CITY OF FLORISSANT
COUNCIL MINUTES
February 13, 2012
The Florissant City Council met in regular session at the Florissant City Hall, 955 rue St. Francois on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President Keith English presiding. The Chair asked everyone to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Roll Call the following were present: McKay, Schmidt, Hernandez, Lee, Grib, Eagan, English, Schildroth and Stinnett. Also present were Mayor Thomas P. Schneider, City Attorney John Hessel and City Clerk Karen Goodwin. A quorum being present the Chair stated that the Council was in session for the transaction of business.
Councilman Hernandez moved to approve the Meeting and Executive Minutes of 1/23/2012, seconded by Stinnett. Motion carried.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was Proclamations. The first proclamation was for the Florissant Parks Foundation thanking them for their contribution to the community, presented by Mayor Schneider.
The second proclamation was presented to the Pit Crew for achieving their goal of over $1 million dollars in sales in 2011, presented by Mayor Schneider and Councilman Schildroth.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was the Police Department Commendations. Mayor Schneider and Chief Karabas presented 11 commendations to Florissant Police Officers for outstanding work. The list of commendations is attached.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was Hearing from Citizens.
Elizabeth Bowling of 2915 Derhake Road reminded everyone about the Neighborhood Watch program and encouraged attendance at the meetings.
Elizabeth O’Fallon of 1085 Campion Lane complimented the Police Department on the work they do in the community.
Michael O’Fallon of 1085 Campion Lane asked the Council to look into Capital purchases made out of the Sewer Lateral Fund.
Jeff Tacina of Blackjack stated that he would like a park and statue named after his boss at Lowes, John Rivera.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was Communications:
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1. Letter dated January 23, 2012 from Sandra Delcoure regarding the West Lake Landfill.
2. Email dated February 6, 2012 from Jeff Cook regarding ordinance enforcement.
3. Letter dated January 20, 2012 from Charter Communications regarding their Franchise Report.
The Chair reported that the next item on the agenda was public hearings.
The City Clerk reported that Public Hearing #12-01-001 to be held this night on a request to consider the establishment of the Florissant Sunswept Community Improvement District consisting of 27 acres generally referred to as 3400 and 3350 N Hwy 67 and 3605 Seveille Dr. had been advertised in substantially the same form as appears in the foregoing publication and by posting the property. The Chair declared the Public Hearing to be open and invited those who wished to be heard to come forward.
Alan Bornstein, representing the Walmart development described the changes to the project being brought to Planning and Zoning and subsequently to the City Council. He continued by explaining the process of a Community Improvement District and presented some handouts showing the benefits of the CID to the community. Councilman Schmidt asked about the appointment of the board for the CID. Council President English presented a document that outlined some of the contributions Walmart had made to other communities without the use of any tax incentives. Mr. Bornstein clarified that the initial request included a TIF and a CID, this proposal eliminates the TIF. Councilwoman McKay noted that Lowes developed a very difficult piece of property without any incentives. She also stated that the City has not done a CID before and they would be studying the concept very thoroughly before making a decision.
Mr. Hessel offered into the record the Petition and the Blighting analysis.
The Chair asked if there were any citizens who would like to speak on said public hearing.
Jeff Tacina of 4636 Whisper Lake Drive is opposed to offering any tax breaks to Walmart.
Michael O’Fallon, 1085 Campion Lane, stated that he is in favor of a Walmart but not with the support of a Community Improvement District.
Elizabeth Bowling, 2915 Derhake Rd. does not understand the Community Improvement component of this request and encouraged the Council to give this decision a lot of thought.
Nancy Reilly 1890 Curtis Ct. is opposed to offering the use of a CID to Walmart. She feels that allowing a Walmart will be very bad for the community.
Tom George, 3594 Monsols is opposed to the 1% Sales tax. He asked about the Super sales tax that is being considered in the State Assembly. He encouraged the Council to think long and hard on this subject.
Elizabeth O’Fallon, 1085 Campion Lane stated that the Walmart being proposed is a beautiful structure if they could to it without a tax incentive.
Jerry Forrester, Keeven Lane, is opposed to the Walmart totally.
Raylene Barton, 24 Ridgelawn Ct. is opposed to the Walmart.
Tim Jones, 865 Daniel Boone is opposed the Walmart. He feels there would be a lot more people at the meeting if the weather was not so bad.
John King, 2560 Hackney, is against the Walmart. He feels that the Ferguson store is not taken care of and they continually throw away food that could be donated in the dumpsters.
Jim Orbin, 1440 Wadsworth Dr. is opposed to the Walmart.
Councilman Hernandez moved to close P.H. #12-01-001, seconded by McKay. Motion carried.
The City Clerk reported that Public Hearing #12-02-004 to be held this night on a request to authorize an amendment to Special Use Permit No. 7733 to Mario’s Pizza to allow sit-down dining for an existing carry-out restaurant for the property located at 472 Howdershell Rd. had been advertised in substantially the same form as appears in the foregoing publication and by posting the property. The Chair declared the Public Hearing to be open and invited those who wished to be heard to come forward.
