Councilman Hinkle called for a moment of silence for Albert Schroeder, Councilman - Ward 2.

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1 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF BLACK JACK OLD JAMESTOWN ROAD September 4, :00 pm ROLL CALL The City Clerk called the roll and the following members were present: Councilman Allen Councilman Hinkle Councilman White Councilman Grady Councilman Krank Councilwoman Watkins-Austell Councilwoman Muller Councilman Steigerwald EXCUSED Mayor McCourt was excused The City Clerk attested to the fact that a quorum was present. Arnold Hinkle, City Council Ward 3, President Pro-Tem called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Hinkle called for a moment of silence for Albert Schroeder, Councilman - Ward 2. PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing was held to set the 2018 Tax Rate. The Public Hearing Handout was made available to the public. The tax rate for 2018 will be per $100 of assessed evaluation. This rate is subject to change, depending on the response from the Board of Equalization. 1. Jerry Bast Mr. Bast inquired about the meaning of setting the tax rate. Councilman Hinkle explained that the tax is to retire bonds that were voted on by the residents for street repairs. 2. Jerry Johnson Mr. Johnson inquired about other possible revenue streams involving businesses in the City to offset the annual tax rate. Councilman Hinkle explained that the assessment changes annually, along with property values, which causes the rate to fluctuate. The City has a plan in place that includes local businesses to enhance the City (Master Plan) 3. Tommy Ware Mr. Ware commented that he understood that the rate also includes a cushion to offset delinquent or none payment of taxes by some residents. He went on to explain how St. Louis County will allow residents to make partial payments. Because of Councilwoman Watkins-Austell continual disruption of the meeting and her refusal to adhere to Robert s Rules of order, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Allen moved to close the Tax Rate Public Hearing. Motion was seconded and passed when a poll of the Council produced the following vote: 1

2 Councilman Krank yes Councilman Grady yes Councilwoman Muller yes Councilwoman Watkins-Austell no PRESENTATION PROCLAMATIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Allen moved to approve the August 21, 2018 minutes as distributed. Motion was seconded and passed by a voice vote of 7/1. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, PETITIONS, ETC. FROM THE PUBLIC EACH RESIDENT THAT SIGNED IN WAS ALLOWED TO SPEAK 1. Mat Brooks Mr. Brooks expressed disdain with the handling of the City Council meeting and the lack of respect for each other. He inquired about a white line at a stop sign in his subdivision (he spoke with someone from public works), the status of Old City Hall, multiple residents with IL license plates and a home in his subdivision that has been vacant for over 5 years. 2. Brad Taylor Mr. Taylor advised that he is not pleased with the street and sidewalk construction that his being done on his street and on Old Jamestown Road. He stated that there is no one watching over the project. He drove over a large bolt that caused him to have to replace two tires. Mr. Taylor feels he is getting the run around concerning who is responsible for the replacement of his tires. Councilman White moved to allow Kittrel Braselman, Director of Public Works to speak. Motion was seconded and passed by a voice vote of 7/1. Mr. Braselman explained that Geno McFarland, Maintenance Supervisor, is supervising the street project. The sidewalk project in question is contracted by and through St. Louis County; that is not a City of Black Jack project. The damages caused by the contractors on Black Jack streets have been noted and they will be held responsible for the repairs. The contractors have advised that the cones must stay in place for several days before the streets are accessible. 3. James Barnes Mr. Barnes inquired about how the road drops off on Parker near Iggy s at Parker and Halls Ferry Road. It was suggested that Mr. Barnes contact his St. Louis County Council member, since that area is not in the City of Black Jack. 4. Aulderay Fields Ms. Fields inquired about a plan for the residents to get in and out of their driveway and their subdivision when the streets are being black topped. Councilman Hinkle advise that this discussion will be shared with Public Works. Normally the residents are provided notification to allow accommodations. 2

