Life Of Jason

6:25pm…A lot of folks milling around after the public meeting. Jackie Melton of the Community Free Press and JackeHammer is here. Ralph Manley’s making the rounds shaking hands of those he didn’t shake before the first meeting started. Louise Whall, city Public Information Officer, is making sure the television media in attendance (namely, Joanna Small of KSPR) has the info they need.

6:31pm…Councilman John Wylie appears.

6:38pm…We sympathize with Joanna Small of KSPR having to do her live shot outside in when the wind was blowing so hard. As tiny as she is I’m surprised she didn’t blow away! Other media debate beating up KSPR producer Ron Davis on Joanna’s behalf. We realize that Christine Daues would probably come to his defense and beat us all up so we drop the idea.

6:44pm…Doug Burlison shows up with a smile on his face.

6:51pm…I’m handed a copy of the City of Springfield Action Plan in Response to State Audit. I’m informed the electronic version will be posted shortly. (I’ll link to it here when it’s available.)

6:55pm…The Action Plan looks very good. A lot of steps already taken. This is a good move by the city to help rebuild confidence that may have slipped in the minds of some after the release of the audit.

6:59pm…Mayor Carlson isn’t here tonight and is scheduled to miss the next couple meetings. Mary Collette makes it although she has her cough medicine at her side. She looks like she doesn’t feel well but she said she “felt like she had to be here for the meeting.”

7:00pm…Mayor Pro Tem Deaver calls the meeting to order. The prayer, the pledge, the roll, approval of minutes.

7:01pm…Mayor Pro Tem Deaver asks if the council members want anything removed from the consent agenda. Public input. Consent agenda passes 8-0.

7:03pm…Mayor Pro Tem Deaver informs those in attendance if they wish to speak on one of the issues before council they need to fill out a sheet and give it to City Clerk Brenda Cirtin.

7:03pm…City Manager Bob Cumley answers questions from previous meetings. They have finalized the action plan response which was handed to council. SEE THAT ACTION PLAN BY CLICKING HERE. He praised Evelyn Honea for her work in the report. Cumley said 25 of the items have been completed and 27 are in progress. Cumley said that a staff committee is working on other changes regarding accounting procedures and cash handling and will be bringing a recommendation to council.

Cumley commented on the police/fire pension issue. He recommended they contract with an outside actuary to do a comprehensive audit of the pension system and present that audit to city council. They would like to have someone in place sometime in the Spring to present a fresh set of eyes to the process.

Regarding annual budget Cumley said they will spend more time on budget issues than in the past due to budget constraints and to make sure taxpayer funds are spent in the wisest way possible. Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said he appreciated the extra time to look at budget items.

Councilman Dan Chiles asked about the second actuary and if that person would be free to bring up alternatives for the system. Cumley answered he hopes that person would provide options and recommendations.

Councilman Chiles asked about sales tax in the final quarter. Cumley said sales tax is down one percent when it was projected to be up three percent so the city is facing a four percent deficit versus projections.

Cindy Rushefsky asked about the actuary and if the one we’re currently using doesn’t have the freedom to make recommendations. Cumley said that he didn’t feel it would be comfortable for the current actuary to make these comments to the people to whom they report. Rushefsky said that the issue is that people know the problems but aren’t ready to make the tough decisions and that a second actuary won’t make that much different.

“The real issues need to be deal with here, my Council.” Cumley agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that our current actuary suggested they bring in a second, outside, independent actuary to address some issues.

7:13pm…Council Bill 2008-26. Rezoning of 4400-4600 blocks of West Division from Greene County M-1 district to HM (Heavy Manufacturing) and an Airport Overlay district. Public hearing was closed and the vote will be at the next meeting.

7:14pm…Council Bill 2008-27. The city’s involvement in the Partnership for Sustainability including a $20,000 contribution. Emily Fox (of Discovery Center) was asked by City Manager Cumley to talk about the organization because she is the co-chair of the Partnership. She said MSU, OTC and Evangel, Springfield R-12 School District, Cox, St. Johns, Discovery Center, CU, Greene County and others are contributing as members to the partnership. She said the mission is to determine how our community can become a leader in sustainability.

