JENNENGS  Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting Telemeeting Via Zoom Video January 24, 2022 Regular Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.  The two thousand four hundred and twenty-ninth meeting oft the. Jennings City Council was held  onl Monday, January 24,2022, at7 7:00p.m. via Zoom Video.  A. PUBLIC: HEARING B. REGULAR MEETING  Mayor Austin asked for ai moment ofs silence for Lonnie Ford, Jennings Corrections Officer, who died on. January 9, 2022. She stated that this was the third death in the Corrections Department since September 2021. Shei requested prayers be said for his family, Lt. Jones, and the Corrections  Department.  1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at' 7:01 p.m.  2. Roll Call  Council members present: Allan Stichnote, Yolonda Fountain Henderson, Terry Wilson, Jane Brown, Gary. Johnson, Rosel Eichelberger, Lorraine Clower, and. Joseph Turner.  Council member(s) absent: none. 3. Approval of the Agenda  Also present: Mayor Yolanda. Austin; Deletra Hudson, City Clerk; and Sam Alton, City Attorney. On thei motion made by Councilman Wilson, seconded by Councilman Turner, the City Council 4. Approval oft the minutes from the Regular Meeting of December 20, 2021.  approved the agenda for the meeting. Alli in favor; none opposed.  Ont thei motion madel by Councilman Stichnote, seconded by Councilman Wilson, the City Council approved thei minutes fromt thel Regular Meeting ofDecember 20, 2021.Alli ini favor; none opposed. C. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONERS, REMONSTRATIONS, COMPLAINTS, AND  REQUESTS  1.P Presentation- - KAI Architects  Joel Kerschen, KAI Architects, gave an update on the City Center project. He shared his screen ands showed some preliminary: renderings of thel buildings. Joel indicated where on Ada Wortley Avenue thel buildings are tol bel located. The entry of the sitei is off Berkay Avenue. He stated that the site was large enough for site expansion in the future. The buildings are primarily brick with some stone features. Joel hads shown some depictions oft the floorplan oft the City Center, detailing offices and City Council chambers. Joel had shown the floorplan for the Community Center,  detailing offices, computer lab, gym, fitness area, and multipurpose rooms.  Page1of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    Joel stated the new city hall willl be approximately 13,000 square feet. He stated that the new City Hall council chamber space should be about the same size ast the current council chambers. 2. Comments by thej public. (Please sign in. Comments are limited to3 minutes. See Decorum Frances Wilkes, 2453, Shannon Avenue, expressed her concern about the speed bump plaçed in front of1 her house that was placed there earlier in the summer of 2021. The speed bump impact has been causing vibration in her house. She stated that the second week of Deçember 2021 someone drove through her front yard, coming off the street and then back into the street. It has caused deep tire tracks which makesi it difficult to maintain her yard with al lawnmower, with the Ms. Wilkes stated that on. January 11,2022, sher noticed that when she took out her trash, someone drove over the gas shut-off pipe and broke it. She was concerned because it could'vel been more serious, agasl leak could havel hurt her or hert neighbors. Ms. Wilkes requestedt that the speed bump Marietta Beck, 5476 Hodiamont4venue, reported that ont the 54001 block of Hodiamont Avenue, the street has sunk with a steel plate that does not fully cover the hole on the street. She also reported that theres still were squatters at 54581 Hodiamont Avenue with 5 carsi int the driveway and a derelict black Mercedes Benz SUV with a completely shattered windshield. Ms. Beck reported that at 54261 Hodiamont Avenuel had at least fifteen cars parked on the property and driveway, plus Ms. Beck stated that shel had not received any feedback from Capt. Mann regarding the ongoing issues she had reported. She asked whether or not a speed bump would be installed on Emma Mayor. Austin saidt that Emma Avenue was ont the list tol bei fitted for speed bumps. Vinson Rhone, Public Works Foreman, stated that the supply of speed bumps will be picked up to be installed Capt. Mann checked al list from his Neighborhood: Preservation Officer concerning derelict vehicle issues from 5400-5700blocks ofHodiamont Avenue.' Ther report shows that the vehicles havebeen removed and cited buts suggested that hei meet with Ms. Beck for specifics ofl her concern. Shirley Hiob, Clifton Avenue, complimented Councilman Wilson for going the extra mile for assisting her neighbor, who had lost electric power. He called the electric company on her behalf and the electric company came to her house later that night. Councilman Wilson