CITY OF WINDY HILLS

Minutes of Regular Council Meeting

July 8, 2019

The Council and Officers of the City of Windy Hills met at the Sojourn Community Church, 2501 Rudy Lane, at 7:00 P.M.  Mayor Davis called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:  The following were present:

MAYOR	COUNCIL MEMBERS	OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
Helen M. Davis	Bruce Blue	Sandy Moore
	Kate Greer	Jim Hodge
	Marcia Myers	Steve Teaford
	Marianne Rademaker
	Suzanne Spencer
	Laura Trachtenberg

MINUTES:

Councilwoman Greer moved to approve the minutes of the June 10, 2019 Council meeting; seconded by Councilwoman Myers and approved unanimously.

FINANCIAL REPORTS, APPROVAL OF BILLS:

The financial reports for June, 2019 were moved for approval by Councilwoman Rademaker,  seconded by Councilwoman Trachtenberg, and approved unanimously.

Councilwoman Trachtenberg moved to approve the June bills, totaling $34,347.45 and was seconded by Councilwoman Myers.  The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING ON SPENDING ROAD AID FUNDS ON CITY PAVING:  Attorney Hodge stated the Public Hearing is not a Town Hall meeting and the residents have the privilege to have input at the beginning of the meeting.  He also stated that the Caucus meeting is held to discuss the City business issues but there is no voting done at that meeting.  Voting only happens at the City’s Council Meeting.  He then announced that the City would be dispersing Road Fund money for paving in Windy Hills and asked if anyone had any comments.  Councilwoman Spencer stated that the Road Fund monies are from the State.  Resident Martha Davis stated that there were a number of pot holes on Old Stone.  It was reported that the roads to be paved are Old Stone – which the roads would be closed for a few hours while being done, the Victoria Place circle, and the Jonlyn Court circle and pot holes that have been designated to be repaired.

BOBBY LEE (ECOTECH PREPRESENTATIVE):  Bobby Lee with Ecotech introduced himself, stating that Ecotech is a local family owned business for 21 years.

Other points that he made were:

• Waste Management employees did not lose their jobs due to Ecotech taking over Windy Hills
• Responses are done in a timely manner
• Yard Waste is the same as with Waste Management – tree limbs in 4′ bundles
• 3 can garbage limit
• Recycle needs to be brought to the curb
• Boxes have to be broken down so the recycling can lid will shut
• Bulk items will be picked up three times per year and residents need to call to schedule a pick-up
• They offer one “cleanout” per year, but ask that the resident call in advance.
• They ask that all shredded paper be placed in a clear bag.
• He had recycle and yard waste stickers available for residents and the leftover stickers would be available in the City’s office.

RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS/CONCERNS:  None.

MAYOR’S REPORT:  Mayor Davis reported that the July 4th celebration was a resounding success thanks to Councilwoman Myers and her committee of volunteers.  She recognized that the picnic and parade were a tremendous undertaking, that is often taken for granted, it takes a great team with superb leadership, and she thanked Councilwoman Myers and the volunteers again.  She also thanked all the Windy Hills’ businesses and friends who donated door prizes.

The June Police report:  111 hours of Police support.  There was a dispute between neighbors to which the police responded and no further action was required.  Radar monitoring resulted in no tickets.

Mayor Davis thanked the Windy Hills team for all their hard work during the very busy month and stated how she appreciated everyone’s efforts.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Finance/Ordinances:  Councilwoman Rademaker pointed out that the City’s Interest Income has increased approximately 300%.

Code Enforcement:  There were no comments/questions regarding the Code Enforcement’s report.  Councilman Blue made a motion that the Police only perform 30 days house-watch per house per year.  His motion was seconded by Councilwoman Myers.  Councilwoman Rademaker stated that some residents are over using this privilege, which takes the Police attention away from other issues.  The motion passed unanimously.

Community Caring/Health & Fitness/Welcome to Windy Hills:   There were 3 new residents.  Councilwoman Spencer reported that the Tai Chi program has taken place four times in June (twice in the parking lot and twice in the arcade due to rain).  She stated that a few people have dropped out of the program due to the extreme heat.

Windy Hills Green/City Maintenance/Newsletter/Tree Board – Councilwoman Greer:  Councilwoman Greer reported that the Tree Board has received an overwhelming number of requests for new trees and they now have a waiting list for the tree giveaway program.  She stated the Arborist has reported some tree issues with trees on Ambridge.  She stated that new chips have been added to the pathway on the Green, the shrubs by the benches have been pruned as well as the bush on the Howard property.  She also reported that she is making arrangements for the sun dial on the Green to be repaired.

Public Works:  Councilman Blue reported that he is working on the drainage issue on Highfield and at Windy Way.  He further reported that Brownsboro Landscaping has painted yellow paint 30 feet on Ambridge (at both ends).  He stated that MSD has been of no help in getting the hole on the Green repaired but he will continue to work on getting the issue corrected.  He received a complaint about dirt pouring down the street and has contacted the builder to correct the issue.  He has also called Metro regarding the roadway at the bridge on Rudy Lane (where it is starting to collapse).

Ordinances/Community Standards – Councilwoman Trachtenberg:  Councilwoman Trachtenberg reported that the Committee did not meet in July, but is meeting on Wednesday July 10.

4th of July Picnic and Parade and Newsletter – Councilwoman Myers:  Councilwoman Myers reported that the 4th of July picnic and parade was a huge success and stated that all the volunteers showed up and thanked everyone involved.  She stated the highlight for her was to see the pictures that Ed Bridge had taken of all the happy, smiling faces.  She stated the Breeze will be out by the end of the week (July 12th).  She is planning on the Breeze being sent out once a month soon after the meetings.  The deadlines coming up for the Breeze articles are July 12 and August 14.  The next deadline for printed newsletter will be September 10.  The Mayor thanked Martha Davis and Joyce Bridge for their help with the Picnic.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None

NEW BUSINESS:

Paving Bid Review and Vote:  Councilwoman Rademaker made a motion to accept the Paving bid from LIBS paving, being the lowest bid.  Councilwoman Trachtenberg seconded her motion and the LIBS paving bid was accepted by unanimous vote (subject to proof of insurance).

Good Neighbor Award:  Councilwoman Rademaker, Councilwoman Greer and Mayor Davis presented a Good Neighbor Award to resident Martha Davis for her work and dedication as the Ethics Chair for six years.

Other:  None

ATTORNEY’S REPORT:  None

Comments/Questions to the Council as a Whole:   Highfield Rd. resident, Faye Gardner stated that the drainage issue still has not been addressed.

Councilwoman Greer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 P.M., seconded by Councilwoman Trachtenberg and the motion passed unanimously.

­_____          __________________                                                ­­­­­_______________________

Helen M Davis, Mayor

Sandy Moore, City Clerk