CITY OF FLORISSANT

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES

March 21st, 2012

              The City Council met on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm for a work session in the Government Center at 1055 rue St. Francois, Florissant, Missouri. Council members in attendance included:  Lee, English, Stinnett, Grib, Eagan, McKay, Schmidt, Schildroth. Hernandez was absent.  Also in attendance was City Clerk Karen Goodwin and IT Director Kim Emerson.    Council President Keith English stated that a quorum was present and the meeting was brought to order at 7:00 pm.

Council President English moved to amend the agenda to discuss the Flert Bus schedule changes, seconded by Stinnett. Motion carried.

iPad training

Council members were given their iPads and Kim Emerson helped get them set up with the proper applications.  The City Clerk gave a brief presentation introducing them to the iPads buttons and functions as well as an overview of why they are being used. 

Council President English asked the Mayor if the administration would be ready to discuss the quarterly budget update at the next work session on the 28th of March.  The Mayor said he would look into it.  Councilman Lee asked that the Council discuss the budget with or without the staff. 

Charter Review

Council President English discussed the process of the charter review.  The Council decided they would make time at the next work  session to discuss any questions or comments regarding the first 8 articles of the Charter. 

Liquor Regulations

Councilman Eagan discussed the regulation regarding the gas stations not being able to sell single serve beer. He was surprised to know that the convenience stores did not have the same limitation.  He stated that he doesn't know where he stands on leveling the playing field.  Whether lowering the regulations or increase it for everyone would be the best option.  He asked for comments from the Council.  Several Council members were under the impression that they prohibited in convenience stores as well as gas stations. 

Council discussed amending the regulations asked city clerk to research the matter. 

Animal permits

Councilman Stinnett stated that his concern is that in the code book, the animal regulations state the animals that are “generally not accepted”.  He stated that there are mulitple pages of regulations regarding the regular pet.  He asked what the criteria is for approving these animals by the health department and would like the health department to put together documentation regarding the criteria for approving a permit.  He feels there should be a documented approach to the approval of these  permits.  He asked for a moratorium on permits being issued. 

Councilman Schmidt stated that he would like to see pictures,  immunizations etc... more information from the Health Department. 

Councilwoman McKay  reviewed the regulations the way they used to be.    She agrees with standardizing the regulations but does not agree with the moratorium. 

Councilman Schildroth stated that he would like to see a signature list of the neighbors touching the property for approval. 

Councilman Stinnett asked if they could limit anyone who comes through until the administration is finished working on the issue.   

Councilman Lee and the  Mayor would like to see the agreement from the neighbors be unanimous. 

Mayor Schneider stated that he would discuss this matter with the staff and report back at the next work session.

Ordinance enforcement

Councilman Lee wanted to follow up on the issues we had at the last meeting.  The Mayor stated that he asked the police department to monitor the complaints of possible occupancy violations to gather evidence rather than just hearsay to be able to enforce the ordinances.  Councilman Lee  asked about notifying the owner of a rental property. 

Councilwoman McKay referenced an email that was sent through  from an address in her ward that is bringing in children to the house for the week to go to school. 

Councilman Lee stated that he appreciated the mayors response to certain issues.  He asked what the administration wants them to do if something happens on the weekend.  The Mayor stated that the council should call the police department but please let the administration know so they can follow up during the week.

Mayor  Schneider stated that the city is going to try a little harder to get the residents on board and maybe get back to the old theme of fix up clean up for Valley of Flowers.

Council President English asked about the Wiese house and the maintenance issues.  The Mayor stated that it is difficult because County wants the whole house up to code to even let someone in one portion.  Councilman English asked if the city would take care of the outside. 

The Mayor would like to get something set up for concessions. 

Councilman Schmidt asked if the city has been approached by anyone with  a food truck.  Council asked the City Clerk to check with the clerks to see if there are any examples out there. 

FLERT Bus

Council President English asked how the City can  we continue  to do what was done before with regard to rides to the hospitals and the VA Hospital.  Mayor stated that he feels that the FLERT bus is set up for Florissant residents and the more trips that are taken away from the city, the less residents can be serviced.

Councilman Stinnett stated that he feels that the Council should have been made aware of the changes because the Council gets the phone calls from a significant number of their residents. The Mayor agreed and apologized for not giving the Council advance notice.  

The Mayor suggested putting this item on the agenda for next weeks work session. Councilman Stinnett asked for statistical data to back up this change.  

Councilman Schildroth asked about doing certain things on certain days to consolidate things. 

Councilwoman McKay stated that it is a new administration and new policies will be made.  She stated that the administration needs to make decisions.  She feels that all of the costs and breakdowns should be in the budget material that is given to the Council for review. 

Mayor handed out an opinion from the Attorney generals office regarding the Judges salary. 

There being no further business to discuss Councilman Stinnett moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm, seconded by Lee, motion carried. 

                                                                                                  __________________________

                                                                                                  Karen Goodwin, MMC/MRCC

                                                                                                  City Clerk