called the Neighborhood Watch tol help keep an eye on her house, which seemed to calm the nerves of the homeowner. Ms. Hiob complimented Councilman Stichnote for going the extrai mile and provided 3.Councilmember's) Reports (Reports arel limited to 101 minutes. See Decorum Ordinance) Councilman Stichnote reported that on' Thursday, January 27,2022, there willl bei no Senior Bingo for a month due to sickness that is going around. He asked Vince if he followed up on 2418 Sharidge Drive. Vince stated that he checked with Missouri American Water, who could not give Councilman Stichnote stated that he and Willie Brandon, Parks and Recreation Director, went to the park and marked where they would liket the speed bumps tol be placed atl Koeneman Park. He asked what the status was on the speed bump placements. Vince visited Koeneman Park with Councilman Stichnote asked when the Do Not Feed thel Ducks' signs that were ordered will be placed. Vince stated that he will check withl his staffmember who does signs the following day. Councilman Stichnote requested aj police report from Capt. Mann. Capt. Mann reported for the year-end statistics. He stated that crimes against persons are up two (2)1 percent overall, thirty-two  Ordinance.)  unevenness that they had caused.  bei removed1 beforel her home toj prevent more damage tol her property.  some] parked in the street.  Avenue.  along Switzer Avenue and other areas approved by the City Council.  arecommendation: and telephone number for an electrician in that situation.  ac definitive date of when thej pipework would begin buti it will start work soon.  Willie that day and stated they should bei installed by March 2022.  Page 2of9  Prepared by Khianna Wardl DeGarmo    (32) percent down in aggravated assaults with firearms, and three (3) percent down inl homicides Capt. Mann stated the crimes against property in the City were twenty-five (25) percent in robberies with firearms, thirty-two (32) percent down in burglaries, ten (10) percent down in larcenies, and eight (8) percent down ini motor vehicle thefts. Capt. Mann reminded everyone to keep an eye on their vehicles when warming them upi in the morning. He stated that this was the season whent thieves arel looking for unattended, running vehicles. Hes stated that the City was down Capt. Mann stated that crimes against society were up eight (8) percent in drug and narcotics violations and ten (10) percent inj paraphernalia violations. He stated that overall crimes against society were down almost one (1) percent when comparing 2021 to 2020 statistics. He asked the public to1 monitor motor vehicles andi report suspicious activity through telephone or by email. Councilman Stichnote reported that the lighted sign ini front of City Hall not working. Councilwoman Fountain. Henderson asked fora a1 moment ofs silence for Priscilla "Prissy" Jones. Shes stated that] Mrs.. Jones' celebration oflife willl be Saturday, January 29,2022, from 2j p.m. to Councilwoman Fountain Henderson requested that 2525 Hord Avenue and 2504 Shannon Avenue backyards be cut. She also requested that Schona McClellon, Director of Housing, Councilwoman Fountain Henderson stated that she would be coordinating a Ward 1 cleanup Councilwoman Fountain Henderson received a phone call from a resident who did not understand how the City Center project could bei in progress. Hei inquired ast to why the City was spending more funds and there was a fleet of cars at City Hall that do not move. The resident asked why Mayor Austin had a vehicle when there was ai fleet of vehicles at City Hall to use. He could not understand why money was being spent. She suggested that it would be nice for the Councilwoman Fountain Henderson reported that Ward 1 has had two (2) major house fires, approximately two (2) days apart. She stated that one took place on Boyce Place involving an attic fire. She willl bel looking into the details oft thes second fire, in which water was still running from thel house. Thec damaget to the house was extensive. Duei tot the upcoming dipi in temperature, sher requested that Public Works keep an eye on the area to ensure that the water did not freeze Councilwoman Fountain Henderson reported that at 2535 Center Avenue, the property owner has made a double driveway out of their lawn, parking very close to the light pole which could be damaged by the vehicle. She requested that Schona have the Building Department send a Councilwoman Fountain Henderson: requested that Vince have someone clear some debris that was sticking out into thes street at Huiskamp Avenue and Glendale Avenue. She stated that there Councilwoman Fountain Henderson stated that she would like to discuss at the next Policy and Ordinance Committee, derelict vehicles with flat tires or parking in the wrong direction. She asked how to get an agenda item to Councilman Turner's committee for discussion. Councilwoman Fountain Henderson reported that there was a new bridge at Northview Councilwoman Fountain Henderson reported that the Jennings School District was added to a lawsuit regarding advising students of! how tol bes safe during the pandemic. Safety is the priority  int the City ofJ Jennings.  