Wendy Borelli stated that they are asking that there Special Use Permit be amended to add sit-down dining. She explained the improvements they have made to accommodate the seating inside. She explained that they have done well but they would like to serve more than the immediate area so they would like to add a small amount of seating.
Councilman Eagan stated that he has visited this business, he said they have done a lot of work to accommodate. He stated that they are open on Monday’s unlike some of the other pizza places in Florissant.
The Chair asked if there were any citizens who would like to speak on said public hearing. Seeing None.
Councilman Eagan moved to close P.H. #12-02-004, seconded by Stinnett. Motion carried.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was Second Readings:
Councilman Schmidt moved to have Bill No. 8796 Ordinance authorizing a Special Use Permit to Sasloan Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Old Tymers Carry-out Kitchen to allow for a carry out restaurant for the property located at 12675 New Halls Ferry Rd. read for a second time, seconded by Lee, motion carried and Bill No. 8796 was read by title for a second time. Grib moved to read Bill No. 8796 for a third and final time and place it upon its passage, seconded by Eagan, motion carried and Bill No. 8796 was read for a third time. Before the final vote the chair asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak on this bill, hearing none, on roll call the vote was as follows: Schmidt yes, Hernandez yes, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan, yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes, McKay yes.
The Chair declared Bill No. 8796 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7860
Councilman English moved to have Bill No. 8800 Ordinance appropriating the sum of $42,680 from the park improvement fund of the City of Florissant to budget account no. 0961 “Capital Additions” to finalize the replacement of the playground equipment at St. Ferdinand park. read for a second time, seconded by Schildroth, motion carried and Bill No. 8800 was read by title for a second time. Councilman Schmidt moved to read Bill No. 8800 for a third and final time and place it upon its passage, seconded by Eagan, Councilman Lee stated that the question he raised about the proper fund for the money was answered from the administration, motion carried and Bill No. 8800 was read for a third time. Before the final vote the chair asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak on this bill, hearing none, on roll call the vote was as follows: Schmidt yes, Hernandez yes, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan, yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes, McKay yes. The Chair declared Bill No. 8800 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7861.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was Board Appointments
Councilman Hernandez moved to re-appoint Francine Andrews, 3500 Dwyer to the Citizens Participation Commission as a member from Ward 9 for a term expiring on 2/13/12. Seconded by Schildroth, Motion Carried.
Councilman Stinnett moved to re-appoint Paul Stock, 1220 Springvalley, to the Planning & Zoning Commission, as a member from Ward 6 for a term expiring on 2/25/16.seconded by Eagan. Motion Carried.
Councilman Stinnett moved to appoint Ben Eye, 985 Washington, to the Parks & Recreation Committee, as a member from Ward 6 for a term expiring on 1/13/15. seconded by Schildroth. Motion Carried.
Councilman Keith English moved to appoint David Hill, 670 Starlet, to the Board of Adjustment, as a member from Ward 4 for a term expiring on 2/13/17. seconded by Lee. Motion Carried.
Mayor Schneider stated that he would like to re-appoint Drew Garvey, 1480 Estes to the Veterans Commission as a member from Ward 2 for a term expiring 7/12/15. Councilman Grib moved to approved the appointment, seconded by Schildroth, motion carried.
Mayor Schneider stated that he would like to re-appoint several members of the Senior Citizen Commission listed as follows:
Janice Daming, 1270 Acredale, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 7 for a term expiring on 2/14/15.
Helen Malinee, 145 Coteau, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 7 for a term expiring on 2/22/15.
Rita Reale, 2685 Northridge, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 9 for a term expiring on 1/26/15.
Kathleen Sciore, 1345 Parakeet, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 1 for a term expiring on 2/22/15.
Margaret Meresicky, 1190 Manresa, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 3 for a term expiring on 2/22/15.
Sue Brown, 1023 St. Denis, was reappointed to the Senior Citizen Commission, as a member from Ward 6 for a term expiring on 2/23/15.
Councilman Eagan moved to approve the Mayor’s appointments to the Senior Citizen Commission, seconded by Lee, motion carried.
Councilman Hernandez moved to approve the request of the City Council by Simply Thai located at 2470 N. Highway 67 for a Full Liquor by the Drink License. Seconded by McKay. On Roll Call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez yes, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan, yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes, Mckay yes, with a unanimous vote, motion carried and the Chair declared the request approved.
The Chair stated that the next item on the agenda was first readings.
Councilman Eagan introduced Bill No. 8801 Ordinance authorizing an amendment to Special Use Permit No. 7733 to Mario’s Pizza to allow sit-down dining for an existing carry-out restaurant for the property located at 472 Howdershell Rd. and said Bill was read for the first time. Councilman Eagan moved that Bill No. 8801 be read for a second time, seconded by Lee. Motion carried and Bill No. 8801 was read for a second time. Councilman Eagan moved that Bill No. 8801 be read for a third time, seconded by Stinnett. On roll call the Council voted:, Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. Having received the unanimous vote of all members present Bill No. 8801 was read for the third and final time and placed upon its passage. Before the final vote all interested person were given an opportunity to be heard. On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. The Chair declared Bill No. 8801 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7862.
