September 24, 2019 — Meeting Minutes
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THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen City Hall – 10 N. Bemiston Avenue September 24, 2019 7:04 p.m.
Minutes
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
Aldermen: Mark Winings, Richard Lintz, Ira Berkowitz, Bridget McAndrew, and Susan Buse.
Mayor Harris Interim City Manager Watson City Attorney O’Keefe
Absent: Joanne Boulton
Motion made by Alderman Lintz to approve the September 11, 2019 minutes. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
Motion to approve the minutes passed unanimously on a voice vote.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
None
AN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE SALE OF SPECIAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING AND IMPROVEMENT BONDS – 2nd Reading
Interim City Manager Watson reported that the City is issuing bonds for two items. The first purpose of the bonds is the cost of one-half of the renovations and expansion of The Center of Clayton. The other purpose is for the refunding of the 2009B outstanding bond issue where the City can experience approximately $720,000 in savings over the lifetime of the bonds. The total estimated amount of bonds to be issued is $12,975,000.
The sale of the bonds occurred today, and Hilltop Securities was the successful bidder with an exceptional interest rate of 1.77% which is outstanding.
The City’s current bond rating for Special Obligation bonds has been AA+ (AAA when issuing general obligation bonds). City staff, financial advisor and bond counsel participated in a bond credit rating call on August 15, 2019 and the City received notice that Standard and Poors has affirmed the City’s current rating.
Todd Goffoy, Financial Advisor, Piper Jaffray and Mark Grimm, Bond Counsel, Gilmore & Bell, addressed the Board to answer questions.
Motion made by Alderman Winings to amend Bill No. 6750 to include the rates as received today from bond counsel. Alderman Lintz seconded.
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The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6750, an ordinance to authorize and direct the issuance, sale and delivery of the Special Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2019 as amended to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6750, second reading, an ordinance to Direct the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of the Special Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2019 by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6619 of the City of Clayton.
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE SETTING THE TAX YEAR 2019 PROPERTY TAX LEVIES FOR FY2020 BUDGET – 2nd READING
Interim City Manager Watson reported that the Board held a public hearing to seek public input on the proposed tax rates on August 27, 2019. The proposed ordinance was tabled on September 11 due to not having received final assessed valuation data from St. Louis County.
As of today, the levies have been revised due to the county Board of Equalization process, which is now complete as noted in the Board’s packet. In general, the assessed values decreased, and new construction amounts increased from the Board of Equalization process. There will need to be an amendment to the ordinance to accept these changes from the first reading held August 27.
Kayla Pacanowski, Interim Finance Director, addressed the Board to answer questions.
Motion made by Alderman Winings to amend Bill No. 6751, an ordinance Setting the Property Tax Levies for Tax Year 2019 to include the tax levies as revised by St. Louis County. Alderman Lintz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6751, to adopt an ordinance Setting the Property Tax Levies for Tax Year 2019 to include the tax levies as amended to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6752, second reading, an Ordinance Levying and Establishing the Rate of Annual Taxes for General Municipal Purposes; Police Building Debt Service; General Obligation Debt Service; and Special Business District Purposes to be Collected by the City of Clayton, Missouri, for the year 2019 by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6620 of the City of Clayton.
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AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH PACE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC FOR THE BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD RESURFACING CONTRACT Interim City Manager Watson reported that the City has not received final approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation therefore staff is recommending that the Board table this item.
Motion made by Alderman Winings to table Bill No. 6758, an ordinance to approve a contract with Pace construction for the Brentwood Resurfacing Project. Alderman Lintz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE COMMUNITY EQUITY COMMISSION
Interim City Manager Watson reported that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen have previously discussed the creation of a new Board or Commission to further the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion in programs, strategies, and services. The creation of the proposed Community Equity Commission will provide the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with an additional resource as well as special insight and guidance on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The ordinance will establish the new Community Equity Commission by amending Chapter 140 of Title I of the City’s Code of Ordinances by the addition of one new section, designated as Section 140.050, of related to Boards and Commissions.
Mayor Harris commented that the Board had been discussing this for over a year and they are excited to move forward.
Lily Raymond, 416 Edgewood Drive, addressed the Board expressing her appreciation for addressing the issue and how important this would be locally as well as nationally. She is a member of the Board of Education and would gladly offer to help the City in working together.
Ben Uchitelle, 41 Crestwood Drive, addressed the Board commending them on establishing the Commission. He also expressed the support of Kelvin Westbrook, resident, who could not attend tonight’s meeting.
Becky Patel, 79 Aberdeen Place, addressed the Board asking if the seven members would be determined by the Board; how often will the Commission meet; and the role of the City staff.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6759, an ordinance to establish a Community Equity Commission to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6759, first reading, an ordinance Establishing the Community Equity Commission of the City of Clayton, Missouri by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman Winings that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6759 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Lintz seconded.
