City Managers Report
The Honorable Mayor
and members of the City Council
City of Warrensburg, Missouri
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
SUBJECT: City Manager Report for the October 12, 2009 City Council Meeting
Council Letter No. 09-171
October 8, 2009
|
~ Andrew Carnegie |
Inspire a Shared Vision
Challenge the Process
Enable Others to Act
Encourage the Heart
Model the Way
The quotation for this City Manager Report centers on the leadership concept of
"Enable Others to Act.”
City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Executive Sessions
The regular City Council Meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2009, at the City Hall Annex, 607 Burkarth Road. A Study Session on Retail Recruitment and Development Incentives will be held at 6:00 p.m. just prior to the City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. An Executive Session may be needed at the end of the regular City Council Meeting.
Preliminary Items for the October 12, City Council Meeting include:
- Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills;
- Request for Money for the Christmas Store from the Stevenson Fund;
- Proclamation for Johnson County Fire Protection District;
- Proclamation for International Credit Union Day;
- Resolution of the Council of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri, Supporting the 350.org Petition;
- Second Reading on an Ordinance Adopting Section 6-23, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri Related to Fire Sprinklers in Residential Structures;
- An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract with the Slone Architect on the Old Public Works Building;
- An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract with Shaw Electric for the Police Department;
- An Ordinance Authorizing an Extension Agreement with the Visitors Center;
- Ordinance Authorizing a Change Order with David Ross;
- First Reading of a an Ordinance Adopting Article VIII, Drug Offenses, Related to Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
- First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Section 14-4, Related to the Offense of Harassment;
- Possible Mayoral Appointments to Boards and Commissions.
Preliminary Items for the October 26 City Council Meeting include:
- Presentation by University Students on University Re-cycling Efforts;
- Public Comment by the Citizens on a City Smoking Ban Ordinance;
- An Ordinance Accepting the New Cemetery Building.
Council Communication and Projects
You have communicated to City staff, as a group or individually, requests for information on certain issues. The following are some of those items:
Public Comment on Proposed Smoking Ban Ordinance
Attached is the revised Smoking Ban Ordinance. Unless further directed we plan to place it on the City’s web page and on file with the City Clerk. As previously discussed, we plan to have a public comment period on this ordinance at the October 26, 2009 City Council Meeting.
During the City Manager Other Business Section on the Agenda, we may have additional information on the Rotary Fountain Project, the recent action taken by the Park Board on Thursday night, and the recent Missouri Municipal League Conference.
Recent City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events
During the week of September 28 I met with Council Members Dyer and Brock and attended the following events: a groundbreaking ceremony for the Animal Shelter, a Highway 13 Corridor Committee Open House at the White Rose Pavilion, a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Goody’s Clothing Store, the Whiteman Base Community Council luncheon with Councilmember Nimmer, and took a sneak preview of the New Harmonies Exhibit at the Old Johnson County Courthouse.
During the week of October 5, I attended the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference, where the City received the annual Innovation Award for large Missouri municipalities and I attended a luncheon hosted by Missouri American Water.
Upcoming City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events
Next week, I plan have lunch with the Mayor, attend a Census Committee meeting, meet with the Director of Public Works and the Construction Manager on our Capital Projects, meet with MoDOT representatives on the right-of-way issues concerning a proposed Highway 13/Business 50 Maintenance Agreement, attend a Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Board Meeting, a Highway 13 Corridor Committee and Coalition Board meeting, a Traffic Commission meeting, and a Business Entrepreneurial meeting at the University. I will speak at the Chamber Breakfast at the Public Works Building on Wednesday, attend a Depot Meeting, meet with the Department Directors, speak briefly at the Leadership Challenge training session, attend a Nighttime Economy Conference in Springfield and also attend a Chamber Branding meeting.
During the week of October 19, I plan to attend our monthly KOKO radio show, meet with our Emergency Planning Director, attend a Regional Planning Board meeting in Concordia, attend a Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Board meeting, attend the MML’s Central region meeting, and meet with Department Directors on a variety of issues.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Attached is the seconded quarter report from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Economic Partnership Activities
As is our custom, attached are the monthly reports from Warrensburg Main Street, Inc., and the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. The reports from these Warrensburg Economic Partners are not only being provided to keep you informed, but are also available for interested citizens.
