Municipal Government and Greene County Commission Combined Meeting Calendar: March 1 - March 5, 2010

Revised:

Notes: Greene County Commission meetings are color coded blue, City meetings are color coded red. In the case of County meetings, all meetings are held at 933 N. Robberson unless otherwise noted.

Monday, 3/1/2010

No - City - Meetings Scheduled

7:30 AM - County - Meeting – Commissioners, Republic Mayor, and Mayor Pro-Tem -Location: Hemingway’s, 2011 S. Campbell, Springfield - Agenda: Partnership Review

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:30 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

9:30 AM - County - Commission Session* - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

Tuesday, 3/2/2010

8:00 AM - City - Mayor's Commission for Children Executive Committee Community Foundation , 425 E. Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

10:00 AM - County - City and County Management Meeting - Agenda: Issues of Mutual Concern

12:00 PM - City - Council Lunch Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

1:30 PM - City - Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100

2:00 PM - City - Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

6:00 PM - City - Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Vern Morgan, (417) 864-1844

Wednesday, 3/3/2010

7:30 AM - County - Future of Water - Location: Panera, 500 S. National, Springfield

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:00 AM - City - Workforce Investment Board Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

9:00 AM - City - Ozark Region Leadership Team Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

12:00 PM - City - Environmental Advisory Board Health Department, Basement Conference Room, 227 E. Chestnut Expressway Contact: Karen McKinnis, (417) 864-1623

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

5:30 PM - City - Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

6:00 PM - City - Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Sharon Smith, (417) 864-1004

Thursday, 3/4/2010

7:30 AM - County - Good Morning Springfield - Location: 425 Downtown, 425 W. Walnut, Springfield

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

9:00 AM - County - Board of Zoning Adjustment Study Session

9:30 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

12:00 PM - City - City Council Public Involvement Committee Busch Municipal Building, 5th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Lewellen, (417) 864-1442

1:00 PM Revised - County - Instead of: Administrative and Department Functions a revision was made. The 1:00 PM meeting will be: Meeting – Commissioners, Danette Proctor - Agenda: 9-1-1 Update

5:15 PM - City - City Council Special Meeting - Closed Session Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

5:30 PM - City - Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Merleene Knapton, (417) 864-1059

6:30 PM - City - Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 3/5/2010

7:30 AM - City - Economic Development Planning Committee Chamber of Commerce , 202 John Q. Hammons Parkway Contact: Kasey Gillham, (417) 887-8826

7:30 AM - City- Watershed Committee Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

10:00 AM - County - Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Sponsors Meeting -Location: Midtown Carnegie Library, 397 Central, Springfield

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

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*March 1, Greene County Commission Session Agenda (9:30 AM)

1. Prayer - Jeff Reinold

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Missouri Bicycle Federation Award - Bruce Adib-yazdi, Terry Whaley

4. Resolution Supporting Passenger Rail Service

5. Appoint Mr. David Hall to the 9-1-1 Advisory Board

6. Public Hearing on Setting Speed Limits for Public School Zones (1 of 3) - Joel Keller
> FR 135, from FR 170 (Republic Road) to Ellison Street
> FR 151, from Springfield City Limits to approximately 900’ north of FR 96 (Lyons Road)
> FR 193, from Missouri Route YY south to FR 132

7. County Administrator Report - Tim Smith

8. Budget Officer’s Report - Jeff Reinold

9. Information Office Report - Jenny Edwards

10. Highway Department Report - Dan Smith

11. Emergency Management Report - Ryan Nicholls

12. Resource Management Report - Chris Coulter
> Building Regulations Office Report - Dave O’Dell
> Planning and Zoning Office Report - Kent Morris

Sources: Springfield and Greene County Public Information Offices (Calendar and agenda re-formatted for ease of use)

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Municipal Government and Greene County Commission Combined Meeting Calendar: February 15 - February 19, 2010

Notes: Greene County Commission meetings are color coded blue, City meetings are color coded red. In the case of County meetings, all meetings are held at 933 N. Robberson unless otherwise noted.