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The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6759, an ordinance to establish a Community Equity Commission to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6759, second reading, an ordinance Establishing the Community Equity Commission of the City of Clayton, Missouri by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6621 of the City of Clayton.
Alderman Berkowitz thanked the staff, Andrea Muskopf, and Interim City Manger Watson for all of their work.
AN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CLAYTON AND THE EASTERN MISSOURI COALITION OF POLICE, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, LODGE 15
Interim City Manager Watson reported that the bargaining representatives have met, discussed, and tentatively agreed upon the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which contains a resolution of wages for Union members for Fiscal Year 2020 to begin on October 1, 2019.
The key provision of the MOU is that the City will adopt the Fiscal Year 2020 Step Pay Schedule for the Union members which adjusts salary ranges by 2.5% in addition to any step available to an employee.
Staff has calculated the cost of this increase along with reductions for vacancies and believe this change will have no effect on the currently approved budget for next fiscal year.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6760, an ordinance to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Eastern Missouri Coalition of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 15 to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6760, first reading, an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Eastern Missouri Coalition of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 15 by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman Winings that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6760 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Lintz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
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Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6760, an ordinance to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Eastern Missouri Coalition of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 15 to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6760, second reading, an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Eastern Missouri Coalition of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 15 by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6622 of the City of Clayton.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CLOSING UNDER A PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF 227 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
Interim City Manager Watson reported that the developer and the City are ready to proceed to closing, scheduled this week, for the sale of 227 South Central Avenue. As the parties work with the title company to ensure everything is ready for closing, due to both the passage of time (two years since the execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement) and the fact that the prior ordinances do not expressly empower the Interim City Manager to complete the closing, staff and legal counsel are asking for the Board’s approval and express authorization for the Interim City Manager to execute the necessary ancillary documents, which would include the escrow agreement, and effectuate the closing in a manner consistent with the Board’s prior approval of the original Purchase and Sale Agreement and the subsequent two amendments.
While the Purchase and Sale Agreement, and subsequent amendments have been properly authorized by the Board of Aldermen, staff believes it to be in the City’s best interests to adopt the attached ordinance, which expressly authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute the necessary documents (which includes the escrow agreement) and effectuate a closing to avoid any question whether the Board has authorized (i) the closing to proceed, (ii) the Interim City Manager to sign documents, and (iii) the $50,000 median escrow to be required.
Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6761, an ordinance authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the ancillary documents required to close the sale of 227 S. Central Avenue to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6761, first reading, an Ordinance Authorizing Closing Under a Purchase Agreement for the Sale of 227 South Central Avenue by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman Winings that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6761 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Lintz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
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Alderman Winings introduced Bill No. 6761, an ordinance authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the ancillary documents required to close the sale of 227 S. Central Avenue to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Lintz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6761, second reading, an Ordinance Authorizing Closing Under a Purchase Agreement for the Sale of 227 South Central Avenue by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6623 of the City of Clayton.
Other
Alderman Lintz reported on the following: • Planning Commission/ARB – presentation on the design of the proposed Bank of America building; • Attended the St. Louis County Charter session – about 20 people in attendance; looking for input on five items they are considering: 1) professional manager form of government; 2) nonpartisan ele4ctions; 3) elected auditor; 4) appointed assessor; 5) minimum standard for policing; and 5) minimum pay for full time council members.
Alderman Berkowitz reported on the following: • Attended an event at Kol Rinah; presentation on ethics (political); speakers phenomenal – Lisa Clancy, Hal Goldstein, and Tishaura Jones among others. • CHS Homecoming Parade – fire truck – wonderful event!
Alderman McAndrew reported on the following: • Attended the Clayton Community Foundation meeting – discussed fundraising for the new ice rink facility.
Alderman Buse reported on the following: • Attended a legal/legislative seminar regarding going into 2020; Sam Page, Ann Mackay attended; issues brought up were equity; access to housing; employment and employing and keeping young adults to stay – really proud of Clayton because we are currently addressing.
Mayor Harris reported on the following: • The Board of Freeholders will hold its first meeting in early November. • Centene is beginning to move into its new building; landscape looks great.
Motion made by Alderman Buse that the Board adjourn to a closed meeting, with a closed vote and record, as authorized by Section 610.021(1), (2) and (3) Revised Statutes of Missouri, relating to legal issues, real estate and/or personnel, and to discuss matters related to negotiation of a contract pursuant to Section 610.021(12), RSMo. and/or proprietary information pursuant to Sec. 610.021(15), and/or information related to public safety and security measures pursuant to Section 610.021(18) and (19) RSMO. Alderman McAndrew seconded the motion.
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The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. There being no further regular business the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________ City Clerk