“There’s no reason why Springfield and Greene County area can’t be a leader.”

What they plan to do is co-ordinate and serve as a sustainability resource for organizations throughout the region and use a GAP analysis to set up goals for the region. She said the group will be using the expertise already in this region to help develop the partnership. They hope to provide a web based tool for all groups in the region so there is a clearinghouse for all the information and expertise. They want to offer sources for networking for institutions and homeowners and small business owners.

The money will be used for operational purposes because “this is a huge endeavor.” She said because of the size of the project it’s necessary to hire someone to oversee the project. This person could also conduct seminars.

Councilwoman Collette said that she thinks it’s a tremendous effort and she’s pleased to see our community doing this. She asked about City Utilities and wanted to know if this was equally funding. Ms. Fox said that not all groups were putting in $20,000 equally the first year. Councilwoman Collette asked the total if the city contributed $20,000 and Ms. Fox said $100,000. Councilwoman Collette said that City Utilities was already working on things to help develop sustainability and asked if this group will help CU develop more approaches to help that grow. Ms. Fox said yes and that this group will work with everyone to help people change their habits with practical tools and education.

Councilwoman Collette thanked Ms. Fox for her effort. Ms. Fox talked about the Discovery Center and how their green building has changed the way they do business.

Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that Springfield should recognize the savings that can come with different lighting and how new technologies can make operating more efficient.

Councilwoman Rushefsky asked how much City Utilities is putting in and Ms. Fox answered City Utilities is putting in $20,000. Councilwoman Rushefsky asked if this would be an annual contribution and Ms. Fox said she didn’t know but that she anticipated it could be a three year contribution. She hopes in the future that more groups would participate and contribute but she didn’t know at this time. Councilwoman Rushefsky asked if the information is already available to people in Springfield. Ms. Fox said that to keep from duplicating efforts they are going to create an information clearinghouse and that one of the main parts of this group is going to be stopping duplication.

Councilman Chiles asked if sustainability is “living within our own means.” He asked “if it’s fair to say that if you do this it will reduce waste and keep money in Springfield.” Ms. Fox said yes. “Is there any doubt in your mind that this $20,000 investment will be returned to us many times over if we reduce” coal and other fuels and renewable items. Ms. Fox said “of course it will.” She said she already sees it with the Discovery Center and how it operates.

Councilman Whayne asked the city manager if the money was coming from the general fund and City Manager Cumley answered yes.

Councilman Wylie commented on the educational aspects of the program and praised the Discovery Center.

Councilman Burlison asked about Ms. Fox’s experience with the green building at the Discovery Center and health concerns. “One of the outcomes we would want to see from this is reduced health care costs by the participants” and asked if Ms. Fox has noticed anything at the center. Ms. Fox said that she’s noticed effects. She said the filter system is a healthier system and the fact more natural sunlight is used in the building enhances the moods of the staff. “It’s different than working in a dark hole.” She said the health and well-being encompasses many different things.

Councilman Manley wanted to commend Ms. Fox for her leadership on this issue and said “the best is yet to be!”

Will be voted on in two weeks.

7:34pm…Council Bill 2008-028. Sale of property involving the Arena Site deal. Councilman Manley wanted to amend by adding in section 3 a passage on declaring an emergency due to tax service. Amendment passes on voice vote. Mary Lilly Smith addressed council on the issue. The developement agreement between the city and John Q. Hammons properties is very similar to the previously approved agreement. The deal is for $7 million and closes by September 2008 and will require a national hotel change with a national reservation and national point system. Construction will complete within 24 months of the agreement including a link between the car park and the Springfield Expo center. This will include adding 15,000 square feet of meeting space and improving acoustics in the expo center. They will also be finishing out a kitchen space. Hammons will also include any improvements like sewer extensions.

There are other conditions attached to the agreement including receiving all necessary land use approval, close on sale of property to Opus for BKD building, bond obligations need to be released and development incentives have to be approved. Tax abatement will be provided on the land. John Q. Hammons’ operating control of the Expo center in increased by 20 years and there are four 5-year options.

