The Honorable Mayor

and members of the City Council

City of Warrensburg, Missouri

Dear Mayor and Council Members:

SUBJECT: City Manager Report for the September 28, 2009 City Council Meeting

Council Letter No. 09-164

September 24, 2009

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

"Challenge the Process.”

City Council Meetings, Study Sessions, and Executive Sessions

The regular City Council Meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2009, at the City Hall Annex, 607 Burkarth Road.  Please bring your budget books that were provided to you at last Thursday’s City Council meeting to the September 28 City Council meeting.

Preliminary Items for the hopefully short, September 28 City Council Meeting include:

• Second Reading of an Ordinance to Approve the Revised 2008-2009 and Proposed 2009-2010 City Operating Budget;
• An Ordinance Amending Section 3-10, Allowing Minors to Consume Alcohol, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri;
• First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting Section 6-23, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri Related to Fire Sprinklers in Residential Structures;
• Mayoral Appointments to Boards and Commissions.

Preliminary Items for the October 12, City Council Meeting include:

• Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Bills;
• Recognition of Johnson County Fire Protection;
• Request for Money for the Christmas Store from the Stevenson Fund;
• Resolution of the Council of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri, Supporting the 350.org Petition;
• Preliminary Plat of a Replat of Part of Block E, Norwood Park;
• 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 Accepting a Final Plat of a Portion of Norwood Park;
• An Ordinance Adopting Article VIII, Drug Offenses, Related to Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia;
• An Ordinance Amending Section 14-4, Related to the Offense of Harassment;
• An Ordinance Accepting the New Cemetery Building;
• An Ordinance Authorizing a Contract with the Architect on the Old Public Works Building;
• Mayoral Appointments to Boards and Commissions.

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:

Cash Management Policy

Attached is the Cash Controls and Handling Policy that was implemented by the City Manager on August 27, 2009.  All Departments, Divisions and employees have been instructed to follow this policy. 

350. ORG Resolution

Mr. Steve Mohler, representing the Citizens for Environmental Action, has requested Council approval of a resolution supporting 350.Org at your October 12 City Council meeting.  The draft resolution is as follows:

Be it hereby known that the Warrensburg City Council petitions the U.S. negotiating team to the December 2009 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen to commit, along with other industrialized countries, to:

• Make at least an 80% cut in domestic carbon emissions by 2050,
• Assist and help to pay for developing nations to reduce their emissions, develop cleanly and adapt to climate change. 

We ask that the U.S. team do all they can to reach a just and effective global accord designed to reduce atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide to 350ppm by 2050.

I communicated to Mr. Mohler that the City Council needed more information on the science of this proposal, and as a result, we have forwarded to the City Council additional information from Mr. Mohler by e-mail.   

Roundabouts

Attached is an interesting article about roundabouts that I thought you might find of interest.

Missouri Municipal League (MML) Annual Conference October 4 – 7

As indicated in the last City Manager Report, the City received word from the MML Innovation Award Committee that at the Tuesday MML luncheon on October 6, the MML will present Warrensburg with this year’s MML Innovation Award.  This innovation award is based on our community collaborative efforts on the Warrensburg WAPIP Alcohol Management Program.  In addition to receiving the award, our innovative program will be cataloged for inclusion in the MML’s Innovation Award database and the program will be featured in a future article in the Missouri Municipal Review.   Congratulations Warrensburg!

We are providing tickets for this luncheon to a few of the key participants of the WAPIP team and will communicate to the Economic Coordinating Board and their representatives that additional individuals wishing to attend may purchase luncheon reservations at the City Manager’s Office.  

Sports Tourism Task Force

We are waiting on the YES representative of the Sports Tourism Task Force and if received, we plan to request that the Mayor appoint and Council approve the representatives for the Sports Tourism Task Force at the September 28 City Council meeting so that the Task Force can begin work and complete its report within the October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 required year time frame.  

Traffic Commission

Attached are the minutes from the September 16, 2009 Traffic Commission Meeting.

Warrensburg Visitors Center

The Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center contract for the Visitor’s Center expires as of September 30, 2009.  Suzy Latare has been trying to schedule a meeting to discuss a new contract for the lodging tax.  She will continue to try to find a date when all interested parties can meet prior to the October Chamber Board meeting.

In the mean time, while the contract with Chamber of Commerce will expire October 1, 2009, we plan to continue to forward lodging tax receipts for tourism to the Chamber under the same terms as the existing contract.

