CITY OF BELLA VILLA
OFFICIAL MINUTES OF ALDERMAN MEETING
July 22, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: 7:05 P.M.
ROLL CALL
· Mayor Joanne Yates Present
· Alderman Steve Grey Present
· Alderman Richard Homan Present
· Alderwoman Mary Sikorski Excused
· Alderwoman Tammie Keadle Present
· Alderwoman Donna Puleo Present
· Alderman Jeffrey Robinson Present
Quorum
OTHERS PRESENT
· Jessica Liss, City Attorney
· Betty Rizos, City Clerk
· Missie Feager, Treasurer
· Bob Biggerstaff, Community Development
· Alice Lotspeich, Health and Sanitation
· John Franklin, Building Commissioner
· Bill Redwine, Street and Sewer Commissioner
· Tony Lamantia, Allied Waste
RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
Karen Kinder
Mary and Kevin Struttmann
Ruth Ann and Art Frank
Alice Lotspeich
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Alderwoman Puleo made a motion to accept the June 24, 2010 minutes and it was seconded by Alderman Homan.
All were in favor.
Alderwoman Puleo made a motion to accept the minutes of the Community Development Public Hearing of June 24, 2010 and it was seconded by Alderman Robinson.
All were in favor.
APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Alderwoman Puleo moved to approve the financial statements of June, 2010 and Alderman Grey seconded.
All were in favor.
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Yates made a point of order and asked that Tony Lamantia, from Allied Waste be next on the agenda.
Allied Waste
Tony Lamantia, from Allied Waste was at the meeting to discuss an extension to their contract. There would be a $.29 per household increase the fourth year, a $.29 increase the fifth year and a $.29 increase the sixth year. Allied would also provide residents, at no charge, a 65 gallon two wheel plastic cart, which they could exchange at no cost for a 95 gallon two wheel plastic cart by calling Allied.
Alderman Grey made a motion to accept the contract with a change that the pick up day remain on Wednesday for trash and bulky items, and residents would receive a 65 gallon two wheel plastic cart instead of the 95 gallon cart. The motion was seconded by Alderwoman Puleo.
On roll call vote
Yeas; 5 Grey, Homan, Keadle, Puleo, Robinson
Noes; 0
Excused; 1 Sikorski
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Yates also made her recommendations for Bob Biggerstaff to be on the Police Committee. Alderman Robinson made the motion and it was seconded by Alderman Homan. On roll call vote
Yeas; 5 Grey, Homan Keadle, Puleo, Robinson
Noes; 0
Excused; 1 Sikorski
Mayor Yates made a recommendation for Building Commissioner, John Franklin. Alderman Homan made that motion and Alderwoman Puleo seconded.
All were in favor.
Mayor Yates made her recommendation for Health and Sanitation Commissioner, Alice Lotspeich. Alderman Grey made that motion and Alderman Robinson seconded.
All were in favor.
Mayor Yates made a recommendation for Parks Commissioner, Tammie Keadle. Alderman Homan made that motion and Alderwoman Puleo seconded. Alderman Grey abstained from voting. All others present were in favor.
The Mayor also made a recommendation for Police Chief, Chief Locke. Alderwoman Keadle made that motion and Alderman Homan seconded.
All were in favor.
Mayor Yates wanted everyone to know that Alderwoman Sikorski was doing well after her surgery and wished her well.
POLICE REPORT
Chief Locke reported that there were cars broken into on Landor Ct. He believes he has identified the person as a juvenile. There is a Wanted out for his arrest.
He also reported Officer Palombo responded to a burglary on Landor Ct. He reported that the police force will be spotlighting back yards on Landor Ct. and he has gone door to door to advise residents of this.
He has a memo to officers to remind them to be sure they are stopping and using signals properly.
Chief Locke made a recommendation to fill the position of Sergeant, which has been vacant for one year. His recommendation was Officer Manuele. After much discussion there was a motion made by Alderman Homan to make Officer Manuele, Sergeant, without a pay or increase in hours worked. This was seconded by Alderman Grey.