Monday, 2/15/2010

Holiday - City - City Offices Closed

COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED – Washington’s Birthday

Tuesday, 2/16/2010

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:30 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

11:30 AM - City - City Council Special Meeting - Closed Session Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

12:00 PM (or immediately following Special Council Meeting) - City - Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

1:00 PM - County - Officeholders, Department Heads - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield - Agenda: Workers Compensation Laws and Procedures

2:00 PM - City - Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

3:30 PM - City - Library Board - Joint Meeting with Library Foundation Board Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

4:00 PM - City - Library Board Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

5:30 PM - City - Cable Television Advisory Commission Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Nancy Yendes, (417) 864-1645

Cancelled 2-16-10 - 6:30 PM - County - Planning & Zoning Board Study Session - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 309, 940 Boonville, Springfield

Cancelled 2-16-10 - 7:00 PM - County - Planning & Zoning Board Public Hearing - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield

Wednesday, 2/17/2010

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

12:00 PM - City - Strategic Plan Public Health Chapter Committee Jordan Valley Health Center, Rooms 2 & 3, 618 N. Benton Contact: Kristina Rosewell, (417) 862-8962

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

3:00 PM - City - E-911 Advisory Board Greene County, Commission's Conference Room, 933 North Robberson Contact: Debbie Moore, (417) 864-1719

5:30 PM - City - Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

5:30 PM - City - Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834

Thursday, 2/18/2010

8:00 AM - City - Public Building Corporation Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Mary Mannix, (417) 864-1625

8:00 AM - City - Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 815 E. St. Louis St. Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

Added 2-16-10: 8:30 AM - County - Closed Meeting Pursuant to RSMo 610.021(1)

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

12:00 PM - County - Ozark Transportation Organization - Location: Busch Building, 4th Floor Conf. Room, 840 Boonville, Springfield

12:00 PM - City - Ozarks Transportation Organization Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

6:30 PM - City - Planning and Zoning Commission This meeting was moved to the Busch Building fourth floor conference room due to an elevator problem at old City Hall. The news came through a Public Information Office news release dated February 18, 2010. Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 2/19/2010

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:30 AM - County - Financial Advisory Board - Agenda: Review of County Finances

9:30 AM - City - Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Jo Danderson, (417) 866-4329

10:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

12:00 PM - County - Lunch with Building Operations Employees - Location: Cook’s Kettle, 200 W. Commercial St., Springfield

12:00 PM - City - City Council Plans & Policies Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

2:00 PM - County - Closed Meeting Pursuant to RSMo 610.021 (2)

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*Tentative City Council Lunch Agenda

1. Jordan Valley Advisory Committee Update of West Meadows Cleanup and the Quarry - Olivia Hough

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council

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Sources: Springfield and Greene County Public Information Offices (re-formatted)

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Municipal Government and Greene County Commission Combined Meeting Calendar: February 8 - February 12, 2010

I'm trying something a little different on the weekly calendar. I've combined the City calendar with the Greene County Commission calendar. County is color coded blue, City is color coded red. In the case of County meetings, all meetings are held at 933 N. Robberson unless otherwise noted. Let me know what you think, if you like the new calendar or hate it. - Jackie

Monday, 2/8/2010

8:30 AM - County - Administrative Meeting – Commissioners, Highway Administrator, et al -Location: 2065 N. Clifton Ave., Springfield

9:15 AM - County - Closed Meeting Pursuant to RSMo 610.021 (2) - Location: 2065 N. Clifton Ave., Springfield

10:45 AM - County - Board of Zoning Adjustment Study Session

11:30 AM - County - Meeting – Commissioners, Joclynn Brown - Agenda: Resolution for OTC’s Training for Tomorrow Grant

11:30 AM - City - Workforce Investment Board Executive Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

4:00 PM - County - Greene County Historic Sites Board

6:30 PM - City - City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650 (see: agenda)

