INTRODUCTORY
The City Council of the City
of Columbia, Missouri met for a regular meeting at 7:00 p.m., on Monday,
November 2, 1998, in the Council Chamber of the City of Columbia, Missouri. The
roll was taken with the following results: Council members CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, and CROCKETT were present. The City
Manager, City Counselor, City Clerk, and various Department Heads were also
present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting
of October 19, 1998, were approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion
made by Mr. Campbell and a second by Ms. Coble.
APPROVAL AND ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA INCLUDING
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Campbell, at the request
of Mrs. Crockett, made the motion that she be allowed to abstain from voting
on B325-98. The motion was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously
by voice vote.
Upon his request, Mr. Campbell
made the motion that Mr. Janku be allowed to abstain from voting on B328-98. The
motion was seconded by Mrs. Crockett and approved unanimously by voice vote.
The agenda, including the
Consent Agenda, was approved unanimously by voice vote on a motion made by
Mr. Janku and a second by Mr. Kruse.
SPECIAL ITEMS
None.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B320-98 Approve
the transfer of control of TCI Cablevision of Missouri, Inc. from
Tele-Communications,
Inc. to AT&T.
The bill was read by the
Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that since
the last meeting, Mr. Boeckmann has been in contact with TCI, and the written
report that had been provided was forwarded to the Council.
Mr. Coffman spoke on behalf
of the Cable Television Committee and explained that the Committee had not
been able to meet since the last Council meeting. He said the response
received from TCI was not what he hoped it would be, but the Committee had
received information about the National Cable Television Association. He
said the monitoring information would be provided, and he thought that to
be very promising. Regarding the technological upgrades, Mr. Coffman
said TCI had been unwilling to make any commitments. He noted
there is 120 days before the transfer of control occurs, and suggested that
the issue be further tabled in order to obtain more information.
Mayor Hindman reopened the
public hearing.
Dennis Kastens, Area Manager
for TCI, reiterated that the current upgrade underway would be completed
in June. He said the company did not want to divulge the other product
launching that could be made after the upgrade is completed.
Mayor Hindman said he understood
that for competitive reasons TCI did not want to say what additional services
would be offered, but he is not quite satisfied that citizens would not know
what services could be obtained. Mr. Kastens responded that before
any other services can be offered, the current upgrade has to be completed. He
said the present system is such that additional channels are not available. Mr.
Kastens reported that TCI is in the process of laying fiber optics now --
which will supply the venue to offer At-home products, etc. He said they
hoped to be finished with that upgrade by June of 1999. Once that is
taken care of, TCI would be able to do other things with the system because
they will not only have the capacity to add the products, but also the technology
to support those products. Mr. Kastens stated he cannot promise that
Internet access will be available in January.
Mr. Coffman asked if the
Council would be hearing from AT&T, the parent company. Mr. Kastens
said he was sure he could arrange to have them come in and meet with the
City or the Committee. Mr. Coffman asked if Mr. Kastens would have
a problem with tabling the issue for another month so the Cable Committee
could meet and go over some points. Mr. Kastens said he would like
to see this finished, but is willing to do whatever is asked to get final
approval.
Mr. Coffman made the motion
that the Council further table B320-98 to December 7, 1998. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Janku and approved unanimously by voice vote.
B323-98 Rezoning
property from A-1 to C-P and approving the Guitar Mansion at Historic
Confederate
Hill C-P Development Plan.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 for denial.
Mr. Hancock displayed a sketch
of the proposed C-P plan outlining the parking areas on the north and south
sides of the proposed development, the ring roads, a secondary access for
emergency vehicles out to Rhonda Lane on the south, and the signage. He
said the status of the two tracts of land became a issue at the Commission
meeting. The Commission felt that the entire property should be included
in the plan, rather than having a stem out and leaving the properties in
A-1 and outside of the plan. Mr. Janku stated the staff
had mentioned the desirability of a sidewalk on Oakland Gravel Road as well,
but pointed out that the only portion of the planned area that touches Oakland
Gravel Road is the 70 foot stem. He noted tier lots are technically
found in residential areas and are less than 59 feet in width. Mr.
Hancock reported in this case, the tracts did not meet the "technical" description
of a tier lot, but the Commission felt like it was shaped like one in any
case.
Mr. Janku asked when Mr.
Hancock referred to the tracts being outside of the plan, whether he meant
they could remain A-1 and be in the plan. Mr. Hancock said the property
would all be zoned C-P, but there could be a designation for areas left in
open space. Mr. Janku said the tracts could not be planned A-1.
Mayor Hindman asked what
the applicants would be able to do with the lots if they remained A-1. Mr.
Hancock said A-1 is for agricultural activities. He said it is his
opinion that before anything could be done, the lots would have to be subdivided
and platted -- which requires approval by the Council before permits could
be issued. Mr. Hancock supposed animals could range on the property. Mr.
Janku said the tracts would have to be rezoned also. Mr. Hancock thought
that is correct, for any kind of urban use the tracts would have to be rezoned. He
said a house could be built in A-1, but a plat would still be necessary.
Mr. Kruse asked how many
houses could be built in an A-1 zone. Mr. Hancock estimated perhaps
9 lots, if they fronted right on Oakland Gravel Road. He noted the
lots would be very deep.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Jeff Bradley, explained that
he and his wife Karen are the proprietors of the proposed Guitar Mansion.
He said their intention is to develop the property to its highest and best
use to preserve one of Columbia's most well-known historical sites, while
meeting or exceeding the development requirements set forth by the City. To
help accomplish these goals, Mr. Bradley noted that they hired experienced
professionals in all phases. He noted the neighbors have shown overwhelming
support for the project. Mr. Bradley thanked the Council for taking
time to look at the property.
Mr. Janku stated he and Mr.
Bradley had spoken earlier in the day. He asked Mr. Bradley to repeat
what he had said about the sidewalk issue. Mr. Bradley explained that
they will agree to build the sidewalk within a five year time period -- from
the time of approval of the proposed development.
Mrs. Crockett asked Mr. Bradley
if he is still planning to leave the path across the back of the property
for children to use to get to and from school. Mr. Bradley said that
is correct.
Debbie Sheals, Chair of the
Columbia Historic Preservation Commission, expressed their support in favor
of the project. She said this is a big house, and far too big
to be viable as a single family house. She said the applicants are
people that are willing to do a good job and put a lot of money into this
project. Members of the Commission have talked to the architect and
owners and felt that the project would be done to very high standards.
