Next Meeting
Regular meeting September 5th 7:00 pm
Work session September 12th 7:00 pm
Find out what's happening in Arnoldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Last Meeting
Ordinances
Find out what's happening in Arnoldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bill # 2559 – An Ordinance Determining the Final Cost of Completed Improvements known as the Judy Drive Neighborhood Improvement District Project; Apportioning such Final Costs Among the Properties in the Judy Drive Neighborhood Improvement District in the City of Arnold, Mo; Assessing Special Assessments Against the Properties in said District; and Authorizing the issuing of Tax Bills Therefore. Passed.
The total amount of the project was $80,678.81. This is divided by the ten homeowners and the City, which owns a small strip at the end of the street providing utility access for the Sewer Department. Each property owner will be assessed $7,334.44, payable over ten years.
Bill #2560 – An Ordinance Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Safe Routes to School Program Agreement for the Tenbrook Sidewalk Project SRTS-INF-H32F (105). Passed.
This is just another step in the process for the sidewalks along Tenbrook Road.
Bill #2561 – An Ordinance Levying a Special Assessment for the Construction of a Collector Sewerage System for the Black Oak Trail Sanitary Sewer Sub District in the City of Arnold, Mo. and Authorizing the Issuing of Tax Bills Therefore. Passed.
Two homes on Black Oak Trail have had ongoing issues with their septic systems. They were recently connected to City sewers. This bill is to grant the City authority to collect assessments from those two residences to pay off their portion of the costs involved. The total cost of the project was $35,806.50. Each homeowner is responsible for the cost of their lateral lines and tap on fees and will be assessed $8,000 of the $35,806.50, which will be payable over ten years. The City will cover the remaining $19,806.50.
Bill #2562 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Article IX, of the Code of Ordinances Relating to Disclosure of Conflicts of Interests and Substantial Interests. Passed.
This is an annual amendment regarding the disclosure of business conducted with the City regarding City employees and elected officials.
Bill #2563 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances with the Addition of Section 20-1 by Establishing Financial Policy and Guidelines Concerning Police Vehicles to Insure that the Arnold Police Department’s Fleet Remains Safe and Operates in a Cost Efficient Manner. This Ordinance shall be Known and Cited as the Amato-Fulbright Police Fleet Initiative. Pulled from the agenda.
Bill #2564 – An Ordinance Providing for the Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget and Amending the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget for Estimated Results. Passed.
If you’ve read the Leader article, you will see I voted against the budget because of the growing deficit in the Recreation Center Fund and golf course fund. Both of these “businesses” continue to have an operating budget above their projected revenues. With these failing to cover their expenses, their perspective funds fall deeper into the red so that by the time the City has retired the bond debt (2032 for golf course) there will be no chance of ever reaching the black.
According to the Leader, the expected revenue for the rec center in 2014 is $2,632,100 and yet operating costs are $2,730,038, a $97,938 deficit for the year 2014 only for a total estimated fund deficit of $1,468,620.
Pomme Golf Course has expected revenues of $453,500 with operating costs of $638,562 for a 2014 deficit of $185,062. The total deficit of the golf course fund will be $1,850,980.
When it was decided by council to buy the golf course, they were told the golf course would at least break even if not make money. Why is it then that a businessman would want to sell a profitable business?
The operation of both the rec center and golf course need to be examined to determine a more efficient course of action to ensure the people of Arnold aren’t supporting these losing entities for generations. Arnold government officials often tout how we are a leader of innovation (like the Green Fleet Initiative below),so why is it that we are comfortable saying “no public recreation center or golf course breaks even”. Shouldn’t the people of Arnold expect more? Shouldn’t Arnold be leading the way in making our rec center and golf course profitable?
I believe we can and should do better in the operation of both failing ventures. If private individuals can make money from these types of businesses, why can’t the City of Arnold?
Resolutions
Resolution #13-42: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Change Order with J. H. Berra Construction Company, Inc. to Provide Required Rock Excavating Services for the Black Oak Trail Sanitary Sewer Extension Project for the City of Arnold. Passed.
While constructing the new sewer lines for Black Oak Trail, the ground contained more rock than anticipated. This is to pay for the additional work needed to excavate the rock in order to lay sewer pipe.
Resolution #13-43: A Resolution Establishing Financial Policy and Guidelines Concerning Municipal Vehicles to Reduce Energy Expense, Fuel Use and Emissions of the City of Arnold’s Municipal Operations Through More Intelligent Purchase and use of Vehicles and Fuel-Using Equipment. This Resolution shall be Known and Cited as the Fulbright-Coleman Green Fleet Initiative. Passed.
I understand the push for “going green”, but it’s a feel good concept that has not been fully supported by the scientific community nor the data. For those of you old enough to remember, “going green” is this generation’s crying Indian commercial. I still remember the face of that Indian, a line of tears rolling over his cheek as he watched speeding cars toss trash out the window. It touched your heart and you sympathized with the Native American watching the land be destroyed by carelessness.
Some thirty years later, our hearts are softened with photos of oil soaked birds and heaping landfills. I believe we must be responsible stewards of the earth God gave us, but I also think people have a tendency to rush full force into a concept without fully understanding it because it makes us feel like we’re doing something good for humanity and the planet. Our true responsibility to the planet and humanity isn’t to fall in line with what others are telling us. Our responsibility is to do the research ourselves, to be educated on the issues, and make our decisions based on all the facts, not just those the media and others are pushing.
As for the statistics, they show hybrid vehicles such as the Prius, Optima and Insight initially cost $3,000 to $5,000 more than their conventional gas powered counterparts. To realize any savings of fuel costs, it takes 3 – 5 years to come to a breakeven point. When looking for lower gas house emissions or a smaller carbon footprint, it could take up to five years or more to see a benefit of purchasing a “green” vehicle. The production and disposal of the batteries alone leave a larger carbon footprint than any gas powered vehicle.
Although I believe at this point in time moving the City toward being “green” is a feel good concept, I do agree with some of the items addressed in this resolution. Tracking mileage and the right size automobile for the job are two fiscally responsible issues the city should address, and that’s why I voted for this resolution.
Motions
A Motion to Hold a Closed Session Immediately Following the City Council Meeting for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel Pursuant to RSMo Section 610.021(3). This motion was pulled by the Mayor, who stated the issue had been resolved.
City News
Coffee with Council
Coffee with Council will be next Wednesday, September 11th at the Library.
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