nineteen (19), percent in crimes against property in 2021 against 2020s statistics.  6p.m. at 1034 South Brentwood Boulevard on the 17th floor.  ensure that thel homeowners receive letters regarding their backyards. event, due tot the trash dumping that shel has observed.  City Council meeting tol bei inj person so that constituents could speak.  ont the street.  letter to the property owner.  were potholes that needed tol be filled near that area.  Elementary School.  int the Jennings School District. Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo  Page 3of9    Councilwoman Fountain Henderson reported thatt there was a City ofJennings sign placed near the barbershop near Lucas and Hunt Road. She stated that with all the discussion of signs on private property, she did not understand why that sign was allowed, yet another on private Councilwoman Fountain Henderson welcomed Capt. Mann back. She stated that she had lost a Councilwoman Fountain Henderson asked when are the questions, asked by the City Council, going to get answered. Mayor Austin stated that questions are being answered. She stated that if therea are] particular questions that theyl haver not received answers to, the questions can be emailed Councilwoman Fountain Henderson asked about the status of the food truck at Country Inn Donuts, because the ordinance did not return to the City Council. Mayor Austin stated that the food truck ordinance did not pass. She asked Deletra Hudson, City Clerk, to verify that the bill didi not become and ordinance. Deletra stated: she would have to research the outcomes ofthet two actions that took place for Country Inn Donuts and follow up with an answer. Councilwoman Fountain. Henderson asked abouti meetings regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mayor Austin stated that she was scheduling another committee Councilman Wilson experienced technical difficulties and didi not give ar report.  property was not allowed.  lot ofr residents and church members due tot the COVID-19 pandemic.  tot thel Mayor and she would follow up.  meeting and willl let her know when the committee will meet.  Councilwoman Brown reported that the Urban League was offering free COVID-19 testing early Councilwoman Brown stated that the community gardening season was fast approaching. She informed the publici thatt there werej plots available at each garden location, offHodiamont. Avenue and at the corner of Clifton Avenue and McLaran Avenue. There was an announcement in the recent newsletter that the Beautification Committee: meeting willt take place Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 108 a.m. at the Jennings Civic Center. Masks will bei required to attend, and tables will be Councilwoman, Brown looked forward to the outdoor exercise area for the Community Center. Shet thanked Schona andt the Building Department and thanked Officer. Jason Davis for following through on some complaints that shel had received. She was always happy to work together to see closure with at team effort. Councilwoman Brown thanked each City department staff for staying Councilman Johnson thanked the Public Works Department and Vince for the removal of the speed bumps. Hei reported that people felti more comfortable driving through the Cozens Avenue area. He also thanked Officer Jason Davis for responding to al lot of cars parked off Main Street Councilman Johnson reported that the Sun Auto repair shop off the corner of Carl Avenue and W.1 Florissant Avenue had too many vehicles parked on the lot that were spilling onto the street. Hei requested that there be some neatness or order to the lot. He stated that it looked terrible. Councilman Johnson stated that there wasi no garden or recreational center in Ward3. He hoped that with the park grant application, Ward 3 would be considered for an outdoor recreational area, asi it would bel highly welcomed. He gaves suggested addresses whereap park could bel located Councilman Johnson requested metal indicators be placed near speed bumps as residents who live near a speed bump, have complained of people driving into their yards to avoid them. He stated that Dellwood and Country Club Hills had speed bump signs placed next to the speed  that day.  socially distanced.  the course and always being helpful, especially during thel last year or two.  and McLaran Avenue.  in Ward3.  bump, which made it easier tos see when snow plowing.  