City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 8, 2016

CITY OF FERGUSON, MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Mayor James W. Knowles III called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 110 Church Street, Ferguson, Missouri and immediately led a silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Councilman Wesley Bell Present Mayor James W. Knowles III Present Councilman Keith Kallstrom Present Councilwoman Linda Lipka 5:32 p.m. Councilwoman Laverne Mitchom Present Councilwoman Ella Jones Present Councilwoman Heather Robinett Present

A quorum was declared. Also present were City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, City Attorney Apollo Carey, and City Clerk Octavia Pittman.

City Manager Seewood offered a response to Council questions from the previous meeting regarding Bill #7129. He explained that the language included within was taken from state statutes 67.1305 which also list available uses of the tax fund. It was added that the allowable number of members to said committee is 5 or 9 (including representatives from the city, the county and the school district); however, the council may make amendments to require representation from each ward; and lastly, that the language is interpreted to mean that the voting requirement is of the majority of the council present.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (Citizens' comments and discussion will be heard at this time and shall be limited to a total of two (2) minutes per speaker, which may be increased at the discretion of the Mayor, or by a motion approved by a majority of the members of the Council present at the meeting.)

Nick Kasoff, 125 Royal, offered comments regarding Bill #7129; his belief that the city would be within its rights to designate West Florissant as a historic district and that the city would have more leverage with a smaller committee size.

Jean Boettcher 655 Hunters Ridge, questioned why this meeting was changed to an earlier time and noted that she did not receive notification. It was explained that the time was changed due to the Presidential Election; notification was placed on the city’s we.

Blake Ashby, 118 Thoroughman, expressed appreciation to the Council for their dedication and welcomed the new city clerk and attorney to the city.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Presentation of Actuarial Report Finance Director Jeff Blume introduced Greg Stump with Boomershine Consulting Group, who provided an overview of the city’s actuarial report and funding outlook of the employee pension plan. He noted that the plan is currently 100% funded and in the 99th percentile of government plans; contributions are slightly lower than normal cost due to the funding ratio, and unrecognized losses will drive cost up to normal cost levels. He cautioned that costs are volatile when funding is close to 100% and one year can change the outlook significantly; a full assumption review is to be conducted next year. Discussions were held regarding the impact to fill vacant positions and the contribution rate.

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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 8, 2016

Finance Director Blume also introduced Doit Class, private wealth manager with UMB Bank, who provided an overview of the city’s investment returns. He noted that the plan’s returns have performed better than average. He also noted future expectations; lower overall US and global growth rates, effecting earnings and profitability and lowering stock market and bond returns.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None

CONSENT AGENDA

N/A

MINUTES

Special City Council Meeting Minutes – May 22, 2016 Special City Council Meeting Minutes – October 25, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes – October 25, 2016 Motion was made by Councilwoman Jones and seconded by Councilman Bell to approve the meeting minutes as submitted. Unanimous vote in favor taken; MOTION PASSED.

APPOINTMENTS

Board of Adjustments Motion was made by Councilwoman Jones and seconded by Councilman Bell to approve Mayor Knowles appointment of Vivian Fox to the Board of Adjustments. Unanimous vote in favor taken; MOTION PASSED.

Mayor Knowles will review pending applications for potential appointments at the next meeting.

Library Mayor Knowles will review pending applications for potential appointments at the next meeting.

Senior Citizen Commission Pending applications will be reviewed for potential appointments at the next meeting.

REQUESTS

There were no Requests at this time.

PROCLAMATIONS

Mayor Knowles read proclamations to be presented:

IN HONOR OF ALBERTA SQUIRES’ 100TH BIRTHDAY

WHEREAS, Alberta LaMarque Squires will be honored by friends and relatives on the occasion of her 100th birthday on Saturday, October 29, 2016; and

WHEREAS, she was born on this great day in Cadet, MO and has been a resident of the state of MO since her birth and of St. Louis County for 70 years; and

WHEREAS, she became the wife of Elmer Roy Squires at St. James Catholic Church in Potosi, MO and this marriage was blessed with two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and

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WHEREAS, in addition to being a wife and mother, she has been active in church caring for Altar Linens and Sacred Vessels, and always had an open door and warm meal for Seminarians and Priests from Central America; and

WHEREAS, She was a parishioner at St. Nicholas Catholic Church (1930/40's) in St. Louis City, Holy Angels in Kinloch (1950-2002) and now Blessed Teresa of Calcutta; and

WHEREAS, during a long and productive lifetime, she has demonstrated in countless ways her dedication to the welfare of others, shared her homemaking talents and skills with her offspring and has earned the respect and affection of people from all walks of life and all ages; and

WHEREAS, she has lived during the most eventful century of this world’s history; and has been a force for good and a stabilizing influence on those around her during these turbulent years; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Ferguson extend to Ms. Squires best wishes on celebrating her 100th Birthday.