Three changes from the term sheet agreed to by city staff. “Mr. Hammons would purchase land by September 30, 2008 and start construction by September 30, 2008. ” The amendment says he will begin construction begin 60 days after closing. The term sheet called for Embassy Suites hotel and Hammons asked to the option to consider other providers. The city set as the benchmark the Embassy Suites in Northwest Arkansas. “In his professional opinion if there is a product better for us than Embassy Suites he can proceed with that.” The term sheet said that he would provide portable warming ovens and dish washing equipment. In lieu of that he will provide food for the Expo center from the hotel’s kitchen area and use portable warming units already in use by the hotel.

Councilman Manley commended Ms. Smith on her efforts and her staff doing a first class job in a complex situation.

Councilwoman Collette said she wanted to compliment Ms. Smith and her staff at finding a solution to help keep BKD in downtown and build a hotel that connects to the Expo center and adds to its functionality. “It feels like we’ve gotten everything we’ve needed.” She asked about plumbing in the kitchen and Ms. Smith said plumbing in the kitchen wasn’t included. (Blogger’s note: No plumbing in the kitchen? How would you use dishwashers?)

Ms. Smith said it’s a testament to the developers that they were able to come together and find something to develop for everyone.

Mayor Pro Tem talked about how this council and the previous council have lived with this situation since it was originally going to be a location for Missouri State to build a new arena. “It’s a relief to his council member that we’re not going in the arena business.” He asked about incentives and if they’re the same as offered to other developers on this site and Ms. Smith said yes.

Scott Tarwater of John Q. Hammons’ organization spoke to talk about the costs. He said it was a sixty million dollar plus project. Mayor Pro Tem talked about how the car park is going to be a spark for sixty million dollars worth of development. Mr. Tarwater said that the parking garage was the catalyst and that the project would not be happening without the foresight of the council.

Vote in two weeks.

7:52pm…Council Bill 2008-017. Adopting the Capital Improvement Program. Councilman Burlison spoke on the concerns he raised two weeks prior and what he has discovered about a tricycle park. He found out the land was donated to the city with a caveat that it be used for young children. He doesn’t feel it needs to be removed.

Councilwoman Rushefsky wanted to address the issue. She said the Mayor’s Commission on Children has an interest in giving children a healthy start and a safe place to play and that this project does that. She says the expenditure is critical and if we want to talk about sustainability and that sustainability of our children is critical. She spoke about how children not learning healthy habits will harm them as adults. She shared information about health issues regarding children.

Councilman Manley said that the parks are one of the things that makes this city a great place which to live and play. He commended the Park Board for their efforts and how they provide a service to fit the needs of the citizens of the community.

Councilman Wylie addressed a letter given to Council by a local citizen who is a pediatric nurse and supporting the tricycle park. “Allow the same safety for our children we would give to our dogs.” The letter said the park would be open to children not yet in school and without access to parks connected to community schools. Councilman Wylie reiterated that a lot of these items were approved by the voters and city entities have to spend the funds in the manner given by the voters.

He said the CIP also gives an overview and status report on the improvements to community like sidewalks, intersections, storm water drains and other community improvements.

Councilman Chiles said this was a good process for him as a new member of council to understand the process. He said that only $60 million was new projects while the rest of the $576 million is ongoing projects like the airport or storm sewer improvements. He said this is just a way to throw light on ways the city is making a better future for our children.

Councilman Burlison expressed his thanks to the other council members for allowing the second look at the items on the CIP. He said he couldn’t find any waste in the document but appreciated the fact the time was taken to make sure.

8:08pm…Alice Reinbolt speaks on the issue. She said that living within our means is wonderful and a Springfield trait. She said her problem with the CIP is that she thinks it’s just a portion of the budget for Springfield and the amount considering the state of the economy is abnormally high.

One of the items she was commenting on was having a one stop shop for Planning and Zoning. She wonders if there is a way to reorganize current buildings so that a new building doesn’t need to be built to handle planning and zoning.

She took issue with parks and seven new parks. She said that she understands kids need to get out but “there are such a thing as parenting skills.” (Blogger’s note: so apparently if you have a fat kid you have bad parenting skills…)

She said she wants council to look over the issue carefully.