John Huss, with Trabue, Hansen,
and Hinshaw, spoke about the traffic circulation. He explained there
would be a two-way entrance off of Oakland Gravel. He said a rear entrance
from the residential area is being created to serve as an emergency secondary
access. Mr. Huss further explained that the main drive will be established
to serve two-way traffic. The drive circulating around the home is
intended as a one-way drive. He reported there will be a traffic loop
internal to the property directing movement in a counter clockwise direction. To
clarify the sidewalk issue, Mr. Huss explained that the developer is offering
to construct the sidewalks abutting the A-1 portion of the property within
a five year period as a condition of approval of the C-P plan. Obviously,
he noted if there would be something that would happen prior to that, the
subdivision ordinance would require the construction of those walks. Mr.
Huss said the owner is planning to comply with the City's request to submit
a subdivision plat for the property, which will create the lots, dedicate
right-of-way, etc.
Nick Peckham, project architect,
explained that Peckham and Wright has had the honor of working on three very
significant historic buildings in the last couple of years. He said
the work they would be doing (all in accord with the U.S. Department of Interior
requirements for the tax status of the building), includes stabilizing the
stone foundation to prevent any further collapse of the building, and repainting/replacing/repairing
any deteriorated exterior elements. He said they have been working
with the Department of Natural Resources on preservation requirements to
maintain the National Register status of this important building. Mr.
Peckham said they are upgrading the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
systems both for comfort and safety. The site concepts they have tried
to offer to the project are to minimize the overall impact on the site as
much as possible, in part by putting the proposed Phase II project in back
of the mansion so it will not be visually obtrusive, to provide a driveway
around the house to provide a buffer between the core of the site and the
adjacent parking lots, to provide new landscaping for the gardens at various
locations around the site using plants that were indigenous to Missouri 150
years ago, and to maintain the dramatic approach to the house from the road
with an upgraded driveway.
Mr. Janku asked how the driveway
would be upgraded. Mr. Peckham reported the driveway will be paved
with asphalt, and will meet the thickness requirements of the heavy vehicles
that will serve the site -- such as refuse and fire trucks. He said
the driveway will be made a little wider to accommodate two-way traffic for
safety sake.
Audrey Sabel, 3800 Mint Julep,
said she is not concerned about this development, but is concerned about
what might happen to the rest of the property. The Mayor explained
that the front of the property is zoned A-1, no commercial. She asked
if there would be a possibility that at some point the rest of the property
could be zoned C-P. Mayor Hindman said there is always a possibility,
but the likelihood is very low that this would occur.
Karen Miller, 2700 Northridge,
said the home is in her neighborhood and she had been very concerned about
what could happen to the property when it went on the market. When
she learned who had purchased it, and these individuals wanted to keep the
home in a historic perspective, she felt very relieved. She thought
the best zone for the property would be a planned development. Ms.
Miller felt the biggest benefit the plan has to offer is the tier affect. She
said the A-1 tracts will buffer the neighborhood from the commercial development,
and will also buffer the property users from the neighborhood. She
said the Commission had also been concerned about the noise. Ms. Miller
did not believe there would be any more noise at this property with a wedding
reception as there would be at the park with a family reunion and a baseball
game going on.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
Mrs. Crockett said she was
most disturbed the day she found out this property was up for sale. She
said Mrs. McCaleb had told her what poor shape the house was in, and she
was concerned about who would be able to afford to buy the home and make
it livable. She thought it would be next to impossible. She was
also concerned about the property being purchased and split up for development. Mrs.
Crockett said when she met Mr. Bradley and he showed her the plan, she had
been impressed. She did not think the Council would see anything better. Mrs.
Crockett stated as there are no sidewalks on the west side of the road at
this time, she is not concerned about that issue. She pointed out there
is a path behind the house that Mr. Bradley told her the school children
could use, and noted there are sidewalks on the other side of the road. Mrs.
Crockett said no tax dollars would be lost in this case, in fact a few tax
benefits would be recognized if the request is approved. However,
she did want to ensure that the ordinance stated that the home could only
be used for wedding receptions, parties, and that type of thing. Mayor
Hindman said that had been stipulated in the ordinance.
Mr. Janku said he too had
been concerned when the property went on the market. He applauded the
creativity of the owners in coming up with an economically viable plan to
preserve the property. Mr. Janku pointed out that if noise problems
do occur, the City has a noise ordinance in place to take care of situations
like that. He did not anticipate that to be an ongoing problem. For
a variety of reasons, Mr. Janku felt a sidewalk would be important. He
said the Council needed to be very careful not to lead other people to believe
they can avoid the sidewalk requirements by creating such lots. In
the long-term, he felt the City would eventually construct a sidewalk, and
it would be nice to have this stretch included.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that B323-98 be amended by adding to Section Four of the ordinance, "This
approval is subject to the condition that the property owners, within five
years of the passage of this ordinance, construct a sidewalk to City standards
along Oakland Gravel Road on owners' A-1 zoned property which is adjacent
to the property referenced in Section One.". The motion was seconded
by Mayor Hindman and approved by voice vote.
Mr. Campbell said he is delighted
to see one of famous old houses being preserved. He has seen many of
them torn down, and thought this an excellent move to preserve one.
B323-98, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES:
CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO:
NO ONE. Bill declared enacted, reading as follows:
B325-98 Voluntary
annexation of property located on the southeast corner of Scotts Boulevard
and
Vawter School Road; establishing C-P and R-1 zoning.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that the Planning
and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to recommend the zoning as requested by the
property owner, but had suggested that the C-P zoning be reduced in size.
Mayor Hindman asked if the
applicant had proposed an amendment with respect to the amount of C-P, per
the recommendation of the Commission. Mr. Hancock replied that he had
not received such a request for an amendment.
Mr. Campbell said he had
asked about whether the City shows a major commercial development at this
location, or if it was part of the plan. He thought this amount of
acreage would lend itself to a large commercial development.
Mr. Hancock reported the
City's land use plan does not address this particular tract, but the County's
plan for the area designates the entire metro sector as either rural or rural
residential. He noted there has been quite a bit made of the size of
this commercial tract -- by the media in particular. Mr. Hancock stated
the information provided to the Council by the applicant indicates that in
addition to the four or five acres that will be taken out for arterial road
right-of-way, there would also be four or five acres taken out for right-of-way
internally. He thought the same could be said for the area across
the road, which should be included in any discussion about the size of development. Mr.