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS WEEK

WHEREAS, the City of Ferguson, Missouri recognizes that our economy demands an agile, world-class workforce with post-secondary education credentials and the ability to respond to immediate and future business and economic needs swiftly and proficiently; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship is an essential component of effective talent development strategies utilized in many thriving business sectors, and has proven to be an exceptional path to attaining high-quality post-secondary education, training and employment; and

WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship flourishes in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, it is also highly compatible with efforts to meet workforce training and development needs in emerging industries such as healthcare and energy; and is a proven leader in preparing American workers to compete in a global 21st Century economy; and

WHEREAS, the Office of Apprenticeship of the United States Department of Labor helps to administer Apprenticeship USA, establishing Registered Apprenticeship programs – in partnership with State Apprenticeship Agencies, employers; business and labor organizations; institutions of higher learning; and employment and job training agencies – to provide enhanced opportunities for workers seeking high- skilled, high-paying jobs, and employers seeking to build a qualified workforce; and

WHEREAS, Missouri currently has more than 12,300 registered apprentices; and

WHEREAS, apprentices who successfully graduate from registered apprenticeship programs promote economic vitality by enriching America’s workforce with well-trained, competitive professionals equipped with United States Department of Labor certified occupational training and education credentials that are widely recognized by both employers and academic institutions,

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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 8, 2016

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James W. Knowles III, Mayor of the City of Ferguson, Missouri, on behalf of the Ferguson City Council, do hereby proclaim the week of November 14-20, 2016 as NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS WEEK

HONORING TYRON “T-WOOD” WOODLEY

WHEREAS, Tyron Woodley was born and raised in Ferguson, MO attending Ferguson- Florissant Schools; and

WHEREAS, Tyron overcame tremendous obstacles to excel in both academics and athletics at McCluer Sr. High School; and

WHEREAS, Tyron’s skill and success in Wrestling earned him a scholarship to Mizzou, where he was a 2 x All-American and won the school’s first Championship in Wrestling; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Tyron turned his skill on the mad into a successful career in the Mixed-Martial Arts Octagon; and

WHEREAS, Tyron’s professional career in Mixed-Martial Arts has earned him contracts with Showtime’s Strikeforce and then with Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), with a current career professional record of 16 wins and 3 losses; and

WHEREAS, on July 30, 2016, Tyron defeated “Ruthless” in Georgia during the first round by knockout, to become the World Ultimate Fighting Championship Welterweight Champion; and

WHEREAS, on November 12, 2016, at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, Tyron will defend his title against Stephen “The Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 205.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James W. Knowles III, Mayor of the City of Ferguson, Missouri, on behalf of the Ferguson City Council, do hereby honor and congratulate our native son, Tyron Woodley, for his success in and out of the ring, and extend the support of our entire community as we stand in his corner during his title defense.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution #2016-19 – A Resolution To Hold The General Municipal Election On Tuesday, April 4, 2017 In The City Of Ferguson, Missouri, For The Election Of Mayor For The City Of Ferguson Attorney Carey read Resolution #2016-19. Motion was made by Councilman Bell and seconded by Councilman Kallstrom to approve Resolution #2016-19. ROLL CALL: Councilman Kallstrom – yes; Councilwoman Mitchom – yes; Councilwoman Robinett – yes; Mayor Knowles – yes; Councilwoman Lipka – yes; Councilwoman Jones – yes; Councilman Bell – yes; MOTION PASSED.

Resolution #2016-20 – A Resolution Appointing Terry Brown As Municipal Judge For The City Of Ferguson For A Term Of Two (2) Years Attorney Carey read Resolution #2016-20. Motion was made by Councilman Bell and seconded by Councilwoman Jones to approve Resolution #2016-20. ROLL CALL: Councilman Kallstrom – yes; Councilwoman Mitchom – yes; Councilwoman Robinett – yes; Mayor Knowles – yes; Councilwoman Lipka – yes; Councilwoman Jones – yes; Councilman Bell – yes; MOTION PASSED.

Clerk Pittman performed the Oath of Office to newly appointed Municipal Judge Terry Brown.

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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 8, 2016

Resolution #2016-21 – A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Marveena Miller As Marketing And Events Coordinator Of The Ferguson Farmers Market Attorney Carey read Resolution #2016-21. Motion was made by Councilwoman Lipka and seconded by Councilwoman Robinett to approve Resolution #2016-21. ROLL CALL: Councilman Kallstrom – yes; Councilwoman Mitchom – yes; Councilwoman Robinett – yes; Mayor Knowles – yes; Councilwoman Lipka – yes; Councilwoman Jones – yes; Councilman Bell – yes; MOTION PASSED.

BILLS REQUIRING FIRST READINGS

There were no bills requiring a first reading.

BILLS REQUIRING SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 7129 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 42 Of The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ferguson, Missouri To Create A New Article Establishing An Economic Development Tax Commission And A Special Trust Fund For Receipt And Disbursement Of Proceeds Of The City's Sales Tax For Economic Development Purposes Attorney Carey read Bill No 7129 by title only. A discussion was held regarding the impact of requested changes to the size and make-up of the committee. Motion was made by Councilwoman Lipka to amend Bill #7129 to add language requiring that there is a representative from each ward for city appointed members. Unanimous vote in favor taken; MOTION PASSED. Motion was made by Councilwoman Robinett and seconded by Councilman Kallstrom to adopt Bill #7129 as amended. ROLL CALL: Councilman Kallstrom – yes; Councilwoman Mitchom – yes; Councilwoman Robinett – yes; Mayor Knowles – yes; Councilwoman Lipka – yes; Councilwoman Jones – yes; Councilman Bell – yes; MOTION PASSED.