As always, if there are any questions on any matter, or if you need additional information on this report, please contact either myself or any of the Department Directors noted in this report.
PARKS and RECREATION
Kory Alfred, Director
Rotary Fountain Update
Due to the inoperability and estimated cost to repair the Rotary Fountain, the Parks and Recreation Board approved converting the fountain into a planter at the August 26, 2009, board meeting. After a proposal from Mr. Jerry Franklin that includes various contractors donating their services to repair the fountain, the board will meet on October 8, 2009, to discuss changing the decision to covert the fountain into a planter and proceeding with Mr. Franklin’s proposal to repair the fountain.
H1N1 Precautions
Warrensburg Parks and Recreation has been working with Johnson County Community Health (JCCH) on taking the precautions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu at the Community Center. Some of the precautions include using a chemical called Hepacide Quat II for cleaning the facility, posting signage informing facility users about prevention measures, and increasing the hand sanitizing stations in the facility. Staff has also been attending Community Health Area Resource Team (CHART) meetings and keeping abreast of the latest notices from JCCH.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Phil Johnston, Fire Chief
Mobile Fire Training Unit Update
The mobile fire training unit was delivered by the revised delivery date, and 12 members of the Fire Department received training from the manufacturer’s representatives on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.
Our personnel who participated in the training will, in turn, instruct other Fire Department personnel in the use and maintenance of the unit. Assistant Fire Chief Sean Douglas and Battalion Chief / Training Officer Jim Kushner were among the first 12 Fire Department members who received the training. I have asked them to oversee the development of training protocols and usage guidelines in order to ensure maximum safety during the training that will be provided by this mobile fire training unit.
I was very pleased with what I saw in terms of the unit’s features and the enthusiasm and effort put forth by our personnel who participated in the training. I had opportunities to observe segments of the training on both days, and I am certain the unit will soon become an invaluable component that provides several forms of realistic training. While the unit does not portray every structural firefighting situation, it makes it possible for firefighters – ranging from new or less-experienced ones to experienced ones with many years of service – to gain experience with realistic training scenarios that produce real flames, heat and smoke conditions. There is certainly nothing about “simulating” or “pretending” with this training unit. Battalion Chief Jim Kushner will be preparing an orientation program that explains the unit’s features and methods of operation. I would like an opportunity in the future to show the unit to the City Council and City staff members when it is convenient to do so.
Leadership Challenge Training
On Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, 2009, I will attend the Leadership Challenge Workshop. This training is intended for team leaders, managers, consultants, entrepreneurs and executives. Director of Public Works Mike Batie and Parks and Recreation Director Kory Alfred will also attend the course at the same time. The training will take place at the University of Central Missouri’s Dockery Building.
Part-Time Firefighter Candidates Pre-Employment Interviews
Pre-employment interviews with candidates for part-time Firefighter and student-resident Firefighter vacancies are underway. Last month, the candidates appeared before interview panels comprised of five members of the Fire Department. We hope to complete the interviews and all related background checks before the end of October. We have nine conventional Part-Time Firefighter openings and three student-resident Part-Time Firefighter vacancies at the moment. We would like to fill all of these vacancies as soon as possible.
Whiteman Air Force Base Fire Prevention Parade
On Sunday, October 4, 2009, Battalion Chief Mike Flores, FF/EMT Rusty Bond, and FF Jesse Krogull staffed Reserve Engine 1122 and participated in the annual fire prevention parade at Whiteman Air Force Base.
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week in 2009 was October 4 through October 10. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week was: "Stay Fire Smart. Don't Get Burned.” This year’s program focused on burn awareness and prevention. Annually, Warrensburg Fire Department personnel visit schools, give fire station tours and participate in a variety of public education programs during Fire Prevention Week.