Page 40 of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    Councilman Johnson requested an agenda item be on the Policy and Ordinance Committee agenda. It didi not get on the agenda and he did not receive ar response. He stated that he wanted legislation in place for insurance and property taxes to be updated when applying for an Mayor Austin stated thati ift there were. lots suggested for aj park, tol bring that information to the Councilman Johnson asked for the name of the committee that discusses the use of the ARPA funds. Mayor Austin stated that she would get the name oft the committee tol him. Counciwoman Brown clarified that the community gardens do not belong to each ward but to Deletra informed Councilman Johnson that the information for the Policy and Ordinance Committee agenda item was forwarded to the committee chair before thei meeting, who said that he would respond and get in touch with Councilman Johnson. There was no preferential Councilwoman Eichelberger reported the next Ward 3 newsletter would be out at the end of January 2022. The Ward 3 council members hoped to host a Ward 3 meeting sometime in Councilwoman Eichelberger reported that residents asked if there were any plans to bring any new businesses to some vacant strip malls on W. Florissant Avenue, across from Carl Avenue Councilwoman Eichelberger reported that she was working on a form residents can fill out for comments, complaints, or compliments for council people or the City. She thanked everyone at City Hall and the council people for doing their parts tol help the City of] Jennings run smoothly, Mayor Austin asked] Deletra to share the link the to compliments and complaints sections ofthe City website in the chat. She stated that someone had purchased the strip mall opposite Carl Avenue and Kellie Shelton, Economic Development Coordinator, was working diligently to bring other businesses to the City of. Jennings and any suggestions can be directed tol Kellie. Councilwoman Clower thanked Vince for making sure that the pothole on Harney Avenue and Helen Avenue was filled and completed. She echoed Ms. Beck regarding the pothole on Hodiamont Avenue at the 55001 block with thes steel plate, it does look likei it was getting larger. She asked Vincei ifhel heard anything back from the water company regarding thej pothole repair. Vince stated that he had not heard anything. He will contact them and see ift they could track Councilwoman Clower reported at 5465 Wilborn Drive the couch was still dumped there. Vince stated that he had Public Works staff go to clean that area and it should have been removed. Councilwoman Clower stated that the couch had not been removed. Vince will go the following Councilwoman Cloweri receiveda a complaint regarding: aj privacy fence that was placed on a front lawn oft the 52001 block of Wilborn Drive. She: requested that Schona have someone take al look Councilwoman Clower asked for an update on 5473 Helen Avenue. Councilman Turner stated Councilwoman Clower reported that the City lot across from 5464 Helen, still had trash on the property. She was told by thel Building Department thati it had been sent down to Public Works. Vince stated that he would personally gol by the lot and find out why the property was not taken  occupancy permit int the City of Jennings.  Parks and Recreation Committee to discuss where aj park could be.  the City of. Jennings.  treatment being given about agenda items.  February 2022.  towards Jennings Station Road.  especially with being short-staffed.  down the contractors responsible for the work.  dayt to check the site out.  at that.  it was the home ofLarry Duncan that he was working with him.  care of.  Page! 5of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    Councilwoman Clower asked Capt. Manni ifaj patrol could come through Ward 4. Someone tried to break into the Monument of Faith Church off Garesche Avenue and Janet Avenue. She reported onl Hodiamont Avenue that there was someone parking on the front lawn and requested Councilman Turner thanked everyone for the condolences for the passing of his daughter, Councilman Turner asked Vince tol looki into 2005 Hord Avenue and 2040 Switzer Avenue. Councilman Turner stated that his goal in Ward 4 was to make a difference. He had the opportunity to talk to1 residents asl he was passing out the newsletter and heard no complaints. He thanked Mayor Austin for her leadership and dreaming big for the City of Jennings. Councilman Turner informed Councilman Johnson that he got the information of the agenda item for the Policy and Ordinance Committee and apologized for not getting back to him. Councilman Turner reported that he was still working tol help Larry Duncan, who was living in the house that should be condemned because of the state it was in. He was not the property owner. Mr. Duncan didi receive