On roll call vote:
Yeas: 3 Grey, Homan, Puleo
Noes; 2 Keadle, Robinson
Excused 1 Sikorski
Motion carried.
Chief Locke also reported that the two police vehicles that were involved in accidents have been repaired and have been paid for by the individuals insurance.
The Mayor requested with the Boards approval that Office Locke respond to a resident’s written question.
With the Boards approval Officer Locke responded to the questions.
1) His first response was yes he can be available 24-7 for surveillance.
2) Others have driven his police car for surveillance with his permission.
3) Unmarked car is used for surveillance. His car does have a Bella Villa license plate. It is also safer for the Chief to be in an unmarked car. He has checked into lots of Police Departments and every Chief has an unmarked car.
4) The tinted windows help keep the equipment from overheating. The tinted windows are also a safety issue.
5) About the amount of Police vehicles needed, this was confirmed at the Budget meeting, it would be more economical to repair old vehicles them to purchase new.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Feager asked if everyone had received the updated budget and did they have any questions. Alderman Homan asked if the office staffs raises were in the new budget. Feager replied that she was instructed to exclude raises. Treasurer Feager reported she was asked to stay on as Treasurer and she declined. She appreciated the offer.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Health and Sanitation Commissioner Alice Lotspeich gave her report, which is included in the July minutes.
She reported that the trash truck is breaking a driveway on Fawn Circle.
St. Louis County sprayed for mosquitoes last week.
The Yard of the Month for July is George and Rita Betker, 718 Bella Villa.
BUILDING COMMISSIONER
Building Commissioner John Franklin reported on the permits he issued for the month.
His report is included with the July minutes. He reported that the owner at 624 Landor Ct. has told him they will be working on the unfinished retaining wall and getting the permit for the driveway.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Robert Biggerstaff reported that the Contracts for the erosion project have been signed and the project should start the first week of August.
PARKS
Parks Commissioner Keadle requested the City purchase a two and a half gallon jug of Round Up for the weeds in the mulch at the park and City Hall.
Alderwoman Puleo made that motion and Alderman Homan seconded.
All were in favor.
COURT ADMINISTRATOR
Mayor Yates stated the Court Administrator’s report of accomplishments and statistics for the past month is included in their packet.
STREET AND SEWER
Street Commissioner Redwine reported the sewer lateral on 3987 Hoffmeister is disconnected from the main sewer line. He also reported that 722 Bella Villa has a sewer lateral break. He has spoken to MSD about a sewer bill at 749 Ave H. MSD has been billing the City for a building at the Elvira Moll Park, which there is none. He will be checking into this further. He also reported Asphalt Restoration has looked at the parking lot next to City Hall and they will be patching the parking lot.
Ward One
Alderman Homan reported that there has been a car on blocks for over a month at 3815 Bayless. He also reported the retaining wall at 624 Landor is still unfinished. He also reported that the house at 751 Ruprecht is empty. Paul Snyder at 750 Ruprecht gave kudos to Officer Tolias as very polite, friendly and informative.
Alderwoman Puleo reported that St. Louis County will be sending her a letter stating the Alley between Ruprecht and Ziess does belong to the City of Bella Villa.
Ward Two
Alderman Grey reported of a tree in the George Appel Park that is washing out.
Alderwoman Keadle had nothing to report.
Ward Three
Alderman Robinson reported for Alderwoman Sikorski, she supports the new speed limit on Ave H. Alderman Robinson reported he too supports the reduced speed limit on Ave H. She is still concerned about the parking on Avenue H. In the fall Bayless School District will be doing away with bus service and there will be more children walking on Ave H. She also asked about a young man riding in the Police cars. She wondered if it was a liability. Chief Locke replied that it is not unusual for the Police to have a ride along. His name is Eric and he has a signed a waiver, a form he has incorporated from St. Louis County. Eric wants to go into the Academy.
Residents have asked why Police schedules vary so much, there were three officers monitoring speed on Bayless on Sunday the 18th. Who was patrolling the City while there were three officers monitoring speed? Chief Locke replied that there was only one officer on duty the others were myself and a Reserve Officer.