3 5. Carey Davis Mr. Davis expressed disdain with the handling of the City Council meeting and the lack of respect for each other. As residents they came to the meeting for solutions not to observe disagreements. He asked that all in the future be more respectful. 6. Jerry Bast Mr. Bast thanked the City Officials for serving the residents of Black Jack. This is his first City meeting and he attended because he was concerned about the tax rate, but since he now understands, he is no longer concerned. 7. Tommy Ware Mr. Ware expressed concern for the need of speed bumps on Bristol Rock Road and Wickham Fen because cars are driving sometimes 60 mph down the hill. He mentioned the issue of snow plows plowing snow back into resident s driveway. 8. Jerry Johnson Mr. Johnson expressed the importance of the City Council meeting following Robert Rules of order. He stated he would like to see more revenue generated in the community and cohesiveness within the City Council. Mr. Johnson also inquired about common ground upkeep behind his home. He was advised to contact his trustees. MAYOR S REPORT OFFICIALS Councilman White advised that he and Councilman Hinkle are assisting residents in their Ward with understanding the upkeep of common ground and establishing trustees for their area. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS/BOARDS COMMITTEE Councilman Grady advised that the Special Events Committee met and finalized the festival that will be held on Saturday, September 15 th in Harold Evangelista Park. He advised that flyers were delivered door to door advising of all the festivities. SPECIAL COUNSEL UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Bill #1216, entitled, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL RATE OF AD VALOREM TAXES LEVIED FOR THE YEAR 2018 ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY OF BLACK JACK, MISSOURI; PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF SAID TAXES ON THE BOOKS OF THE COLLECTOR BY THE COUNTY CLERK OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY was read for the second time. Councilwoman Muller moved to place Bill #1216 on its passage. Motion was seconded and passed when a poll of the Council produced the following vote: 3

4 Councilman Krank yes Councilman Grady yes Councilwoman Muller yes Councilwoman Watkins-Austell no Bill #1216 became Ordinance # Bill #1217, entitled, AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OF THE CITY OF BLACK JACK, MISSOURI was read for the second time. Councilman White moved to place Bill #1217 on its passage. Motion was seconded and passed when a poll of the Council produced the following vote: Councilman Krank yes Councilman Grady yes Councilwoman Muller yes Councilwoman Watkins-Austell no Bill #1217 became Ordinance #1130 PENDING LEGISLATION: NEW BUSINESS: RESOLUTIONS: MISCELLANEOUS 1. Councilman White moved to allow Kittrel Braselman, Director of Public to speaks. Motion was seconded and passed by a voice vote of 7/1. Mr. Braselman explained that the need for the trailer is for safety of the residence and the maintenance staff. One of the employees was recently injured while using the current trailer. The current trailer is too small to carry the equipment to the various locations throughout the City. The new trailer is needed for safety reasons and for the size. Councilman Steigerwald moved to approve the purchase of a 22ft Trailer in the amount of $6, to Moore Trailers, LLC. Motion was seconded and passed when a poll of the Council produced the following vote: 4

5 Councilman Krank yes Councilman Grady yes Councilwoman Muller yes Councilwoman Watkins-Austell yes 2. Councilman White moved to cancel the September 18 th City Council meeting. Motion was seconded and passed when a poll of the Council produced the following vote: Councilman Krank yes Councilman Grady yes Councilwoman Muller yes Councilwoman Watkins-Austell yes 3. President Pro-Tem Hinkle advised the 2018 Fall Tree Limb pick up schedule will begin October 1st. 4. President Pro-Tem Hinkle advised that the annual invoice for CivicPlus has been paid in the amount of $4, President Pro-Tem Hinkle advised that the annual City Harvest Moon Festival will be held on Saturday, September 15 th at Harold Evangelista Park. Councilman Grady advised everyone of the many activities that will be made available to the residents and the public. FINAL ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE MAYOR ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. 5

6 THE September 4, 2018 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE October 2, 2018 CITY COUNCIL MEETING. Norman C. McCourt, Mayor ATTEST: Karen E. Robinson, MRCC-S/CMC City Clerk Executive Assistant to the Mayor 6