al bid ont the concrete work that would cost approximately $6,000. Councilman Turner reported that Mr. Duncan still needed some assistance with the furnace work Councilman Turner expressed his concern about children playing at the Rodney Epps' Park on Hamilton Avenue because of the vacant homes across thes street. Hel hoped that something could Councilman Turner stated that a trash truck had come through and it was leaking fluid from the truck. Vince stated that he had called) Republic Services to1 report that the trash truck was leaking hydraulic fluid. He was told that the driver came back on his route that day to apply oil dry Councilman Turner reported that the mail schedule in Jennings was not consistent. Councilman Turner thanked everyone again for the condolences regarding the passing of his daughter. The service will be held at the. Austin Layne Renaissance Funeral Home on Saturday, Councilwoman Clower askedi ifs someone would stilll look at Larry Duncan' 'sl home. Mayor Austin Councilwoman Brown spoke with the manager att the. Jennings Post Office who reported that they were short-staffed to the point where they close for lunch. He stated that hel hired some: new staff  that ap patrol car go to the property. Jacqulyn D. Turner.  and the electrical work.  be done about the vacant homes.  because itl happened all over the City.  January 29, 2022.  heard her concern and will follow up with Schona the following day.  and their operations willi improve going forward.  3.MAYOR'S REPORT  Mayor Austin thanked the department heads and staff for working as hard as they can. She welcomed compliments and complaints so she can follow up on those concerns. She encouraged everyone to spread the word about the employment opportunities with the City of. Jennings and to visit the City website to apply. Mayor Austin stated that the City had allocated for three Code Enforcement Inspectors and currently one position was filled by Anthony Rivers, who was trying Mayor Austin thanked the council members who havel been working with the City. She reported that the Building Department did have a temporary staff member toi fill the role of Administrative Assistant for four days, but was offered al higher payingj job which leaves thej position unfilled once again. She encouraged getting the word out about the employment opportunities with the City to  hard tol keep up with commercial and residential inspections.  help.  Page 6of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    Mayor Austin welcomed and introduced Anni Dineen, practicum intern through the Washington University Brown School, who is helping in the Economic Development Department by developing a residential vacant registry program. She will be researching other programs in the area, surveying information with current homeowners, and checking the status of the vacant properties. Ms. Dineen'si role willa also bel building relationships with the community including the Jennings staff, council members, landlords, and community stakeholders as well as contacting the St. Louis County Police Department to gather information about existing landlord associations. Ms. Dineen will alsoi identify and create aj program toj prevent derelict vacancies and blight. Mayor. Austin reported that the invitation tol bid willl be going out for February 2022 for the 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Demolition project. She stated that it would include eight (8) houses for demolition: 8814 College. Avenue, 8818 Corwin Drive, 8937 Darnell Place, 7147 Garesche. Avenue, 58271 Hamilton Avenue, 2430Mary Avenue, 1927Park) Lane Court, Mayor Austin was asked to submit a representative for the University of Missouri Extension program. She appointed Ms. Debbie' Tuckman Anderson, whol has ani interest in being a voice for the community. As a member oft thej program, she will be at resident representing the community. Mayor Austin encouraged the council: members to check the City's website tol be ablet to articulate tor residents whati is going on within the City, as well asi refer residents to the website or newsletter. Mayor Austin thanked Lt. Jones, Director of Public Safety and Corrections, for his work, research, and1 letters that he wrote. Sher reported an update ont the 8709: Xograph. Avenue warehouse, thel U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasl been working across the United States to address hazardous waste buildings. In 1980, Congress established the Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, now called the Super Fund. The information was provided to the agency which resulted: int the City being awarded through thel EPA and Super Fund tor remove alll hazardous waste that has been lefti in the 8709 Xograph Avenuel building. During the excavation of the hazardous Councilwoman Fountain Henderson askedi ifjust thel hazardous waste was being taken out or will thel building also bet taken down. Mayor Austini informed her that onlyt the hazardous waste willl be Mayor Austini reported that there willl be ani informational meeting regarding Use Tax onl February 28, 2022, at 6p p.m., before the City Council meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to ensurea clear understanding oft thel Use Tax and be ablet to articulate itt tot those who1 might ask what thet tax  and 2329 Switzer. Avenue.  