Hancock thought the Council should be focusing on the square footage and
the type of development on the tracts, rather than just the acreage of the
tracts, as there will be limitations in regards to the development. He
believed that would be within the City's power given the fact that if the
request is approved, the property will be zoned C-P. Mr. Hancock estimated
there is 130,000 to 140,000 square feet of commercial property in the area
(this was displayed on the overhead). He thought this particular location,
which is at an intersection of two arterial streets, would serve neighborhood
purposes, and would also provide an opportunity for some sort of community
market that will be supported by a number of neighborhoods.
Mr. Campbell asked how much
square footage was on the north side of the road. Mr. Hancock guessed
if there is anywhere from nine acres developed, and if the flood plain is
preserved, 25% (100,000 square feet) of the property would be available for
retail development. He said in most cases, parking is provided at a
four to one in ratio compared to the square footage of structures. Mr.
Campbell said there would be a potential of 200,000 plus square feet, which
would be a very sizable commercial development.
Regarding Vawter School Road,
Mr. Janku asked if the developer would be required to dedicate the roadway
to the City when this property is annexed, or whether the easements would
remain in place. Mr. Hancock said if the tract is subdivided in the
City, we will get whatever additional right-of-way is needed. He assumed
that right-of-way which was acquired by the County would still be public. He
did not know if that would be conveyed to the City if the property is annexed.
Mr. Kruse commented that
the property slopes dramatically uphill from Vawter School Road to the south. He
asked how that would be handled if it were to be developed commercially. Mr.
Hancock said the engineers would have to show cut and fill and things like
that. He said the property at Chapel Hill and Scott Boulevard also
rises up from the road. Mr. Hancock indicated the prior owner of this
property would not have developed it as a supermarket due to the topography.
They had said it would be too difficult and costly to move that much dirt
for that type of project. Mr. Hancock said he would see something on
the order of what was provided in the concept sketch -- which had depicted
individual pad sites spread out among the property. He observed there
are things on the sketch that people would probably disagree with, i.e.,
Mr. Hancock would prefer the gasoline pumps for the C-store be located behind
the store. He reported there will be an opportunity to discuss these
types of issues when the C-P plan is submitted. Mr. Hancock felt the
concept sketch conveys an idea of not having one massive building or buildings.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Bill Crockett, an engineer
with offices at 2608 N. Stadium, spoke on behalf of the owners, Dr. and Mrs.
Hugh Stephenson, Mr. and Mrs. B. J. McClatchey, and Ms. Marilyn Mitchell. He
explained that most of the buildings are relatively small -- no more than
8,000 square feet per unit. He noted there might be one or two structures
that might be two stories, but most are pretty small -- with some as small
as 2,500 square feet. He said that would allow the site to be developed
without massive grading. Mr. Crockett said the corner of Scotts and
Vawter would need to be filled by a limited amount to establish a pad site. The
C-store has been planned for the corner due to visibility. Behind it
, Mr. Crockett said could be a full service banking facility with a drive-thru
that would still have full visibility at an elevation above the C-store height. Mr.
Crockett reported the first land use plan he looked at in Columbia had been
in 1968, and Vawter School Road and Scott Boulevard were shown as being major
arterial streets. His point is that there has been a rather long history
of planning for routing of traffic through this area. He anticipates
that traffic will increase over the years and this would simply have to be
addressed. He noted that there are no commercial establishments with
direct access off of either one of the arterial streets. He said
the intersection will not be cluttered with driveways, or another situation
like PP will be created. Mr. Crockett noted that the streets
within this proposed development are internal, with each one taking a minimum
right-of-way width of 60 feet. He said that reduces the available area
for the development of the C-P. He said the 22 acres includes the major
road right-of-ways that have already been encumbered through easements to
the County.
Mr. Campbell pointed out
that the Planning and Zoning Commission requested that the C-P be reduced
to 15 acres. He asked if the owners are agreeable to this reduction. Mr.
Crockett did not think the owners are willing to take that drastic of a decrease. He
said that would put the balance available for development at considerably
less than 10 acres. He did not believe they could accomplish what the
area will be needing and desiring in 10 acres because the amount across the
road is somewhere in the neighborhood of five acres. Mr. Crockett thought
there might be some reduction that could be negotiated, but to reduce the
commercial to 15 acres is too drastic at this point.
Regarding the area to the
west of Scott Boulevard (south of Vawter School Road), Mr. Campbell stated
this is a residential area, and he noted it is traditional that a buffer
should exist between residential and commercial property. He asked
how the adjacent residents will be buffered from this proposed development. Mr.
Crockett said the parking lot is in front of the buildings along that side. He
would simply propose to move the whole row of development further to the
east, and establish a buffer along the edge of the roadway. He explained
a portion of the property to the west is already buffered. Due to the
fact that the area to the west drops radically, Mr. Crockett said there are
only a couple of residences that would even see this development. Because
of the difference in elevation, Mr. Campbell observed there would, in essence,
be a group of commercial areas at a higher elevation than the adjacent residential
properties. That did not seem to be a desirable pattern to Mr. Campbell. Mr.
Crockett explained that the grading that would take place would be on the
high point of this proposed commercial area. He said that land would
be lowered, and the rock borings taken on the design of Scotts Boulevard
indicate that the subsurface rock is only about eight to ten feet deep. Consequently,
he said they do not have a lot of dirt to take off of the top. He said
that area would be lower because that is the only dirt that is available. It
was his opinion that the area could be lowered four to eight feet. With
the architectural involvement on the C-P planning, they would simply have
a low profile building.
Mr. Janku noted that the
sketch shows direct vehicle access to the residential subdivision from the
commercial area. Mr. Crockett said that is correct. Mr. Janku
asked if they had thought about some sort of mix of office and commercial
to accomplish some of the buffering. Mr. Crockett said there are a
number of buildings that have office concepts. He reported along Scotts
Boulevard, the building facing the south would be retail sales, but the east
side would be an office situation. The units in the very southeast
corner are the proposed C-P. Of the 130,000 square feet, Mr. Crockett
estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 square feet would be for office space.
Audrey Sabel, 2300 Mint Julep,
asked if this development could possibly be a site for live entertainment. Mr.
Kruse said the new ordinance, as proposed, would only allow this type of
business in a M-1 or C-3 zone. Mr. Hancock said the ordinance
that accompanies this rezoning is for C-1 uses, plus a C-store and service
station. He said the adult live entertainment ordinance proposal would
only allow such a business in an M-1 or C-3 zone, and a conditional use permit
would have to be granted before it could open for operation.