Recent City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events

Since our last City Council meeting on September 14, I met with Council Members Dyer and Brock, and had lunch with the Mayor at the Highway 13 Corridor Meeting. I also attended a Census Committee meeting, a Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Board Meeting, a Depot Parking Meeting, a WAPIP meeting, a retail strategy meeting. Traffic Commission Board Meeting and met with the Department Directors.

During the week of September 20, I attended our monthly KOKO radio show, met with our Emergency Planning Director, and attended a Regional Preparedness Showcase in Concordia, a Chamber luncheon, a Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Partnership Meeting, our Boards and Commissions Recognition reception, a Tourism and Visitor Center Meeting.  Council Member Brock and I attended a meeting with Johnson County on a proposed food establishment ordinance.  Last Thursday, the City Council held a special City Council meeting to approve the final Certificate of Participation (COP) 2009 debt issuance.  Throughout the last two weeks your City Manager continued to work on our financing issues and the finalization of the budget.  

Upcoming City Manager Activities, Meetings and Events

Next week, I plan to meet with Council Members Dyer and Brock, and have lunch with the Mayor and attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Animal Shelter.  In addition I plan to attend a Highway 13 Corridor Committee Open House at the White Rose Pavilion, a Military Affairs Committee Meeting, and take a sneak preview of the New Harmonies Exhibit at the Old Johnson County Courthouse.

The week after, from Monday through Wednesday is the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference, where the City will receive the annual Innovation Award for large Missouri municipalities.  Later that day I plan to meet with Tracy Brantner of the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation and attend a luncheon hosted by Missouri American Water. 

PUBLIC WORKS

Mike Batie, Director of Public Works

Street Department Activities

The Clover Creek drainage maintenance project began with clearing undergrowth on Monday, September 21.  The remaining excavation for a pilot channel and reworking the channel dimensions will be done by contract.  In addition, at least three lots may require gabions for bank stability.

Railroad Quiet Zone Research

Compiling of information began in early September.  Mike Batie met with the Olathe Railroad Quiet Zone Project Engineer and discussed the quiet zones from a design and finance view.  The Railroad Committee for Quiet Zone options will meet during the week of October 26th.

Wastewater Plant Expansion Project

No new information

Highway 13 Intersection Project

North Street and Grover Street intersections are now open.

Johnson County Historical Courthouse

No new information

Public Works Building

The final punch list will be completed this week and final pay and acceptance should go to Council in November 2009.

Police Building

Building is progressing on schedule.

City Hall Renovation

Plans are being reviewed and revised and about 50% complete.

Animal Shelter

The Groundbreaking Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.

Cemetery Maintenance Building

The crew has moved into the new building.

WPC Collections Building

We are currently in the process of contracting with an architect for the Old Public Works building design.  The contract will go to Council in October.

MGE Building Remodel

The contract for the remodel of the front office area of the building will be presented to Council in November.  The remodel of the bays (West Wing) will be advertised for bid in November.

PARKS and RECREATION

Kory Alfred, Director

Needs Assessment Study

Marketing students under the Direction of Dr. Scott Smith will be conducting a needs assessment study for Warrensburg Parks and Recreation. The study will be used for future planning and program development.  The study is planned for completion in November.

FY09-10 Parks and Recreation Budget

The Parks and Recreation Board adoption of the FY09-10 Parks and Recreation Budget is on the agenda for the September 23, 2009 board meeting.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Phil Johnston, Fire Chief

Mobile Fire Training Unit Update

The mobile fire training unit is scheduled to arrive in Warrensburg by Friday, September 25.  Battalion Chief Jim Kushner will oversee the delivery and placement.  A representative from the company that constructed the unit will provide training to our personnel in October.  We are looking forward to the increased training opportunities that will result from having a unit like this in our community.

Grover Street Fire Incident

On Thursday, September 17, 2009, Fire Department crews and apparatus responded to a dwelling fire at 622 Grover.  The initial report of the fire indicated that the dwelling’s occupant was believed to still be inside the structure.  The first Fire Department unit arrived on the scene within two minutes of being dispatched.  Firefighters quickly entered the structure and conducted a search for occupants.  A single occupant, the homeowner, was found inside the dwelling.  In addition to attending to the occupant, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.  The Fire Department initiated an investigation into the fire’s cause, and considerable assistance was received from the Warrensburg Police Department, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety (State Fire Marshal’s Office), and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Following the conclusion of the fire investigation, the incident scene was turned over to the Warrensburg Police Department.

