for Kirkwood this past spring to discuss Safety Enhancement opportunities in the Big Bend corridor. That meeting was productive and a notice was given to Kirkwood officials the City of Kirkwood needed to express to St. Louis County official’s the desire for our suggested Safety Enhancements, all of which are embraced by the FHWA.
 
The City of Kirkwood had 4 Council members in attendance along with 2 staff members who are involved with Kirkwood’s streets department. 

A clear position of Kirkwood’s safety programs was not communicated by Kirkwood officials during this meeting.  Please communicate to Dr. Page the St. Louis County Executive, Kirkwood’s resolve to improve Transportation Safety for all users.

    CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Zimmer and seconded by Council Member Ward to approve the Consent Agenda. 

a)	Approval of the August 6, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes
b)	Resolution 97-2020, amending the contract with Middendorf & Ruess Construction, Inc. for a replacement deck for Firehouse #2 and authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into an amended contract (for a not to exceed amount of $21,887)
c)	Resolution 98-2020, accepting the bid of Mohawk Resources Ltd. (pursuant to State of Missouri Cooperative Contract) for the purchase of a tire balancer for the Fleet Department and authorizing and directing the Director of Procurement to issue a Purchase Order (in the amount of $17,737.69)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
	Bill 10840, an ordinance readopting a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain officials as set forth in Chapter 2, Article I, Section 2-5 of the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances, was brought before the council.

	Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes	
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Gibbons		“Yes”
Council Member Sears		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		“Yes”
Council Member Ward		“Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the Council, was adopted and became Ordinance 10678.

	Bill 10841, an ordinance amending the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article VIII. Section 14-396, Schedule F: “Speed Limit Designations”, Subsection F: “School Speed Limits” by adding Simmons at Charlene to the north City limits, Folger at Charlene to the north City limits, and Belva Avenue, was brought before the council.

	Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes	
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Gibbons		“Yes”

Council Member Sears		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		“Yes”
Council Member Ward		“Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the Council, was adopted and became Ordinance 10679.

Bill 10842, an ordinance amending the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14, Article VIII. Section 14-398: “Routes on which operation of commercial vehicles restricted” by adding the 100 and 200 blocks of East Clinton, was brought before the council.  A discussion took place. 

	Roll Call:

Mayor Griffin				“Yes	
Council Member Wurtz		“Yes”	
Council Member Gibbons		“Yes”
Council Member Sears		“Yes”
Council Member Duwe		“Yes”
Council Member Zimmer		“Yes”
Council Member Ward		“Yes”

The bill, having received majority approval of the Council, was adopted and became Ordinance 10680.

NEW BUSINESS
	Bill 10843, an ordinance amending and readopting the provisions of Appendix E, “Personnel Rules and Regulations of the Kirkwood Code of Ordinances, was brought before the council. Motion was made by Council Member Duwe and seconded by Council Member Ward to accept the Bill as read.
	
The bill received first reading approval and was held over.  

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
NONE

     CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Griffin recognized the voluntary contribution from Bethesda Gardens to help defray the cost of the Emergency Services their residents receive.

Mayor Griffin announced there will be a pop-up Covid testing site at North Kirkwood Middle School on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Appointments are required and can be made at www.stlcorona.com. 

Council Member Ward mentioned the great work by the board and staff at the Kirkwood Public Library and the programs they have available.

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

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT	
	Mr. Hessel had nothing to report.

CITY CLERK REPORT
Ms. Asche read the report of the August 19, 2020 meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission. The following action took place.
1.	After a presentation for a request for a Site Plan Review for a 12-unit four-story residential building on the combined properties of 134 and 138 West Madison Avenue, Commissioners Evens and Feiner were appointed to the Subcommittee.  The Subcommittee will meet via Zoom on August 27 at 8:45 a.m.

Ms. Asche reported on upcoming public hearings:
September 3, 2020
1.	A request for a Zoning Code Text Amendment, Site Plan Review, and two-lot commercial Subdivision for Commerce Bank at 300 North Kirkwood Road. 

Ms. Asche read a statement from Planning & Development Services Director Jonathan Raiche regarding the September 3, 2020 public hearing meeting:
The recent email input that you have been receiving regarding the “Commerce Bank Site” generally focuses on the PZ-28-20 application which is currently proposed as a 5-story, mixed-use project that includes a commercial 1st floor and a mixture of independent living and assisted living residential units in floors 2-5.  The Opus project (PZ-28-20) is still under review and consideration 
by the P&Z Subcommittee that was assigned.  This application is NOT under consideration at the public hearing before the City Council on September 3rd.

The actual application submitted by Commerce Bank (PZ-27-20) 
involves three parts:
1)	A 2-lot commercial subdivision of the existing property

2)	A text amendment regarding street frontage occupation in Downtown, and
3)	A site plan review for an approximately 3,800 sf, 1-story bank building for Commerce Bank on the northern lot of the proposed 2-lot subdivision

While PZ-27-20 includes the request to subdivide the commercial property that would potentially make way for the Opus project, it does not imply any approval of that separate project.  

2.	A request for a Special Use Permit for a Physical Fitness Facility known as RiverNorth Strength in Suites A and B at 10505 Big Bend Boulevard.

October 22, 2020 (rescheduled from August 27, 2020)
1.	A request for a Mixed-Use Development in the B-2 Zoning District known as The James (formerly Kirkwood Flats) at 426 N. Kirkwood Road

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.  The next regular council meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. 

_____________________________________
Laurie Asche, CMC/MRCC
City Clerk
Approved:  September 3, 2020