Joseph Kurzejeski, 4651 Scotts
Boulevard, thought it is inappropriate for the City Planning and Zoning Commission
to consider this request for a site in the county. Outside of
sewer and water, he said there would be no services available to the subdivision.
Mr. Kruse asked Mr. Kurzejeski
how he would feel if the property had been annexed a year ago with the zoning
request coming now. Mr. Kurzejeski said the people currently living
in the area would certainly be concerned about it, and would be hopeful of
at least being involved in discussions about it. Mr. Kruse asked how
he felt about the development in the area. Mr. Kurzejeski said he believed
there would be development, and that the residents were aware of this when
they moved out there. But they also understood that under the County
Land Use Plan, the area was to be residential.
Ken Midkiff, 1005 Bellview,
spoke on behalf of the Sierra Club, explained that they view this project
as a "leap frog" development. He said it is not adjacent to any current
developed areas, and does not have the needed infrastructure. He said
the tax payers would have to pay for the new streets and all the other services
that do not currently exist. Mr. Midkiff said the Sierra Club
can support the concept of mixed zoning, but did not think the concept of
sustainability should be applied to an area that will be developed outside
of the current area. He suggested this proposal to be no more than
urban sprawl.
Marion Mace, 1993 S. El Dorado,
spoke on behalf of the Osage Group of the Sierra Club, and distributed a
pamphlet entitled, Suburban Sprawl Costs Us All in the Midwest. She
explained the information presented in the pamphlet is based on a study conducted
by the Sierra Club Midwest Office, and discusses the costs involved with
sprawl. She read suggestions from the pamphlet.
Rick Webel, 4251 Scotts Boulevard,
agreed with Mr. Kurzejeski in that none of the residents living in the area
affected by this development have had a chance to see any of the plans --
preliminary as they are. He did not think any one of them has
an objection to the residential development of the area, it is the commercial
portion that they object to. Mr. Webel is concerned there will be no
restrictions as to what the particular types of commercial could be. He
said the proposed retail store at the top of the hill would be directly across
the street from his home at the top of the same hill. Mr. Webel asked
the Council to seriously consider what is actually needed versus what people
want.
Brian Christensen, 4257 Scotts
Boulevard, also agreed that area homeowners expected a residential development. He
did not think the concept of a commercial development had been completely
thought through. Considering the amount of commercial that will already
be on the Baurichter property, along with the no longer used commercial property
of Tarleton Square, he thought a hard look at what services would actually
be needed to serve the area is needed.
Bill Crockett responded to
questions that were asked. Regarding adult entertainment, he said if
C-1 is included in the permitted category for that type of business, it would
be excluded from this proposal. He reported Mr. and Mrs. McClatchey
have no desire for that type of business on the site. As far as utilities,
Mr. Crockett said the sewer is within 1,000 feet of the tract, and would
be extended to serve the north area from the Millcreek Trunk Sewer to the
west. He said there has already been several million dollars spent
on the roadway --the Vawter School Road/Nifong Boulevard extension to Providence
Road. He noted there is funding currently budgeted for improving Scotts
Boulevard to the state route. Mr. Crockett said water is the only utility
not on the site, but he said it is in the immediate area. He said the
City's Water and Light Department has plans for water to be in the area in
the near future, unless it is brought in by a developer first. He
said gas and electric are presently on the site.
Mr. Janku noted that the
Parks and Recreation Commission has raised two concerns; storm water runoff
and the need for neighborhood parkland in the area. In response
to the storm water runoff, Mr. Crockett said a brief hydraulic analysis of
the area indicated that the difference in the runoff from the existing use
now, to the commercial use similar to that being proposed, is about 68 cubic
feet per second. He said the incremental increase would amount
to less than one-half percent increased flow. He said if detention
is required, there is an area of open space in a 25 foot deep ravine which
could be easily converted into storm water retention.
Regarding parkland, Mr. Crockett
explained that Mill Creek bisects the property toward the south end. He
said there is slightly over 20 acres of 100 year flood plain available. He
estimated that about 10 to 12 acres of this tract has been set aside as a
flood way for the 100 year flood. Mr. Crockett reported that would
leave approximately 10 acres that could very easily be converted into recreational
facilities. He said this could be further addressed during the preliminary
platting stage.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
Mr. Kruse observed there
is no plan for growth management for the metropolitan area, or for the community
as a whole -- including the City and the significant undeveloped property
directly adjacent to it. He said the Council is always responding to
requests, never having a deliberative discussion in the context of an overall
plan for growth for the metro area. He said that has troubled him for
a long time. For some reason, Mr. Kruse said the City seems to have
a difficult time examining the issue of growth management for the long-term. Referring
to the Columbia 2000 report, he felt the citizens were very clear in their
wish that the community remain compact and have the feel of a college town
with a lot of open space. Mr. Kruse commented that he is unwilling
to support an annexation and development proposal, particularly one of this
size in a part of the county that represents the best of Boone County, without
having gone through a protracted, grass roots, bottom-up growth management
planning process.
Mr. Campbell said he too
felt a comprehensive plan is needed. He said his primary concern with
this development is the proposed commercial development. Mr. Campbell
explained that the Council is beginning to see a very different kind of commercial
development in which it is integrated into office, commercial, and residential,
all fitting together in one package, rather than being a separated kind of
activity. He felt by approving this request tonight, it would initiate
a nucleus of major commercial development that has the potential of gradually
moving out and taking on larger areas. Mr. Campbell reported if there
were to be a neighborhood development in this location, he thought he could
be supportive of this request, but he would like to see the acreage significantly
reduced from 22 acres to something like five to ten. If it was a larger
area, he would like to see it as part of a commercial/residential package. He
did not think the proposal tonight was ready for adoption.
Mr. Janku said he had looked
around the area and had found it amazing that much of the area is undeveloped. He
felt that residential development would move forward with Thornbrook and
this proposal. Mr. Janku felt there is a need for sufficient commercial
development to serve the surrounding area, as well as the area that will
develop in five to ten years further to the south and west. He thought
some protections should be built into this plan, not just the acreage issue,
but in terms of the buffer on the neighboring areas also. He suggested
an office buffer, as opposed to commercial development, that could be incorporated
into the approval of any commercial zoning. He also suggested making
sure there is limited access to the adjoining streets. Mr. Janku observed
the access problem created by tracts being developed in small pieces could
be avoided if the Council permits a larger development to occur.
