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May 25, 2021 — Meeting Minutes
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05-25-2021 BOA Minutes May 25, 2021 Page 1 of 4
THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen Virtual Zoom Meeting May 25, 2021 7:00 p.m.
UMinutes
NOTE: In accord with the provisions of Section 610.015, RSMo., and multiple declarations of emergency at every level of government, and the prohibition on gatherings of 10 or more persons due to the Coronavirus pandemic, normal requirements for voting in the Board meeting were suspended. Accordingly, votes were taken as if all Board members were physically present and in attendance at the meeting.
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
Aldermen: Rich Lintz, Bridget McAndrew, Susan Buse, and Becky Patel.
Mayor Harris City Manager Gipson City Attorney O’Keefe
Absent: Ira Berkowitz
Motion made by Alderman Lintz to approve the May 11, 2021 minutes. Alderman McAndrew seconded.
Motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously on a voice vote.
41TUPUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
Kathleen Gund requested to see the data on the financial planning as it was discussed during the May 18, 2021 Board meeting and also the information discussed at the May 21, 2021 meeting.
Mayor Harris noted that staff is working on educational materials which will be available on the City’s webpage and social media.
City Manager Gipson stated that the City Clerk would provide the meeting recordings to Ms. Gund.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Mayor Harris welcomed the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). The MYAC gave a video presentation on their group project and displayed a time capsule (with significant items stored inside) to be opened in the year 2071.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Mayor Harris welcomed the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC). The MYAC gave a video presentation on their group project and displayed a time capsule (with significant items stored inside) to be opened in the year 2071.
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Mayor Harris presented the students with certificates of participation and gave special recognition to Shane LaGesse for his outstanding participation.
DISCUSSION ON THE MUNICIPAL JUDGE/PROSECUTOR SELECTION PROCESS
City Manager Gipson reported that this is a continuation of the discussion by the Board at the May 21 meeting. A draft copy of the proposed Request for Qualifications was sent to the Board prior to tonight’s meeting. Upon consensus from the Board the city clerk will submit the RFQ for publication in the Missouri Lawyer’s Media tomorrow to run on Friday, May 28. The deadline to receive applications is June 11 at 3:00 p.m. Discussion tonight is in regard to the selection process and panel review.
Alderman Patel recommended re-wording #4 on the RFQ to, “Information on previous and current related experience and services provided, including municipal experience and application of the recommendations of the Missouri Supreme Court Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness standards.”
Alderman Buse suggested to include profiles of types of cases historically handled; some brief demographic information on those who have historically been summoned to appear – percentages of residents versus non-residents.
City Manager Gipson stated that the court does not keep demographic information and referenced data that was done 2.5 years ago that showed that 9% of court cases were Clayton residents; 91% were non-residents.
City Attorney O’Keefe pointed out that adding that information would suggest that the court officers treat residents and non-residents differently, therefore why is it relevant where a person lives.
Mayor Harris suggested to add information regarding community service.
Alderman Buse suggested to request information with regard to if they “have been involved in any litigation in the last five years in which the City...”
Mayor Harris inquired as to the conflict-of-interest statement.
The Board suggested to change the language (second page, third paragraph) to read, “The position shall be awarded to the applicant determined to be best qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of the position while upholding the City’s stated mission, …”
City Attorney O’Keefe clarified, relative to conflicts of interest, that MO Statute Section 479.020, 9 - No municipal judge shall serve as a municipal judge in more than five municipalities at one time. A court that serves more than one municipality shall be treated as a single municipality for the purposes of this subsection.
City Manager Gipson noted that the changes will also be included in the RFQ for the prosecutor.
City Manager Gipson requested feedback regarding the selection process adding that the city attorney would be involved in the selection of the prosecuting attorney as required by the City Charter.
City Manager Gipson noted that the changes will also be included in the RFQ for the prosecutor. City Manager Gipson requested feedback regarding the selection process adding that the city attorney would be involved in the selection of the prosecuting attorney as required by the City Charter.
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Alderman Buse proposed suggestions, not recommendations offered from the CEC: Panel to select judge - 3-5 people; 2 residents (attorney or legally qualified); alderman or mayor; someone experienced with municipal court defense; and/or a representative of ArchCity Defenders.
In response to Alderman Lintz’ question, City Manager Gipson said that the term ends June 30, but it will hold over until a new judge is selected.
Alderman McAndrew commented that it is great to have a lot of voices, but it may be difficult to get that many together due to busy schedules. She agrees to have a resident and possibly a representative from ArchCity Defenders.
City Manager Gipson explained that the last time during the selection of a judge it was the mayor and two attorneys that made up the panel.
Alderman Patel agreed with including someone from ArchCity Defenders.
Alderman Lintz is concerned with having the process get “bogged” down with too many people involved; there are currently members on the City’s boards and commissions (i.e. CEC) that are attorneys and definitely qualified. The panel review would make a recommendation to the Board who will then have the final decision.
The Board was in consensus with the agreed upon changes and to have the RFQ published.
ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER APPROVING A STREET NAME CHANGE FOR ANDERSON PARK
City Manager Gipson reported that this ordinance is intended to change the name of Haddington Court, located in Anderson Park, to Anderson Court. While originally a street for the neighborhood, it now serves as a park road within the confines of the park itself. As such, no homes or businesses will be impacted by this change. This change will not only allow the city to better identify the site but also remove confusion created by the previous street name.
Patty DeForrest, Director of Parks, was in attendance to answer questions.
Mayor Harris proposed to change the name to Anderson Park Court.
Alderman Linz introduced Bill No. 6840, to approve a street name change from Haddington Court to Anderson Park Court to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman McAndrew seconded.
City Attorney reads Bill No. 6840, first reading, an Ordinance Providing for Haddington Court to be Changed to Anderson Park Court and Related Actions Thereto in the City of Clayton, Missouri for the first time by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman Lintz that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6840 on the day of its introduction. Alderman McAndrew seconded.