Councilman Eagan introduced Bill No. 8802 Ordinance Amending Title III Of The Florissant City Code, Schedule XIII, Table XII-B “Parking Prohibited at all times at certain locations” by adding 750 Manresa and said Bill was read for the first time by title only.
Councilwoman McKay introduced Bill No. 8803 Ordinance amending Title III of the Florissant City Code, Schedule XIV, Table XIV-H “Parking prohibited between 8:00am and 9:00am and 2:00pm and 4:00pm on school days” by adding portions of Shawnee and said Bill was read for the first time. Councilwoman McKay moved that Bill No. 8803 be read for a second time, seconded by Hernandez. Motion carried and Bill No. 8803 was read for a second time. Councilwoman McKay moved that Bill No. 8803 be read for a third time, seconded by Lee. On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. Having received the unanimous vote of all members present Bill No. 8803 was read for the third and final time and placed upon its passage. Before the final vote all interested person were given an opportunity to be heard. Seeing none.
On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. The Chair declared Bill No. 8803 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7863.
Councilman English introduced Bill No. 8804 Ordinance authorizing an appropriation of $20,350 from the Park Improvement Fund to account no. 0961 for the purpose of installing new fencing at Park Maintenance and said Bill was read for the first time. Councilman Lee moved that Bill No. 8804 be read for a second time, seconded by Eagan. Motion carried and Bill No. 8804 was read for a second time. Councilman Lee moved that Bill No. 8804 be read for a third time, seconded by Grib. On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. Having received the unanimous vote of all members present Bill No. 8804 was read for the third and final time and placed upon its passage. Before the final vote all interested person were given an opportunity to be heard. Seeing none.
On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. The Chair declared Bill No. 8804 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7864.
Councilman English introduced Bill No. 8805 Ordinance to amend the Park Improvement Fund Budget Revenue Account No. 0930 by adding $3,200 and appropriating $53,200 to Expenditure Account No. 0961 “Capital Additions” for the installation of energy efficient lighting at the James J. Eagan Civic Center and said Bill was read for the first time. Councilman English moved that Bill No. 8805 be read for a second time, seconded by McKay. Motion carried and Bill No. 8805 was read for a second time. Councilman Hernandez moved that Bill No. 8805 be read for a third time, seconded by Schmidt. On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. Having received the unanimous vote of all members present Bill No. 8805 was read for the third and final time and placed upon its passage. Before the final vote all interested person were given an opportunity to be heard. Tim Barrett, the City Engineer explained that this money came from a rebate back from Ameren but this money has to be used for an energy saving project or be lost. Mike O’Fallon, 1085 Campion asked what the energy savings would be. Mr. Barrett estimates approximately $4400 a year that would be saved. Councilman Schildroth thanked Mr. Barrett.
On roll call the Council voted: Schmidt yes, Hernandez absent, Lee yes, Grib yes, Eagan yes, English yes, Schildroth yes, Stinnett yes and McKay yes. The Chair declared Bill No. 8805 to have passed and said Bill became Ordinance No. 7865.
The next item on the Agenda is Council Announcements.
Councilman Hernandez announced the Historic Florissant annual benefit on March 19th.
Councilwoman McKay announced the Mayors Shamrock Ball on March 3rd to benefit Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop. The entertainment is Bob Kuban again this year. It is a formal affair. She also stated that a couple of weeks ago a young group of residents invited all who had filed for office to come and speak and thanked them for the invitation.
Councilman Lee wished his wife Kathy a Happy Valentines Day!!
Message from the Mayor
Mayor Schneider thanked the Council for the appropriations they passed this evening. He is very excited about being able to replace the playground equipment at St. Ferdinand park.
He stated that residents should have received a magnet outlining what can and cannot be recycled. The amount of recycling is increasing. He also announced an electronic recycling day and a document shredding day.
Mayor Schneider announced that the City is trying to obtain pictures of past Mayors to display in City Hall.
He discussed the “Great American Shakeout” at St. Ferdinand School on February 7th.
There is a Public Hearing at City Hall on February 22nd regarding the Annual Plan.
He mentioned the issues that will be on the April 3rd ballot to include the annexation of Area 13 and three minor charter amendments.
He announced that Ashley Furniture Home Store, Ultra, 5-below and Panda Express would be opening soon at the old Value City property. He also announced that Delio’s Deli will be opening soon.
Councilman Lee moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Eagan. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Karen Goodwin, City Clerk
The following Bills were signed by the Mayor:
8796 Ord. No. 7860
8800 Ord. No. 7861
8801 Ord. No. 7862
8803 Ord. No. 7863
8804 Ord. No. 7864
8805 Ord. No. 7865