In terms of "leap-frogging",
Mr. Janku said there are some services in place and the City has developed
to the existing boundary along Scotts Boulevard. With the Katy Lake
Subdivision, the City limits has been extended to the MKT Parkway. He
said development would have to cross this area at some point. In effect,
the development is "leap-frogging" the MKT, but it is a green space and he
did not see how anyone could suggest otherwise.
Mayor Hindman agreed with
what was said, but said he is in favor of the plan. He said by the
time easements and streets are taken out, the acreage would be cut down to
a reasonable amount of commercial. He is very familiar with the Sierra
Club's publication on sprawl, and is in agreement with almost everything
it says. However, Mayor Hindman noted it is interesting that they have
different interpretations of what is happening in this case. He felt
what would be created in this instance is an in-fill development. Mayor
Hindman said he realized it is at the edge of the City, but added that it
is where development is absolutely inevitable, and where he thought it should
be directed. Mayor Hindman stated infrastructure is available, and
that is where development should occur. Looking at the map, he said
it is obvious that is where commercial will be needed to serve the area that
is in the process of developing. Mr. Campbell pointed out
that he has worked on some commercial developments fairly intently during
the last year, and the consensus of the people he worked with was that somewhere
between 80,000 and 120,000 square feet is needed to have a viable neighborhood
convenience area in today's market world. He said this proposal
is not too far out of line.
Mayor Hindman noted that
Mr. Crockett had said that out of the approximate 130,000 square feet, about
30,000 would be office. He said it is speculation at this point,
but that would leave 100,000 square feet of commercial development.
Mr. Kruse commented that
if development occurs, he thought it should be mixed use. He said if
there is significant residential development, there ought to be commercial
development very near by. He liked the idea of having the basic neighborhood
commercial services available within a 10 minute walk from any residence.
Mr. Campbell said he would
vote in favor of this request, but should it come back while he is on the
Council, he would hope it would provide some protection to the neighborhood
to the west, and that it be a fully integrated package -- not piece by piece.
B325-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, HINDMAN, COBLE,
JANKU. VOTING NO: KRUSE, COFFMAN. ABSTAINING: CROCKETT. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B329-98 Authorizing
Change Order No. 1, approving the engineer's final report, levying
and
assessing
special assessments; appropriating funds for Sewer District No. 136 project.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that a
formal report would be given by the Public Works Director. He
noted that he had received a call from the attorney who represented a property
owner affected by this project. Mr. Beck had received a proposal for
a reduction in this individual's tax bill as it relates to the overall financing
of the sewer lines built in the district. Mr. Beck said he and Mr.
Patterson had looked at the proposal and considered it to be reasonable.
Mr. Patterson noted that
Sewer District 136 had been formed by ordinance in February of 1997, and
that a public hearing had been conducted on March 17, 1997, to determine
the necessity for constructing sewer lines. Before the Council tonight
is an ordinance that would levy special assessments against properties, if
it is determined they have benefitted by the improvements to the extent of
the proposed assessments. Mr. Patterson displayed a map showing
the district that was formed, and said approximately 1,000 feet of eight
inch sewer line and eight manholes had been installed in order to provide
public sewer to the lots contained within the district. He noted there
are 15 lots in the district, 11 of which either had no sewer or on-site septic
tanks or lagoons. The remaining four are part of an area served by
a private common collector.
Mr. Patterson reported the
total project cost was $44,835.65, which resulted in an assessment rate of
about 13 cents per square foot. The resolution estimate set the maximum
at 14 1/2 cents, so the assessments will be slightly lower than what was
anticipated at the time of the public hearing. The four lots that were
on a private common collector are proposed to be assessed at one-half the
regular rate in accordance with City policy for private common collector
sewers. As contained in the ordinance, the tax bills will provide $40,392.37
in funding, and the remaining $4,443.28 will be paid out of the sewer utility
budget. However, Mr. Patterson observed there is one large, single
residential tract that if it were assessed at the normal rate, the tax bill
would be $13,800 or more.
At the time of the hearing,
Mr. Patterson explained the Council had the option of determining whether
the property has benefitted in the amount that is being proposed. If
not, the Council can set a lower assessment at a level deemed to be appropriate
and equivalent to the benefits that have been accrued. One factor that
could be considered is the benefit comparable to that of a private common
collector, which would be at one-half of the level. Mr. Patterson stated
that is what has been suggested by the representative of the property owner. Since
the property is a single family residence and is not likely to be further
developed to any major extent, and would not result in an unfair burden on
the other properties in the sewer district, Mr. Patterson felt the offer
to be fair. If that were to happen, he said the sewer utility would
pay the balance of the tax bill.
Mr. Patterson suggested that
the Council may wish to consider the following when levying the assessments:
the new sewer lines have eliminated the health hazards and the potential
liabilities that are associated with on-site systems such as lagoons and
septic tanks; the cost of maintaining the private, common collectors and
the on-site facilities will also be eliminated since the City will be taking
over responsibility for maintenance of the new sewer lines; and, the connection
to a public sewer is generally considered as an enhancement to the value
of property and, therefore, a direct benefit to the property itself. After
public input and Council discussion, Mr. Patterson said staff recommends
that the ordinance levying special assessments be approved, with whatever
amendments Council may wish to consider to the one tract identified as having
a large assessment.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that B329-98 be amended by changing the assessment figure at the bottom of
page 3 of the ordinance to $6,923.90. The motion was seconded by Mrs.
Crockett .
Mr. Patterson said the staff
should probably look at the policy adopted for the sewer district for those
that include on-site treatment and private common collectors to try to find
some further relief so residents will be able to afford the costs associated
with such projects. He said staff hopes to submit a report to the City
Manager in the near future.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
Roland Walker, an attorney
representing Mr. Nichols, owner of the large tract, said the reduced tax
bill of $6,923.90 is acceptable. He thanked the Council and staff for
their help and concern.
Mayor Hindman closed the
public hearing.
The motion to amend B329-98,
made by Ms. Coble, seconded by Mrs. Crockett, was approved unanimously by
voice vote.