Councilwoman Collette thanked her for her comments and that they shared some of her concerns. She reminded the speaker that some of the projects receive grants and donations but that they have to be included in the CIP so the project can be completed so the money doesn’t come out of general revenue. Councilwoman Collette spoke about how parks and other items contribute to making this community viable to businesses and having a higher quality of life than if we had nothing but good streets and nothing else.

The speaker said she understands some of the money is coming in from grants and foundations but that given our economic situation in our country that these funds will reduce significantly. She claimed that her neighbors had the same feelings as she did on the issue.

Councilman Wylie addressed the speaker and thanked her for her phone call about the issue. He asked if she had a chance to speak with Jodie Adams of the Park Board about her concerns. She said that she hasn’t done that and Councilman Wylie said that he knows Ms. Adams would be happy to do so.

Councilman Burlison commented that he wanted to reiterate to the speaker that her time wasn’t wasted going online and looking at the information. He said that comments like hers are valued and appreciated.

Public hearing is closed the CIP passes 8-0.

8:19pm…Council Bill 2008-029. Extending the administrative delay on the storage containers ordinance. The new draft is being prepared for the committee. Councilman Chiles asked city staff if this will be the last delay. Staff answered they hoped it would be. Councilman Chiles then asked what happens next in the process. Answer was that after it’s drawn up it goes to planning and zoning for public hearing and then city council for public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that he and Councilwoman Collette have been working on it and that he feels they’ve created a better product that is going to meet the needs of the city in a better way than the previous bill.

Councilman Burlison said this moratorium is worthy of extension and that what is on the books now is “very egregious” and that the delay in moving forward with something new to replace it is worth the time.

Councilwoman Collette said she feels they won’t need anything close to the 180 days they’re requesting.

Bill passes 8-0.

8:23pm…Council Bill 2008-030. Addendum accepting property from City Utilties into the Springfield Park Board System. Jodie Adams of the Park Board said this addendum adds access points to the south shore of Lake Springfield including a trail entrance and fishing area. They have the north side up and running and now they’re ready to add the south side.

Councilwoman Collette wanted to point out the community that part of our parks play a dual role as part of the storm water system.

Councilman Wylie wanted to point out there is more than one entity that is involved with this and asked if they had anything they could post to show those in attendance what land is being added to the system. (Click the link in the council bill to see the pictures. Basically, it’s the land between the power plant and the lake, the boat launch that is already in operation by Highway 65 where it crosses the lake area and the old Highway 65 bridge that is part of the Ozark Greenways.

Councilman Manley said that he gets overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Springfield Greene County Park Board. He praised the vision they have for these projects and how they work with other groups like City Utilities to accomplish these projects.

8:32pm…Andy Dalton addresses council on this issue. He wanted to remind the Council and the city that these facilities were built with money from the conservation fund and part of the community assistance fund. He said they have been used and maintained by City Utilities and Missouri Department of Conservation. He said this is excellent and should be done. The 8 cent tax that citizens pay for the Conservation Department have come back to Springfield. Mayor Pro Tem Deaver thanked him for providing the information. Bill passes 8-0.

8:34pm…Council Bill 2008-001. Rezoning land on South Glenstone. Passes 8-0.

8:35pm…Council Bill 2008-002. Changing a heavy manufacturing district to center city district. Councilman Manley was excited to see the redevelopment of an old warehouse into condos. Councilman Whayne commented that there will also be improvements in the intersection of Chestnut and National to make it more viable for traffic. Bill passes 8-0.

8:37pm…Council Bill 2008-003. Rezoning land on East Sunshine from single family district to general retail. (This is the strip of land across Sunshine @ National from St. John’s Hospital.) Councilwoman Rushefsky said she was troubled by the bill. She said that she has real concerns and even though the developer has gone out of his way to address concerns of the neighbors. She feels the original zoning is appropriate because it’s an older neighborhood that is working hard to maintain it’s identity. She says it could be a good vital neighborhood. She understands it would be unrealistic to keep the land vacant.

She said there is a diversion of traffic because of people trying to avoid that intersection even with improvements that have been made there. That’s the first problem…the second is related to the nature of that intersection. That problem is that emergency vehicles will be coming through there and causing people to get out of the way of emergency vehicles. She thinks it’s a hazard and a problem.

