Forest Acres City Council meets May 15, 2007
By John Dixon
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Roll Call

The May 15, 2007 Forest Acres City Council meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.

City Attorney Lee Holloway, Councilwoman Ginger Dukes, Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Rye, Mayor Frank Brunson, Councilman Shell Suber, and City Manager Mark Williams were all present. Charles Fetner was not in attendance due to health concerns.

Mayor Brunson called the meeting to order, and Ginger Dukes led the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the April 10 Council meeting were read and approved.

The mayor began by reading a proclamation honoring the A.C. Flora High School baseball and golf teams, both of which recently captured the State AAA Championships. Members of each team were introduced and received a standing ovation.

After the players, departed, Council briefly adjourned for a public hearing to receive input on a proposed amendment to section 21.148 of the zoning ordinance providing regulations for garage sales. Lee Holloway presided and solicited input from the public, no one offered comments and the public hearing was adjourned.

Mayor's Issues

+The mayor de-ferred discussion of city signage and the Quinine Hill Park renovation to the City Administrator's Re-port.

+There is no new progress at the Midtown at Forest Acres project.

+Mayor Brunson recognized car racer Jordan Anderson who reported five wins, two second place finishes, and one fifth place finish since receiving sponsorship from the city. He also reportedly distributed over 700 signature cards recognizing his sponsors.

New Business

+Council approved a request for $50,000 in hospitality tax funds to help River Banks Zoo build outdoor classrooms similar to the one at the St. Louis Zoo

+Council unanimously approved a DOT proposal to place a three- way stop at the intersection of Eastshore Dr. and Shorebrook Road.

+They also approved a second DOT proposal to replace the yield sign at the intersection of Laurel Springs Road and Springwood Road with a stop sign.

+Council gave first reading approval to an amendment to the code of ordinances to add a section providing for a budget for the City of Forest Acres for the fiscal year of 2007- 2008

+First reading ap-proval was granted for a request for annexation for 5915 Timle Lane and a portion of the right of way of Timle Lane into the city of Forest Acres.

+First reading approval was granted to an amendment to the city code providing for modification of the City of Forest Acres comprehensive plan related to sunning variances.

+Council deferred the first reading of an ordinance to section 21.4.2 providing for a change in the district boundaries of the City Zoning map pending receipt of further information.

Old Business

+Council gave second reading approval to amendment of section 21.148 of the zoning ordinance pertaining to garage sales.

+At the petitioner's request Council indefinitely tabled discussion of an amendment to section 21.4.2 of the city zoning map, establishing a planned development district and providing for a change and the other district boundaries of the city zoning ordinance for the subdivision known as the Cloister.

+Based on recommendations of the Forest Acres police department Council unanimously ap-proved a request for a street light in the 4700 block of Oakhill Road.

City Administrator's Report

+The DOT has reprogrammed the light cycle of the lights at the intersection of Forest Drive and Trenholm Road. This move has greatly improved traffic flow but as the intersection is functioning at 104% of designed capacity the entire problem has not been alleviated.

+ Mark Williams asked for and received unanimous approval to end contracted building inspections and seek to fill the need with a staff position.

+Council granted the City Manager $10,429 to receive help from staff planners at the CMCOG with the new comprehensive plan.

+Williams received approval to proceed on a contract with blue choice with city health insurance renewal effective July 1.

+The public works project at the facility on Robert Springs Road is nearing completion. Williams received an additional $16,500 from Exxon settlement money for enclosure of the work bay to improve security and work environment. Fencing is to go up soon and appropriate landscaping is currently under study.

+Council awarded $25,000 in hospitality tax funds for the Quinine Hill park renovation project to cover preparation of construction documents and bid services.

+Given the city's excellent financial health at this time council gave unanimous approval to expend $159,000 for the replacement of four aging police cars and two trucks.

+Currently city signage has been approved with the addition of shading along the borders to improve visibility and addition of the city charter date.

Council Items

+ Chief Gene Sealy reported that Sam's Club recently presented the Forest Acres Police Department with $1,000. The Chief expressed his gratitude. Ginger Dukes reported that the Forest Acres Festival was well attended. The children loved the rides, and it provided good family activities. The City Manager recognized the City of Columbia for the use of their portable stage for the entertainment.

The meeting ad-journed shortly after 7 pm. Council meets again Tuesday, June 12, at 5:15 pm.