Arnold Arsenal Newsletter, July 22nd Edition

City Council Business

Next Meeting

Regular meeting August 1st 7:00 p.m.

Work Session August 8th 7:00 p.m.

Last Meeting

Ordinances

Bill #2554: An Ordinance Approving a Record Plat Titled “An Amended Plat, Maxville Meadows Condominiums”. Passed.

The apartment buildings on Harmony & Tempo were recorded as condominiums.

Bill #2553: An Ordinance Approving a Record Plat Titled “A Subdivision of Lot 12 of Brissette Acres”. Passed.

A homeowner on Francis Drive split their large lot into two.

Resolutions

Resolution #13-31: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Change Order to the Existing Contract with Fribis/HDR Engineering Design Services for the Additional Hydraulic Modeling for the Muddy Creek and Little Muddy Creek Interceptor Sewer Project for the City. Passed.

The amount of infiltration of ground water into our sanitary sewers near these two creeks is a major problem. This  project will determine the size of the interceptor sewers needed in order to greatly reduce the overflow in these areas.

Resolution #13-32: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for the Safe Routes to School Program Agreement – The Tenbrook Sidewalk Project SRTS-INF-H32F (105). Passed.

This is the first phase of receiving the federal grant of $250,000 in order to proceed with constructing sidewalks along Tenbrook Road from its intersection with Jeffco near the Fox School Complex to the four-way stop where the Tenbrooks intersect.

Resolution #13-33: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with Millman to Provide Actuarial Services to Determine the City’s OPEB Liability in Compliance with GASB45. Passed.

In the past, the City allowed retirees with at least 10 years of service with the City of Arnold to continue under the City’s health insurance coverage with the retiree paying for the full cost of the premium. Because the retirees are allowed to be part of the “group” and they are afforded a lower premium, the difference being subsidized by the City, which makes this a benefit. This policy has since been stopped as of March 4, 2010 so that no other employees are allowed this benefit.

This resolution is to hire Millman to make sure the City is compliant with regulations regarding this type of benefit. The lowest bid was $2,000 less but from a company that is not familiar with Missouri Statutes. Millman was next lowest and has provided the City with excellent service in the past.

Motions

The Rec Center has traditionally offered this yearly discount to entice current and new members to join during the month of August. It is my understanding during this time the membership is paid in full and therefore gives Rec Center staff a better understanding of revenues since the City’s fiscal year begins September 1st. All good in theory, although it hasn’t been shown to truly benefit the overall Rec Center’s budget in an actual gain in new memberships. Since the Rec Center continues to run in a deficit, requiring additional funds from general revenue, I voted against this motion.

I believe the City needs to look at other avenues to grow the revenue of the Rec Center, including increasing the membership dues. The unverified benefit associated with this “discount” seems counterproductive to a very needed increase in Rec Center revenues.

I checked the fees of Fenton, Ballwin and Eureka for family, single adults, single seniors and senior couples. Between each city correspondingly for resident memberships there is a difference of $80, $110 & $220 for family; $14, $74 & $119 for single adults; $42, $32 & $117 for single seniors; and $152, $22, & $252 for senior couples. The disparity between our non-resident fees and the other cities respective to the membership order mentioned previous are; Fenton $26, $0, $9 & $117; Ballwin $156, $150, $99 & $143; and Eureka $221, $120, $119 & $353.

I’m not advocating drastically raising rates, but they cannot stay stagnant, which they have for the last three years. I also understand older folks depend on the Rec Center for a safe, comfortable place to stay in shape and to socialize. But we, as a City, must address the continued need to subsidize the Rec Center with general revenue funds, our low membership fees and find new creative ways to encourage membership.

We also need to remember, when voting on the tax increase to support the Rec Center, the people of Arnold were told it would support itself through the tax increase and revenues generated by the membership fees. Some will tell you that no government run recreation center breaks even. Although that may be the case, why should we continue the precedent? Why shouldn’t the people of Arnold expect the Rec Center run in the black like any other privately owned fitness center or swimming pool? Shouldn’t Arnold be setting the standard for others to follow?

It’s your money. Shouldn’t it be spent wisely?

City News

Recreation Center

The Rec Center will be closed August 1st – 4th for annual maintenance.

Community Garden

Our next meeting will be on July 24th at 7pm. Please email or call (636-467-2057) me if you are interested.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: BE INVOLVED

THIS IS NOT ONLY WHERE YOU LIVE, THIS IS YOUR HOME

TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD ARNOLD INTO A COMMUNITY OF WHICH WE CAN BE PROUD