Aug 28, 2008

Zoning information and issues dominated the attention of city councilmen Tuesday evening as a number of topics were discussed and addressed during the evening. Council president, David Norman, facilitated the meeting, as Mayor Leon Harris was unable to attend. Director of Development Janice Lorrain reported the water samples taken last month by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tested positive for total coliform bacteria. Lorrain said DNR repeated the testing several days later and all three samples came back clean. She noted this was the first time in seven years DNR testing of city water had been less than perfect. Lorrain explained finding total coliform bacteria in the drinking water was a Tier II violation, and did not require taking any safety measures such as boiling water. According to information from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), total coliform bacteria are not pathogenic, or disease causing organisms, and are only mildly infectious. Reported sources of total coliform bacteria in a distribution system may include items such as–– soil and water surrounding pipes; biofilms and microbial growth; corrosion tubercles; weather-related events; customer connections; materials added to the distribution system, and sediments. Or, the other factor that could play into the negative readings is the possibility the tests were done incorrectly. Lorrain said the water will be tested again in September when five tests instead of three will be administered. Lorrain reported the planning and zoning commission met last week with the group discussing and addressing a number of important issues. The commission received a request for rezoning the former DoCo site on east Hwy. 14 to commercial use, a request still under review. The group had also received an inquiry about zoning requirements for a proposed bed and breakfast business in the city. Lorrain noted the commissioners had taken action on a request to combine two adjacent properties by eliminating the boundary line separating the two parcels. The properties are located at NW 12th Avenue, and according to Lorrain, commissioners followed guidelines adopted last year and the process worked well. The commission also acted upon a request from a local property owner to vacate two alley ways on the east side of Copeland. Both alleys are adjacent to Copeland' parking lots, and originally platted as easements for utilities. Lorrain said the easements have never been used or deemed necessary. She reported notices were sent to the owners and actions to vacate were not contested. The commission requested a change in zoning Tuesday evening, proposing four properties in Potter Row and three properties in Miller's Addition, be rezoned from B2 - Central Business District to B3 - General Business District. The lots in question are located two blocks southeast of the Ava square on the east side of Jefferson. The residential properties had a B2 -Central Business designation which is a restrictive code and does not allow residential use. Rezoning the proper¬ties to B3–General Business provided a broader definition and correctly incorporated housing use. The request which was approved by council is part of an effort to remedy zoning issues throughout the city. Revisiting an earlier agreement made with Sundown Ridge Estate East, Fleetwood Enterprises, city council members authorized a partial site building permit to allow the developer to begin site and foundation work. Authorizing a partial building permit is the result of an agreement made earlier this year. During a January 2008 meeting, the re-plat of the Fleetwood development was found to be in compliance with city regulations and it was noted building permits for phase one could be issued. However, to stay in compliance with city code, which requires a finished road system prior to construction, Fleetwoods provided a letter of intent to establish the road system in phase one of the development. The letter of intent expires Sept. 1, 2008, and to date a road system has not been implemented. But, according to recent information provided by the Fleetwoods, the road work will begin soon, consequently council okayed a partial site permit. An ordinance correcting information in the city code book and implementing changes in the water rate schedule was adopted by council. The rate change authorizes a small increase of 2.5 percent, and is part of the 10-year plan previously recommended by the consulting firm and adopted by the city. The plan which was adopted in 2007 allows the city to increase rates by a small percentage each year, with the monies from the in¬crease being set aside to cover costs that will be associated with future improvement projects. The rate schedule was given as follows: Minimum bill (includes usage allowance of 1,000 gallons) Minimum Bill Fiscal Year $ 9.78 FY 2009 $10.02 FY 2010 $10.27 FY 2011 $10.53 FY 2012 $10.79 FY 2013 Unit charge (after the first 1,000 gallons) Unit Charge Fiscal Year $ 1.60 FY 2009 $ 1.64 FY 2010 $ 1.68 FY 2011 $ 1.72 FY 2012 $ 1.76 FY 2013 Council members adopted the annual conflict of interest policy, a formality required by the State of Missouri. Council okayed a request from the Extension Office for a $1,000 grant contribution. The money will be used to support a grant request for a youth entrepreneur program. Monetary support of the program is being shared with the county and AIDC, who are also contributing $1,000. Councilman David Norman reported the street on the north side of the Douglas County Courthouse will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 9, to allow for repairs on the courthouse building. The road will remain closed while a leak in the building is being repaired. A prospective candidate to fill the park director's position was discussed during closed session, however no announcement was made. Council will convene again on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at City Hall.