CITY CLERK
Cindy Gabel
- Monday, October 12 is a City Council Study Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a regular City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m.;
- Wednesday, October 14 is a Chamber Networking Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Public Works Building on North Water Street;
- Sunday, October 18 is the Johnson County Sheltered Workshop 30 Year Celebration at 2:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Sheltered Workshop;
- Tuesday, October 20 is a networking breakfast and legislative update with David Pearce and Denny Hoskins at 8:00 a.m. at the University of Central Missouri Union Ballroom 237B;
- Wednesday, October 21 is a WIN Coffee from 7:30 a.m. thru 9:00 a.m. at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 608 N. College;
- Thursday, October 22 is the Missouri Municipal League Central meeting in Fulton with registration beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner at 7:00 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 11, 2009, City offices will be closed for Veteran’s Day;
- Friday, December 4 is the City Holiday party.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Barbara Carroll, Director of Community Development
September 2009 Community Development Activity Report
The Community Development Report for the month of September is attached. Please ask if you have any questions regarding this information. Also attached is the Residential Lot Inventory for the most recent quarter. There were 11 single family and multi-family lots developed during July, August, and September.
2010 Census Committee Hosts Breakfast
The breakfast for Group Quarter Administrators was held at the Missouri Veterans Home on September 29. The breakfast provided an opportunity to explain to the administrators of the group quarters facilities the importance of an accurate local census count. The Census Bureau defines a Group Quarters as a place where people live or stay, in a group living arrangement that is owned or managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents. Group Quarters include such places as correctional facilities, nursing homes, hospitals with long-term care facilities, university dormitories, religious group quarters, shelters, and group homes. Census staff members were in Warrensburg last week to make initial contact with the administrators of the facilities in Warrensburg. There are approximately 16 group quarters facilities in Warrensburg.
2010 Census Warrensburg-YOU COUNT HERE Facebook Page
The Warrensburg census Facebook page is now up and the committee would love for you to become a fan. The page will be used to let people know when the Census forms are being mailed out, what our local response rate is and how census numbers impact Warrensburg directly. A link to a two page local fact sheet about the Census is also now up on the City’s website (www.warrensburg-mo.com). Just click on the YOU COUNT HERE census logo to view the information sheet. If any other organization or group would like to have the logo on their website with a link to the fact-sheet, please call or email Barbara Carroll at 660-747-9135 or bcarroll@warrensburg-mo.com.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bruce Howey, Chief of Police
Cash Register Purchased
With the new cash control and handling policy, the police department purchased a cash register to utilize in collecting fees for reports, fingerprints, photographs and miscellaneous items.
Investigation Continues in Ballew Homicide Case-Murder Charges have been Filed results from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab in Jefferson City. WPD Follow-up investigation continues in the Ballew homicide case. We are waiting for the return of additional detectives have transferred more evidence to the lab for processing in this case. On October 8, Johnson County Prosecutor Lynn Stoppy charged John Ramirez with second degree murder with a bond of $500,000.
Officers Travel to Tan-Tar-A for Awards Luncheon
WPD Lieutenant Asher Snook, Corporal John Harrington, Detective Tim Lowry, UCMO Department of Public Safety Officer Gary Schmidt and I traveled to Tan-Tar-A on Tuesday, October 6 for the awards luncheon of the Missouri Municipal League Large City Innovation Award to the City of Warrensburg.
Thank-you Notes Sent
I sent 30-plus thank-you notes to those that assisted with the Major Case Squad investigation on the Maxine Ballew homicide case.
Opportunity to Purchase New Police Vehicles at This Year’s Price
We were notified by Machens Ford (state bid provider) that the 2009 price is will be extended to the last week of October for ordering of Crown Victoria police packaged vehicles. Last year we purchased three Chevrolet Impala police packaged vehicles hoping to realize a fuel savings. We have found that the Impalas are cramped for space inside the passenger compartment and did not deliver better gas mileage in town on patrol. Most officers are avoiding driving the Impalas due to their interior size and comfort. We plan to issue a Purchase Order as soon as possible for the Crown Victorias.