B329-98, as amended, was
given third reading with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL,
KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B330-98 Calling
for bids for the removal of contaminated soil and site restoration
at the southwest
corner
of Fourth Street and Cherry Street; appropriating funds.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that during
the removal of the building on this site, it had been found that there was
some petroleum contaminated soil. He said the Public Works Department
has been working with DNR to develop a clean-up plan. Mr. Beck reported
a plan has been formulated, with the estimated cost for the work being approximately
$124,000. He pointed out that $93,000 of that amount would be paid
from the Missouri Petroleum Storage Tank Insurance Fund, administered through
the Department of Natural Resources. The staff recommendation is for
completion of the clean-up.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
B330-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN,
HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
(A) Construction
of H-4 Trunk Sewer in SW Columbia near Vawter School Road.
Item A was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that should
Council approve this project, it would allow the construction of a trunk
sewer to the 80-acre point. He said after that point, developers or
sewer districts pay the remaining cost to extend the sewer line into specific
developing areas. The estimated cost is $280,000 to build a 1,700 foot,
ten-inch main. He noted this project had been included in the wastewater
utility ballot issue.
Mayor Hindman opened the
public hearing.
There being no comments,
Mayor Hindman closed the public hearing.
Ms. Coble made the motion
that staff be directed to proceed with the H-4 Trunk Sewer project. The
motion was seconded by Mrs. Crockett and approved unanimously by voice vote.
OLD BUSINESS
B326-98 Voluntary
annexation of property located on the east side of Strawn Road, west of City
limits.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this 1.9 acre
tract of land is owned by the School Board, and is one of two school properties
on the agenda tonight.
Comments were called for
with none received.
B326-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B327-98 Voluntary
annexation of property located on the north side of new haven Avenue,
east of
City
limits.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck said this is a 10.8
acre tract of land also owned by the School District. Comments
were called for with none received.
B327-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN,
HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
B328-98 Authorizing
annexation agreements with Robert Conrad Developers, Inc. and with
the
owners
of all lots in Willow Brook Subdivision.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck noted that the Regional
Sewer District is also involved as a party in the agreements. He reported
the sewers inspected by the County could not be verified by staff as meeting
City regulations.
Mr. Patterson said staff
has been assured by the County that the sewers were constructed according
to standards, which are the same as the City's. He said this is simply
a case where the County does not maintain the same records as the City, and
inspection records are not available for our own verification.
Mrs. Crockett said she guessed
this is no different from accepting streets in any pre-annexation agreement. Mr.
Patterson said it could be compared to a situation where the streets have
already been built in the county, and then are annexed into the City.
Ms. Coble asked if the agreement
is okay. Mr. Patterson said staff could not come up with anything better.
Robert Conrad, subdivision
developer, offered to answer any questions.
Mrs. Crockett asked Mr. Conrad
if he would be able to sell lots now. Mr. Conrad said he has sold the
majority of the lots in Phase 1. Mrs. Crockett asked if he would have
sewer to all of the lots. Mr. Conrad responded he would, and has spent
about $55,000 of his own money to build a lift station and a force main. He
reported he has actually alleviated a problem in this area for a great number
of people. Mr. Conrad had been assured by the County Sewer District
that this would be accepted, and was the preferred route to go. Mrs.
Crockett asked if all of the people who purchased lots had signed pre-annexation
agreements. Mr. Conrad said they had.
B328-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE,
COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. ABSTAINING: JANKU. Bill
declared enacted, reading as follows:
B331-98 Authorizing
agreements for improvements to the Audubon and Stadium Boulevard
intersection.
The bill was given second
reading by the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that this
involves two agreements. He said that Mr. Patterson has been working
with the developers and the Department of Transportation for the installation
of traffic signals at this intersection. He said the City share would
be to pay for the pedestrian accommodations at the intersection, estimated
at about $20,000.
Mr. Coffman said there had
been early discussions about the pedestrian signals being used on a limited
time basis. He asked what the current plans are for use, and how it
might coordinate with the pedestrian walkway. Mr. Patterson thought
the Highway Department has chosen to put it on full activation and available
for pedestrian usage at any time of the day. He said the signal would
be in a regular sequence with the rest of the signals on Stadium. Mr.
Coffman asked how soon construction could begin after passage of the ordinance. Mr.
Patterson understood the permit is ready to be issued as soon as the Highway
Department receives the agreements from the City. He said the developer
is anxious to get started on the project. Mr. Patterson thought it
would be entirely dependent upon the availability of materials. He
reported the type of work associated with the installation would not be impossible
to do during winter months. With luck, Mr. Patterson believed the project
could begin this winter.
Mayor Hindman asked about
the portion of sidewalk that was requested to be constructed by MFA. Mr.
Patterson said MFA has been contacted, and if they choose not to proceed,
there would be the option of issuing a tax bill assessment.
Jane Addison, 2407 Shepard
Boulevard, commented that all of the neighbors living in that area would
be very happy to hear the news that the project is proceeding. On
behalf of the residents, she thanked the Council, MoDot, the staff, and especially
Mr. Coffman.
Mr. Coffman thanked everyone
from the East Pointe, Audubon, and Shepard Boulevard neighborhoods for all
of their support. He also thanked the East Pointe Neighborhood Association
for donating some property in order to complete the project. He is
hopeful a sidewalk could be put all of the way through because there are
a lot of kids that would like to go back and forth between the two neighborhoods. He
also thought there will be a lot of people that would like to walk to the
theater.
Mayor Hindman said this makes
the second crossing on Stadium. He is very pleased with that, and would
like to see it continue.
B331-98 was given third reading
with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN,
HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bill declared
enacted, reading as follows:
CONSENT AGENDA
The following bills were
given second reading and the resolutions were read by the Clerk.
B324-98 Approving
the final plat of Highland Ridge, Plat No. 3.
B332-98 Accepting
conveyances for sewer, utility, street, sidewalk and drainage purposes.
B333-98 Levying
special assessment for weed nuisance at 804 Seventh Street and Lot 2 of Moon
Valley
Heights.
B334-98 Authorizing
a grant application to the Missouri Division of Highway Safety to provide
overtime
funding for enforcement of hazardous moving violations; appropriating funds.
B335-98 Appropriating
funds for lab tests related to police and fire physical exams.
R211-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of 12-inch water main serving Liberty Square,
Block
3; providing payment for differential costs above those to install an 8-inch
water
main.
R212-98 Setting
a public hearing: construction of Sanitary sewer MC-7 Trunk Sewer serving
Thornbrook
Subdivision.
R213-98 Setting
a public hearing: storm water drainage improvements in the Defoe Drive area.
R214-98 Setting
a public hearing: amendment no. 2 to the 201 Facility Plan Update, Wastewater
Collection
and Treatment.
