Arnold Arsenal Newsletter, September 9th Edition

City Council Business

Next Meeting

Regular meeting September 19th 7:00 pm

Work session September 12th 7:00 pm

Last Meeting

Ordinances

Bill # 2565 – An Ordinance Fixing the Annual Rate for Levy of Taxes. Passed. 7-0

The rate for property taxes is staying at .3973, which is what it has been the last four years.  Although the thought did cross my mind to ask if we couldn’t lower taxes. At least maybe it would’ve gotten a laugh.

Bill #2566 – An Ordinance Approving a Record Plat Titled “Maxville Gardens Plat Two”. Passed. 7-0

Two lots being made into one in the Maxville Gardens subdivision off Missouri State Road across from First Baptist Arnold.

Bill #2567 – An Ordinance Approving a Record Plat Titled “Sterling Pines Plat Two”. Passed. 7-0

Again, two lots to one. This subdivision is off Lonedell southeast of Astra Way.

Resolutions

Resolution #13-44: A Resolution Authorizing the Release of Utility and Road Easements. Passed. 7-0

This is associated with the combination of the two lots in Maxville Gardens. In order to merge the two, some easements had to be released.

Resolution #13-45: A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Amend by Change Order the Existing Contract with Hurste-Roche Engineers, Inc. to Provide Phase II Engineering Design Services for the Melody Lane Road Improvements Project for the City of Arnold. Passed. 7-0

This is a continuation of the Melody Lane project. From the beginning of this project, it was decided Hurste-Roche would design the entire project, but because of budget constraints, each phase had to be spread over two budget years. This is the design for street construction ($54,000).

Resolution #13-46: A Resolution Waiving Trash Collection Fees for Twelve Months Beginning September 1, 2013 and Ending August 31, 2014. Passed. 6-1

This is what some people call our “free trash”, although it is far from being free. This is a tax subsidized amenity provided for through general revenue funds.

Allied Waste actually charges the City of Arnold $12.23 a month per resident, for a total of $82,393.51 a month or $988,722.12 a year.  Currently, the Council is authorized to charge residents $7.00 a month, a total of $47,159.00 a month or $565,908.00 a year. So you can see, even if the City charged each resident the $7.00, general revenue would still be picking up a yearly tab of $422,814.12, nearly half of the cost of trash removal. What this resolution does is allows the City to forgo charging the residents the $7.00 ($565,908.00) and therefore pay the entire cost of trash removal ($988,722.12).

I know this is a big help for some people on fixed incomes, but I wanted to give just a little information of where the money from trash removal could go.

In 2013, $240,000 was taken from the “Unassigned Fund” (savings account) for capital outlay. Figuring the same amount is subsidized every year, all of these items would have been covered with money left over ($325,908), if the City had not covered the cost of trash removal.

In the recently passed 2014 budget, there was $927,500 allocated from the “Unassigned Fund” for capital outlay, which included equipment, building improvements and street improvements.  Again, if the City had not paid the entire cost of trash removal in 2014 ($565,908), along with the money remaining from 2013 ($325,908), there would be nearly enough to cover the capital outlay for 2014 ($891,816).

This doesn’t even take into consideration millions of dollars in repairs/replacement of our sanitary sewer system that is required by state and federal regulations.

I vote to give this subsidy to the people because I believe we already pay enough in taxes for the “privilege” to live in Arnold. I just wanted you to know what could be done with the money otherwise.

Resolution #13-47: A Resolution Establishing Policies to Facilitate the Extension of Sanitary Sewer Service to Residence and Businesses Within the City of Arnold, Missouri That Have Not Been Connected to Sanitary Sewers Due to Expense, Distance from Sanitary Sewers, or Other Difficulties in Accessing the Sanitary Sewer System; Creating a Grant Program for Residential Sewer Construction; and Creating a Lateral Repair/Replacement Loan Program. This Resolution Shall Be Known and Cited as the Coleman Sewer Initiative. Passed. 5-2

I voted no. I don’t know how much more I can talk regarding the ills of this program. I do not see this as a viable solution for the problem at hand.

During a fervent debate regarding this initiative, it was said I hadn’t cooperated in presenting a solution. I would like to point out that I was involved in the initial conversation regarding those on septic systems, but when I didn’t fall in line with what was wanted, I was left out of further conversations. (Many weeks later, I accidentally heard of a meeting regarding the sewer initiative, to which I was not invited.)

I was also challenged to give an alternative. When I went to do so, my debate partner “called the question” in an effort to end the conversation and thus silence my voice and alternative solution.

This appears to be typical behavior as, after great pressure from people affected by this initiative, there was a meeting held last Tuesday. When questions arose during the meeting that could not be answered by the council member, the meeting was cut short.

Resolution #13-48: A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of New Signature Cards for City of Arnold Bank Accounts. Passed. 7-0

This is to allow the new City Administrator, Bryan Richison and City Clerk, Tammy Casey, to be added to those signature cards.

Motions

A: A Motion to Purchase an Aerator for Pomme Creek Golf Course. Passed. 6-1

I voted no for this as I can’t see putting any more money ($15,850) into a losing venture until strings are tightened.

B: A Motion to Increase Certain Fees for the Arnold Recreation Center. Passed. 7-0

A small step forward.

City News

Chief Shockey

As some of you may have heard, there’s been some talk about Chief Shockey’s ability to do his job. I’m not going to make a statement on this issue. It may seem political, but it’s the way it has to be.

I will say this. I urge each of you to have an open mind and examine all the information. Not just on this issue, but on everything. Don’t take anyone’s word as the absolute truth for everyone has their own bias. Even though I try to give you all the information in the Arsenal, it still has my take on the issues.

Again, I encourage every citizen to be educated in what’s going on. Look at all aspects of an issue and make up your own mind. Then if you feel the need to express your opinion, please do so. Come to a council meeting and let your representatives hear what you have to say.

Coffee with Council

Speaking of letting your representatives hear you - Coffee with Council is in two days, this Wednesday, September 11th at the Library beginning at 9am. Even if you only have half an hour, stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee and inform me of an issue you have or just let me know how you feel.

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