Thei newsletter was issued last week and can be obtained on the website.  waste, thel National Guard willl be onsite to guard thel building.  removed.  isi for.  D.I MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS  Mayor Austin corrected the Economic Development report. Baucom's Life Celebration & Cremation was approved fori thei roofrepair for $76,800; anythingi marked unpaid wasi not approved Ont the motion: madel by Councilwoman Brown, seconded by Councilwoman Fountain Henderson, the City Council approved the monthly departmental reports. Alli in favor; none opposed.  or paid.  E. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  1. Ways and Means & Public. Safety Committee Councilman Wilson reported that there wasi no 2. Public Works & Building Committee - Councilman Johnson reported that there was no 3. Parks & Recreation Committee - Councilman Stichnote reported that there was ai meeting on January 12, 2022, at 51 p.m. The committee discussed the repair oft the concrete entrance at Lions  meeting. meeting.  Page 7of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    Park which was approved for $4,9801 by FCON Construction. The committee also approved the reimbursement tot the General Fund for Sievers Park by March 31, 2022, for $150,000. 4.1 Policy and Ordinance Committee - Councilman Turner reported that there was a meeting. The committee discussed thej placement ofs signs on private property and Article 21 of the code about 5.A Municipal League - Councilman Wilson reported that there will be a meeting via Zoom, Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 6:30p.m. The committee will discuss thei information ofthe ARPA funds. He ençouraged the council members to attend. The MML sent out updates regarding the use of the ARPA funds. Councilman Wilson asked Deletra to send a summary of the new 6.1 Planning Commission - Councilman. Johnson reported that there was no meeting.  sign regulations.  requirements for the council members.  7.1 Economic. Development Board- -There was: noi meeting. 8. Youth Commission - Report provided. 9. Senior Commission - Report provided. F.LEGALI BUSINESS (Proposed Ordinances) G.UNFINISHED BUSINESS H.I NEWI BUSINESS  1.1 Resolution for the Land & Water Conservation Fund Park Grant Application  On the motion made by Councilwoman Fountain Henderson, seconded by Councilman Wilson, the City Council approved the resolution for the Land & Water Conservation Fund park grant Councilman Johnson asked why the mayor needed to apply for the grant. Sam Alton, City Attorney, stated that if the City was asking for financial assistance, Mayor Austin as the administrative head of the City would need to sign off on the application. He explained that this  application. All ini favor; none opposed.  was to make sure thep proper City representative has requested funds.  2. Approval of the monthly bills for payment.  On thei motion madeb by Councilwoman Fountain Henderson, seconded by Councilwoman Clower, the City Council approved the monthly bills for payment. All in favor; none opposed.  LMAYOR'S CLOSING REMARKS  Mayor Austin reported that at the close oft the. January City Council meeting, thirty (30) attendees were still on with the council members that would make about forty (40) people joining the Mayor Austin appreciated the comments, they help to make the City function better. She thanked Deletra and Verna Charles, Mayor's Assistant, for handling al lot of the concerns coming into the Mayor's Office and following up with different departments. Shei invited everyone to email Verna  meeting.  with any questions or concerns, whol keeps the: mayor updated. J.CLOSED SESSION,LEGAL, AND PERSONNEL (RSMO 610:021-3)  K.ADJOURNMENT  On the motion made by Councilwoman Fountain Henderson, seconded by Councilwoman Eichelberger, the City Council voted by roll call votes oft the following council members to adjourn  Page 8of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo    the meeting at 8:54 p.m.: Allan Stichnote, Yolonda Fountain Henderson, Terry Wilson, Jane Brown, Rosel Bichelberger, Gary. Johnson, Lorraine Clower, and. Joseph Turner; none absent; none  opposed nor abstained.  Approved: Lelardllak  Yglanda Austin, Mayor Deletral Hudson, City Clerk dale  Attest:  Page 90 of9  Prepared by Khianna Ward DeGarmo