Part-Time Firefighter Vacancies Closer to Being Filled

Candidates for the nine conventional part-time Firefighter and three student-resident Firefighter vacancies were interviewed on September 21 and September 22.  These candidates have already passed the written and physical ability tests.  Once the interview panel results have been tabulated, an employment eligibility roster will be created.  Then, we will look to the individuals whose names are on the roster as we consider who will be selected to fill present vacancies.  We will move as expeditiously as possible to fill vacancies.

Fire Prevention Week

This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is: "Stay Fire Smart. Don't Get Burned.”  Fire Prevention Week in 2009 is October 4 through October 10.  This year’s program focuses 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 to commemorate Fire Prevention Week.  A City Council proclamation regarding National Fire Prevention Week and its observance in Warrensburg was presented at the September 14, 2009, City Council meeting.

CITY CLERK

Cindy Gabel

• Monday, September 28 is a ground breaking for the new Animal Shelter beginning at 12:30 p.m.;
• Monday, September 28 is a City Council meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m.;
• Thursday, October 1 is the Base Community Council luncheon at noon at Missions End;
• Sunday, October 4 thru Wednesday, October 7 is the MML Annual Conference to be held at Tan-Tar-A;
• Friday, October 9 is the Missouri American Water Company luncheon at 11:30 at the Community Center.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Barbara Carroll, Director of Community Development

Building Official Attends Floodplain Conference

Roland Kitchen attended a seminar updating fundamental duties of the flood plain administrator in Jeff City on September 16 and 17.  Floodplain management in Missouri is regulated by the State Emergency Management Agency.  The seminar included a section on State of Missouri National Flood Insurance Program history, the revised Executive Order 98-03 as of January 28, 1998, changes to the definition of 100 year floodplain and new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for this area.

Building Permit Plan Submittal Requirements

As a follow-up to the meeting with the state earlier this month, the Building Inspection Division has put into writing the process used to receive and review building permit applications and plans.  The process is very similar to the practice used for several years with one addition.  The Community Development Project Manager, Brett Penrose, will now work closely with the Permit Clerk, Vickie Wright, at the time a commercial, industrial, or multi-family project is submitted in order to determine if appropriately stamped plans have been received.  If proper plans are submitted, they will be routed for review.  If not, they will be immediately returned to the applicant for the proper seals.  This procedural change has been implemented and is already having an impact on local building projects.  These requirements are imposed by state law, and monitoring for compliance falls to the City.  The City is unable to alter these requirements in any way.  The State of Missouri requires stamped plans by an appropriate design professional for any commercial, industrial, or multi-family project, whether it is a remodel, addition, or new building, according to a specific set of guidelines.  All Community Development staff members will work closely with builders and owners to educate them about the state laws.

2010 Census Committee Activities

The 2010 Census Committee has started spreading the word about the upcoming census at several recent events.  Committee members have participated in the Chamber Cruise Night, Whiteman Air Force Base Atomic Luau, and a Census panel discussion during Constitution Week at the University of Central Missouri.  The committee has also ordered and begun receiving materials purchased with the U.S. Census Bureau’s Partnership Support Program funds.  The materials including coasters, stickers, bookmarks, posters, table tents and flyers will be used during the peak months of January, February and March 2010.  The committee has planned a breakfast on September 29 for the administrators of group quarter facilities in Warrensburg.   The Missouri Veterans Home will be hosting the breakfast.

Community Development Brainstorming Session

Community Development staff held a two-hour brainstorming session on September 15 do identify current issues, solutions and possible performance measurements and standards for the department.  Several great ideas came out of the session and staff will work to implement them over the coming year. 

Economic Coordinating Board Views New Community Video

The Economic Coordinating Board met on September 17 and viewed the new community video developed by the Chamber’s Branding Committee and the University of Central Missouri.  Copies of the video can be requested from the Chamber and it will be available on the Chamber’s website.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bruce Howey, Chief of Police

Major Case Squad Involved with Fire and Death Investigation

Since Thursday, September 17 the Police Department has been actively involved in the death and fire investigation of Maxine Ballew age 91 of 622 Grover.  The Warrensburg Fire Department, Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the West Central Missouri Rural Major Case Squad have assisted in the investigation.  The investigation continues.

Animal Shelter Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking is set for Monday, September 28, at 12:30PM for the groundbreaking of the new Animal Shelter building.  We will have the groundbreaking and serve hotdogs, baked beans and chips to celebrate.

City Managers Report available in .pdf

If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the City Managers Report send an email to:

CMmailing@warrensburg-mo.com