Alderman Robinson reported that he observed the other day a Bella Villa Officer in an older car at the QT. He took off North on Lemay Ferry. Chief Locke said he will check into this.
He also reported that residents are asking about fireworks on the 4th of July. Chief Locke reported that unless they get a call they try not to enforce the fireworks issue. He will leave it up to the Board. He would like this issue to be brought up before the holiday next year and see if the Board wants them to strictly enforce the no fireworks. He reported that he only got one call on July 4th this year.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Sullivan Publications
Mayor Yates reported that the Muni Code Committee meeting will meet on Aug 5, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. This will be the final review and will be ready for approval at the August Board meeting.
Newsletter
Mayor Yates reported the deadline for any articles for the newsletter will be Aug 15th and the newsletter will go out to residents the first week of September.
NEW BUSINESS
Possible change of polling places
Mayor Yates reported she has talked to the Board of Elections to move the polling precinct to City Hall. They will be responding soon.
T-Mobile and Cricket tax settlement
Attorney Liss reported that the City is included in a tax settlement for T-Mobile in the amount of $3,462.06. There was much discussion about whether or not to give a percent to the Municipal League.
Alderwoman Puleo made a motion to accept option to donate 2% to the MML and Alderman Robinson seconded. On roll call.
Yeas: 2 Puleo, Robinson
Noes: 3 Grey, Homan, Keadle
Excused 1 Sikorski
Alderman Grey made a motion to accept option to give nothing to the MML and was seconded by Alderman Homan. On roll call.
Yeas; 3 Grey, Homan, Keadle Puleo, Robinson
Noes; 0
Excused; 1 Sikorski
Alderman Puleo made a motion to read in title only Bill No 489 and was seconded by Alderman Robinson
Mayor Yates read “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH T-MOBILE.”
Alderman Puleo made a motion for a second reading of Bill No 489 and was seconded by Alderman Homan. On roll call vote.
Yeas; 5 Robinson, Homan, Puleo, Keadle, Grey
Noes; 0
Excused; 1 Sikorski
Thus Bill No 489 became Ordinance No 468.
Sign on Dallas Ct
Alderwoman Puleo reported that the sign on Dallas Ct needs to be moved around the curve to prevent the street being blocked there.
Police Procedures Manual
Mayor Yates reported that there is still not a Police Procedure Manual in place. She is asking the Board to approve continuing this process.
There were no objections from the Board to adopt a Police Procedure Manual.
D & L Towing
Mayor Yates reported that D& L Towing has not been conforming to their contract and she is asking Board permission to terminate their contract.
Alderwoman Puleo made a motion to terminate D&L Towing and was seconded by Alderman Grey.
On roll call.
Yeas; 5 Robinson, Homan, Puleo, Keadle, Grey
Noes; 0
Excused; 1 Sikorski
Alderman Grey made a motion to bring back Squires Towing at the same terms of their earlier bid. Alderwoman Keadle seconded.
Yeas; 4 Homan, Grey, Keadle, Puleo
Noes; 1 Robinson
Excused; 1 Sikorski
After much discussion it was decided to give D&L Towing a written notice of 30 days to terminate
Ordinance to Adopt the Budget
There was much discussion about adopting the budget. It was decided to adopt the budget as is and amended it in 30 days with any salary changes.
Alderman Homan made a motion to read Bill No 487 in title only and was seconded by Alderman Puleo to adopt the budget.
Mayor Yates read in title only “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELLA VILLA, MISSOURI, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE 2010 -2011 FISCAL YEAR.”
Alderwoman Puleo made a motion for a seconded reading in title only Bill No 487
Alderman Robinson seconded.
Mayor Yates read in title only “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELLA VILLA, MISSOURI, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE 2010 -2011 FISCAL YEAR.”
On roll call vote
Yeas: 5 Grey, Homan, Keadle, Puleo, Robinson
Noes; 0
Excused 1 Sikorski
Motion Carried.