Bill No. 7130 – An Ordinance Of The City Of Ferguson, Missouri, Calling For An Election To Amend Article V Of The City’s Home Rule Charter Attorney Carey read Bill #7130 by title only. Motion was made by Councilman Bell and seconded by Councilwoman Robinett to adopt Bill #7130. ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Lipka – yes; Councilwoman Jones – yes; Councilman Kallstrom – yes; Councilwoman Mitchom – yes; Councilwoman Robinett – yes; Mayor Knowles – yes; Councilman Bell – yes; MOTION PASSED.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no Unfinished Business at this time.

MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Seewood welcomed Judge Brown and explain the selection process. He also announced the presence of the DOJ Monitor; he is scheduled to be in the city meeting with different neighborhood groups, the youth group, citizens and city representatives November 9th and November 10th. (those interested in scheduling an appointment may do so at squirepb.com) The consent decree status hearing is set for December 6th with Judge Perry; more information will be placed on the city’s website as it is received.

Community Policing Update In the absence of Police Chief Moss, Assistant Chief Eickhoff provided an update from the department. The officer hiring process is underway with 24 applicants pending to be processed. Chief Moss extends a personal invitation to the Council to join him going door to door and to be out in neighborhoods speaking with residents. Commander McCall provided an update of the consent decree status; he’s in constant talks with the monitor as well as the

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NPSC. Approximately 17-20 documents have been forwarded to the Monitor for review and the city awaits a response. Captain McBride also provided an update regarding COM-STAT and explained its usage to determining patterns of criminal activity. After questions from the Council, it was added that the City is looking into the creation of a social media policy for all employees.

MISCELLANEOUS

Councilman Bell expressed his appreciation to the police department for the update and added that a resolution will be introduced at the next meeting adding such update to council meeting agendas regularly (1st meeting of each month). Congratulations were extended to Marveena Miller and Judge Brown for their appointments as well as Micah Hall for staying on as Provisional Judge. Brief comments were offered with regards to historical districts, that there are many state and federal regulations for the creation of such a district. Lastly, he reported the success of the Halloween Trunk or Treat at the police/fire department, the College Listening Circle, and the Ferguson Middle School Junior Mock Trial; everyone was thanked for their support.

Councilman Kallstrom welcomed Marveena Miller and Judge Brown and also commented on the success of the Oakmont Apartment Truck or Treat.

Councilwoman Mitchom reported attendance to the HRC Missouri Conference with Toni Dupree and receipt of much helpful information; the HRC will discuss some of the topics with the Police Chief and City Manager.

Councilwoman Robinett welcomed Marveena Miller and Judge Brown to the City. She announced the upcoming event on Sat. 11/19; 12-4 held at Dade Park sponsored by NPSC and all were invited. She asked that staff look into complaints received regarding the website alerts. It was noted that staff has deactivated some of the modules on the website which may have stopped the alerts that many are referring too, but, this is still being reviewed.

Councilwoman Lipka announced her involvement with the Antigone in Ferguson, a play that depicts Greek tragedy into current social issues and invited everyone to attend; Sat. 11/12 at COCA this is a free event. She congratulated Raven Hughes (Ferg-Flor Alumni) who has recently received her Master’s in Criminal Psychology. She also offered a reminder of Dine out in Ferguson and invited everyone to join her at a candlelight vigil held Friday at McCluer in honor of her daughter’s passing.

Councilwoman Jones expressed gratitude to the Home Depot representatives for completing home repairs on October 27th; such event is scheduled to take place again in the Spring. She congratulated Judge Brown and Marveena Miller, thanked Chief Moss and Chief Rosenthal for their hospitality on the Trunk or Treat, and thanked both the City Manager and Finance Director for helping with the details of the tax bill. She announced upcoming community meetings in which residents will have an opportunity to speak regarding crime prevention and other policing issues: Northland Hills on 11/14, Black Oak/Summerset 11/21 and Robert Superior 11/22; everyone was welcomed to attend.

City Attorney Carey had no report.

City Clerk Pittman announced the schedule of the April 4, 2017 General Municipal Election for the position of Mayor; petitions are required and will be available for pick up beginning tomorrow, candidate filing for the position opens December 13th and ends January 17th.

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After discussion of the meeting schedule during the holiday season, motion was made by Councilwoman Jones and seconded by Councilman Bell to cancel the 12/27 council meeting. Unanimous vote in favor taken; MOTION PASSED.

Mayor Knowles thanked everyone for attending and congratulated all those mentioned earlier.

CLOSED SESSION

None

ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business, motion was made by Councilwoman Mitchom and seconded by Councilman Bell to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Unanimous vote in favor taken; MOTION PASSED.

Approved as submitted on the 13th day of December , 2016.

ATTEST: James W. Knowles III, Mayor

Octavia Pittman, City Clerk

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