ANIMAL SHELTER
New Fees Effective October 1
The new revised fee structure for the Animal Shelter took effect October 1. This was passed by the City Council and reflects the per-animal cost for the shelter.
Cash Register Purchased
With the new cash control and handling policy, the Animal Shelter has purchased a cash register to utilize in collecting fees for the services and adoptions.
Rescue and Runways Fashion Show
The Rescue & Runways fashion show at Maurice’s was a great success. The shelter had 5 highly adoptable animals strut the runway with the models. Since the show, four of the dogs have found new homes. The shelter also received $80 in donations from the silent auctions, and received several items from the shelter’s donations wish list.
PUBLIC WORKS
Mike Batie, Director of Public Works
Street Department Activities
On October 14, 2009 the City of Warrensburg will host the monthly Chamber Breakfast at the new Street Maintenance Building. This is an opportunity for the Chamber members who were not able to attend the grand opening, a time to tour the building and facilities.
The crew is actively working on various projects including tree removal behind the new maintenance building, repairing the street sweeper which had structural cracks and wear to the elevator and lift components, and complete brake and kingpin replacement to the sign truck. Brush clearing was done on the south side of the Clover Creek addition to allow for widening of the drainage area by a contractor.
Wastewater Plant Expansion Project
Progress includes installation of the standby generators for both plants, the equipment storage buildings are complete and the sand and gravel growth media is being delivered for the reed beds. Once the liners and media are installed the reed beds will be planted.
Wastewater Department
Marvin Coleman, George Ballman, Norman Elliott and Stephen Ring, attended the annual Missouri Water and Wastewater Conference in Columbia last week. There was extensive training on systems and reed beds with CEU’s available for the classes attended.
Johnson County has been working on the replacement of the bridge along the road to the East Wastewater Treatment plant.
Joe Tilden attended the Public Water System District #3 board meeting recently to obtain information on the cost of bringing potable water to the East Wastewater Treatment plant.
Public Works Maintenance Building
The Public Works Street Department continues establishing their operations in their new building while the contractor completes the remaining punch list and warranty items.
Police Building
The Police Headquarters building project continues positive progress and remains on schedule. The building’s first floor slab was poured last week. The contractor is now in the mechanical rough-in stage as block and brick installation continues. The contractor remains on track to ensure the building is “dried in” prior to the onset of winter. Landscaping around the re-located street is expected to occur this week which will provide a bit of a finished look in that area.
City Hall Renovation
The project design is now approximately 90% complete. The architect’s staff is in the process of picking up our latest comments and is expected to submit a final review set of drawings and specifications within two weeks. Following plan review we intend to bid out the project by the end of November. The bid form will require the contractors to submit multiple options from which a final scope of work can be selected. Any additional value engineering required will occur through the winter months. Our goal remains to issue a notice to proceed in early March 2010 with completion and move in by Christmas 2010.
Animal Shelter
Rothwell Construction broke ground on the Animal Shelter building on September 30. The building pad is now complete but rain delayed further progress last week. We expect to see the footings formed, inspected, and poured this week.
Old Public Works Building
The staff recently completed a review of the Old Public Works Remodel plans. Additionally, the plans are currently in plan review. Slone Architects will pick up our final comments later this week. We expect to be out to bid early the week of October 12.
MGE West Wing Remodel
The staff recently completed a review of the MGE West Wing Remodel plans. Additionally the plans are currently working through the City Staff plan review process. GBA designers will pick up our final comments this week. We anticipate going out to bid sometime during the week of Oct 12th.
Cemetery Maintenance Building
The Cemetery Maintenance Building will be ready for acceptance in November. A grand opening is tentatively scheduled later this year.
City Hall Remodel
During the original City Hall building dedication in 1975, a time capsule was placed along the south side of the building where the picnic table now stands. As a result of current and developing City Hall Remodel plans, it is going to be necessary to relocate the capsule to a new site near the base of the future flag poles.
Monthly Utility Report
See Attached
City Managers Report available in .pdf
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CMmailing@warrensburg-mo.com