(Blogger’s note: You’re going to have traffic anywhere. If those were single family homes, it would be hard to get people to live there with all the heavy traffic on Sunshine. The buildings that surround it on Sunshine is business. We would be worse off not letting this be developed for businesses and bringing in the tax dollars from it. There is ample enough space from the houses behind the property to the property line so that no one is going to have a house right against the new development. It’s time to develop this vacant plot of land. I’m sorry to see Councilwoman Rushefsky again appearing to stand in the way of economic development. She may not be but it always seems that way.)

Councilman Whayne asked about letters of complain from surrounding residents. Councilman Manley said that the lot’s been vacant for a long time and that homes in that area were either demolished or moved away from that area. He said the developer of that land could make terrific use of that land with a general retail that doesn’t impose more traffic than what’s already there.

Councilman Chiles said that this might serve the neighbors to walk or travel short distances to help eliminate environmental factors. This is really a green decision to put business at an already busy intersection that could provide enhancements to the surrounding neighbors.

Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that this zoning change was because they were acquiring a small house but the rest of the land was already zoned commercial. Bill passes 7-1 with Councilwoman Rushefsky voting no.

8:47pm…Council Bill 2007-004. Authorizing a “use permit” for a wholesale sales and distribution facility in a Highway Commercial District at 3720 West Chestnut Expressway. Councilman Whayne talked about a hearing that was held to address this issue. He was disappointed that only seven of the fifty one residents surrounding the area attended the meeting with the developer.

“This developer is bending over backwards to satisfy some of the needs of the neighborhood.”

Councilman Whayne said he reminded residents the developer met all the requirements for a use permit but that he was going the extra mile to be a good neighbor.  He said the concerns were lights at four in the morning when a truck comes in and Councilman Whayne said he told the person “you should be asleep at that time.”  (Laughter ensued.)   The developer agreed to add shrubbery to help block the lights.

Councilwoman Collette complimented the developer and said this is a good development for this property.    She said that it might be a good idea in the case of notifications that in the future the developer provide the letters to staff and have them mail it out so to prove the letters were sent.  Staff said that could be done.

Mayor Pro Tem Deaver said that when they took testimony that the 350 feet between the development and the surrounding homes was a huge buffer area already but was pleased to see the extra measures used by the developer.   He gave the developer the “above and beyond award” for the month.  Bill passes 8-0.

8:54pm…Council Bill 2008-005.   Bill passes 8-0.

8:55pm…Council Bill 2008-009.  Special ordinance accepting a donation of land from the Springfield R-12 school district where the Springfield Skatepark is currently located.  Councilman Whayne said he thought this was bought for a dollar.  Mayor Pro Tem says that this bill is a straight donation with the caveat the land be used for park purposes.

Councilman Burlison asked “contingent upon receiving a deed” and asked about the status.  Jodie Adams of the Park Board said they are waiting for the deed.  She said they must post it for a short time after approval before it can be donated.  Ms. Adams said that she thinks it’s official on February 11, 2008.  Bill passes 8-0.

8:58pm…Council Bill 2008-015.   Final Development plan at 1935 South Campbell.  Bill passes 8-0.

8:59pm…Council Bill 2008-012.   Allows more flexibility for the Community Development Block Grant program in regards to historic buildings.  Councilwoman Collette asked to have this brought off the consent agenda to highlight this because she felt it’s really a good deal and the staff has done a good job to formulate this deal.  She said it could be a big time saver.  Bill passes 8-0.

9:01pm…Mayor Pro Tem made one final comment about the drop-in meeting regarding the City Manager search.  He thanked Council members who attended and the majority of the search committee for showing up.  He said attendance was “disappointing” and he hopes people take advantage of other meetings around the community.

9:02pm…Microsoft live search maps are now being used in displays for planning and zoning presentations to Council to give better views of land being rezoned.

9:03pm…Councilman Wylie complimented staff on the update regarding city’s response to the audit.

9:04pm…Councilman Chiles asked if they could make links to the live search maps on the agenda for council and the staff didn’t think that was possible.   Councilman Chiles said he would like to see this done.

9:05pm…Meeting adjourns.