R215-98 Setting
a public hearing: amendment no. 6 to Planning Report on Wastewater Collection
and
Treatment.
R216-98 Setting
a public hearing: annexation of city-owned property located on the north
side of
Hinkson
Creek Road, east of Hinkson Creek.
R217-98 Authorizing
an ancillary services agreement with HealthCare USA of Missouri, LLC.
R218-98 Authorizing
an agreement with First Night Columbia, Inc. to provide funding for
the New
Year's
Eve special event.
R219-98 Authorizing
an Adopt-A-Spot agreement with Eric Happ.
The bills were given third reading and the resolutions were read with the vote recorded as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU, CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Bills declared enacted and resolutions declared adopted, reading as follows:
NEW BUSINESS
R220-98 Authorizing
an airline agreement with Trans States Airlines, Inc., d/b/a TWE.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that there
had been a question raised as to whether or not TWE has been paying more
than their fair share toward safety facilities since they were the only airline
flying out of the airport. He said that Mr. Patterson has been negotiating
with them to come up with a manner in which the fees that are paid would
better reflect the airline's use of the facilities. Mr. Beck noted
that staff is also working to resolve some of the funding that TWE has not
paid as a result of the previous agreement. He said there would
be a change in the way TWE pays as it would be based on ridership. He
said they will also pay approximately $35,000 to settle a dispute. Mr.
Beck said the new formula will reduce the annual revenues by a certain amount,
but if another airline starts up, the amount collected could at least make
up the difference.
The vote on R220-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R221-98 Authorizing
an agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. to perform engineering
services
for the Cow Branch sewer improvements.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck explained that the
staff had gone through a procedure in accordance with City guidelines for
hiring an engineering consulting firm for this major sewer project in the
north central portion of the City. The estimated cost of the project
is $2,240,000. Mr. Beck noted that this project had been taken into
account when figuring the estimates placed on the revenue ballot issue. The
engineering services estimate on the project is $164,000, and would be paid
from the sewer utility fund.
Mayor Hindman asked if right-of-way
has been acquired for this project. Mr. Beck said it had not, the first
step would be to develop a design. Mayor Hindman asked if it would
be possible, when acquiring the easements, to also acquire pedestrian/bicycle
easements. He asked if something like that would be part of the engineering
aspect of the project. Mr. Beck said it could be kept in mind, but
he did not think it should be the most significant driver if there is a substantial
cost differential. Mr. Beck asked Mr. Patterson whether any federal
funds would be used as part of the project. Mr. Patterson said they
would be using the state revolving loan funding, which has a lot of the same
requirements as a grant. Mr. Patterson said the time to consider
that issue is probably before the public hearings in order to obtain some
information about what would be available. He said staff would have
plenty of time, in advance of acquiring any right-of-way, to evaluate this
information by the time of the public hearing. Mr. Patterson said the
resolution setting the public hearing on the Facility Plan amendment would
be up for adoption this evening. The hearing will be held in December.
The vote on R221-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted,
reading as follows:
R222-98 Approving
a Preliminary Plat of The Village of Cherry Hill Subdivision; variances
to the
subdivision
regulations.
The resolution was read by
the Clerk.
Mr. Beck pointed out that
this request had been recommended unanimously for approval by the Planning
and Zoning Commission subject to variance requests.
Mr. Campbell explained that
this is one of those new urbanism developments they have heard so much discussion
about. He said this development is the first to come through that has
many things he felt the Council is looking for, i.e., higher density and
an integration of different types of uses in one proposal. He is pleased
to see this development progress.
The vote on R222-98 was recorded
as follows: VOTING YES: CAMPBELL, KRUSE, COFFMAN, HINDMAN, COBLE, JANKU,
CROCKETT. VOTING NO: NO ONE. Resolution declared adopted, reading
as follows:
The following bills were introduced by the Mayor, unless otherwise indicated, and all were given first reading:
B336-98 Authorizing
construction of a 12-inch water main serving Liberty Square, Block
3;
payment
of differential costs above those to install an 8-inch water main; appropriating
funds.
B337-98 Calling
for bids for the construction of MC-7 Trunk Sewer serving Thornbrook
Subdivision.
B338-98 Calling
for bids for the construction of the Glen Eagle Drive storm drainage
improvements.
B339-98 Calling
for bids for sanitary sewer relocations necessary in conjunction with the
Route B
improvement
project.
B340-98 Calling
for bids for the street construction of Conley Road from I-70 Drive SE to
its
northern
terminus.
B341-98 Calling
for bids for the construction of H-4 Trunk Sewer serving the Baurichter property.
B342-98 Amending
Chapter 14 of the Code relating to parking prohibited locations.
B343-98 Amending
Chapter 14 of the Code to provide additional metered parking on portions
of
Hitt
Street and Stewart Road.
B344-98 Accepting
a conveyance of Lots 134 and 135 of the Seven Oaks Subdivision.
B345-98 Accepting
conveyances for utility purposes.
B346-98 Vacating
a portion of Pannell Street, north of the Columbia Terminal Railroad right-of-way.
B347-98 Approving
the final plat of Southwell Subdivision; variances to the subdivision
regulations.
B348-98 Approving
the final plat of The Highlands, Plat 17.
B349-98 Approving
the replat of Lot 12120 of The Highlands, Plat 12-A.
B350-98 Approving
the replat of Lot 51 of Country Club Villas, II, amended.
B351-98 Approving
the replat of Lot 89 of Country Club Villas III.
B352-98 Rezoning
1809 Vandiver Drive from O-1 to C-P.
B353-98 Rezoning
209 and 213 Third Avenue from O-P to C-P; approving a C-P Development Plan.
REPORTS AND PETITIONS
(A) Intra-Departmental
Transfer of Funds.
Report accepted.
(B) Street Closure
Requests.
Mr. Beck explained that the
first street closure request is for the Earth Day 1999 activities, and the
second request is for the First Night celebration.
Mr. Campbell made the motion
that the requests be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded
by Ms. Coble and approved unanimously by voice vote.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None.
COMMENTS OF THE COUNCIL, STAFF, AND PUBLIC
Ms. Coble, on behalf of several
neighborhood associations, said residents were very excited that the Council
had appropriated money to reconstruct the playground equipment at the Worley
Street Park. She said the staff had done a very good job completing
the project. Ms. Coble reported that the neighborhood had been very
saddened when somebody took it upon themselves to vandalize and burn down
the new equipment as soon as it was put in. She said residents are
hopeful the playground could be rebuilt and would remain longer than a day.
Ms. Coble asked that staff
look at the lighting on Oak Street to see if there might be some way to increase
it. She also asked the staff to look into lighting in alleyways, in
particular between Third and Fourth Avenues.
Mr. Janku said the Council
received a memo from Mr. Patterson, regarding a couple of sidewalk issues,
indicating that the Council would need to make a referral to Planning and
Zoning, or at least initiate the process for some changes.
Mr. Janku made the motion
that the sidewalk issues regarding sidewalks along expressways and in industrial
areas be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendations
for necessary amendments. The motion was seconded by Mayor Hindman
and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Referring to the new state
office building being constructed on Vandiver, Mr. Janku said when it is
completed, it will have 350 employees and a number of agencies that will
be drawing clients. The facility will be on a bus route, which he said
had been a previous concern. He asked that the staff look at evaluating
how bus service will be provided to this area. Mr. Janku's concern
relates to the danger of letting people off on the opposite side of the street
on Vandiver. He suggested looking into providing service directly to
the building, as opposed to people having to cross the busy street which
has no pedestrian curbs. Mr. Janku asked whether any contact
had been made with the state regarding the Vandiver/Rangeline intersection
being upgraded to improve traffic flow. He said it is backed up at
this point, and with this major state facility being constructed on Vandiver,
peak rush hour traffic will only get worse.
Regarding the bus situation,
Mayor Hindman commented if it is too difficult to change the route, it would
be a good place for a pedestrian crossing. Mr. Janku said that would
be a possibility. He said he would like to see some different options.
Mrs. Crockett asked about
the right hand turn onto Vandiver off of 763. She said it had been
worked on, but it is in about the same condition as it was several weeks
ago.
Regarding the intersection
of William and Windsor, Mrs. Crockett explained that there is now a two-way
stop sign. Because of the widening project, sight distance problems
now exist and the neighborhood is requesting a four-way stop. Mrs.
Crockett asked that the staff report back.
Mrs. Crockett said she had
been to Hanover Estates for the first time to see where the HOME funds were
going. She reported these are very nice homes for people 55 years
of age and over. Mrs. Crockett stated residents expressed an interest
in improved street lighting on Hanover because many like to walk in the area. She
said presently there are only three or four small street lamps. Mrs.
Crockett also reported there is no bus service in the area, and it is difficult
for the residents to walk all of the way to Route PP. She asked staff
to look into bus service to the vicinity. Mr. Janku thought the
density was there for that type of service. Mrs. Crockett asked for
a report back.
Mr. Kruse announced that
he would not be seeking re-election in April. He encouraged anyone
interested in his 5th Ward Council seat to contact him. He would be
happy to meet with them.
Mr. Coffman said he had met
with the Grindstone neighborhood and they were coming to terms with the new
AC. He said it has been difficult for them to realize what is going
to happen to their very quiet neighborhood. He said residents
are worried about a safe pedestrian passage from Grindstone Park to the other
side of AC. Mr. Coffman has heard the underpass idea mentioned several
times, but is not sure that he had ever heard a real definitive idea about
the feasibility or a cost estimate. He would like to see a thoughtful
cost estimate or other means to get pedestrians from one side of the street
to the other.
Mr. Kruse said he had been
at the meeting with Mr. Coffman, and about 30 residents were in attendance. He
and Mr. Coffman have both tried to explain to residents this is going to
be a really good road design, and may actually be an enhancement. In
the Advisory Committee meetings, he did not recall if there had been any
in-depth discussions about an underpass. Mr. Kruse said the property
owner of the R-3 tract across from the park was at the meeting, and he thought
it was pretty clear that the property would eventually be developed. He
noted there is a huge amount of R-3 north of AC.
Mr. Coffman made the motion
that staff report back on options for an underpass or other pedestrian facilities. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Kruse and approved unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Janku commented that
the City has been working with the state on improvements to the intersection
of West Boulevard and I-70 Drive SW. He is not sure the issue of sidewalks
had been brought up. He asked for a report.
Mayor Hindman noted that
an Adopt-A-Spot had been approved on the Consent Agenda this evening. He
said it is along the little sidewalk that was built from Westwinds Drive
over to Stadium. He congratulated Mr. Happ and thanked him for his
interest.
Regarding Route AC, Mayor
Hindman understood it is a matter of concern to the neighbors in the area. He
explained a roadway in Newport, Tennessee that was similar to AC with two
lanes going each way. He said the road has curbs and gutters, sidewalks,
and a planted median where left hand turns could be made. He said the
road went right through a residential area and, although it carries a tremendous
amount of traffic, it was extremely pleasant to travel on. Mayor Hindman
reported the interesting thing is that the road changes and loses the sidewalks
and planted medians. He said it is an entirely different atmosphere. The
two roads were carrying the exact amount of traffic, but one was a huge benefit
to the community and the other was just ugly. Mayor Hindman thought
in the long run, the neighbors on AC will find it very acceptable.
Henry Lane, 1816 E. Broadway,
said he was not able to obtain all of the information he had requested regarding
the use tax proposition.
Mr. Beck said he is not sure
anyone was withholding anything. He said the issue has been as open
as possible. He again explained how the figures for the use tax had
been arrived at.
Audrey Sabel, 3800 Mint Julep,
noted that the City has annexed a lot of property recently. She asked
if consideration had been given to changing the make-up of the Council. Mayor
Hindman explained that would require a Charter Amendment. He said there
was a lot of argument as to what the size of a City Council ought to be. He
said that City Council members represent far fewer people than anyone in
the Legislature does. Mayor Hindman noted that a lot of newly annexed
areas have yet to develop. Ms. Sabel asked when these new areas are
annexed, if these developments contribute toward infrastructure costs. Mr.
Janku said that is correct, and it is spelled out very specifically in terms
of road construction, sewers, etc. He said it is very detailed and
information can be obtained from the City offices.
Larry Petterborg, 5003 Thornridge,
read a letter regarding urban sprawl and the issue of city expansion around
the edges is not healthy. Urban sprawl, he said, is the unnecessary
growth of a city into its surroundings, which leads to higher taxes, lower
property values, loss of green space and farmland, flooding and erosion,
and air and water pollution. Mr. Petterborg reported that bigger is
not better.
The meeting adjourned at
10:30 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Penny
St. Romaine
City
Clerk
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