Tuesday, 2/9/2010

8:00 AM - City - Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Parking Committee Jack Ball Architects , 444 S. Campbell Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions 8:30 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

8:30 AM - City - Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Kirkpatrick, Phillips, & Miller CPA's , 2003 E. Sunshine Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

9:00 AM - City - Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055

9:00 AM - County - Board of Equalization - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 113, 940 Boonville, Springfield

9:30 AM - County - Board of Zoning Adjustment Public Hearing - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield

12:00 PM - City - Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

2:00 PM - City - Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

6:00 PM - City - Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Public Hearing Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Vern Morgan, (417) 864-1844

Wednesday, 2/10/2010

7:00 AM - County - Planning & Zoning Board Study Session - Location: Historic Courthouse, Room 212, 940 Boonville, Springfield

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:00 AM - City - Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200

8:30 AM - City - Library Board Programs/Services/Technology Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

5:30 PM - City - Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039

Thursday, 2/11/2010

8:00 AM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

8:30 AM - City - Springfield Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System Board of Trustees Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Nikki White, (417) 569-6282

9:00 AM - County - Daily Briefing with County Administrator

9:30 AM - County - Quarterly Facilities Review - Location: Walking tour of Greene County campus facilities

12:00 PM - County - Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee

12:00 PM - City - City Council Public Involvement Committee Busch Municipal Building, 5th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Lewellen, (417) 864-1442

1:00 PM - County - Administrative and Department Functions

1:30 PM - County - Meeting – Commissioners, Jeff Reinold - Agenda: Springfield Enhanced Enterprise Zone

3:30 PM - City - Tree City USA Citizen's Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178

Friday, 2/12/2010

8:30 AM - City - Springfield/Greene County Park Board Mediacom Ice Park , 625 E. Trafficway Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049

9:00 AM - City - Commercial Street Community Improvement District Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Donnie Rodgers, (417) 880-3435

COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED – Lincoln Day

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*Tentative February 9, Council Lunch Agenda

1. Follow up to City Council meeting held on February 8, 2010

2. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) ¼ Cent Tax Renewal - Ralph Rognstad and Marc Thornsberry

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

-------------------------------------------------------

Sources: City of Springfield Public Information Office; Greene County Public Information Officer (Re-formatted)

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February 8, Springfield City Council Agenda

The February 8, City Council agenda is online.

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City Should Honor Original Council Pledges

Provide Additional Funding Contribution to the Pension Plan from a Different Source if Legal Opinion Demands it

The "Springfield News-Leader" reported January 27, City Manager Greg Burris is suggesting part of the A T & T telecom settlement money be used to pay a 2.77 percentage point difference to the Tier I police and fire pension plan to take responsibility for decreased employee contributions to the Tier I plan, a result of the plan being shut down to new hires in 2006.

According to the report, the pension board agreed to pay an "Additional Funding Contribution" to support a benefit "enhancement" in 2000. The enhancement allows Tier I police and firefighters to accrue maximum benefits at an accelerated rate, the report stated.

The issue might be considered to be raised fairly since, in 2000, the pension board would have no way of knowing Tier I would be closed in 2006, reducing the additional employee funding contribution to the plan.

I can understand, on one hand, why Burris would feel the City has some responsibility to contribute to the percentage point shortfall under the outlined circumstances but, by offering as one option, A T & T settlement funds as the means of covering the 2.77 percent, when the City Council has already pledged to put the entire settlement amount (and any other telecom settlement proceeds) into the pension plan anyway, could be considered to cut contributions by 2.77 percent, rather than take responsibility for them.

If the City wants to take responsibility for 2.77 percent on behalf of Tier 1-covered employees, then the difference should be paid through a funding source not already pledged to benefit the fund. Using funds already earmarked for the pension plan in the first place could be perceived as just a shell game, rather than a real contribution. One hand takes away, the other hand puts it back, and the 2.77 percent the employees would have contributed is lost in the shuffle, it would simply go away.

Of course, that's just my opinion, which is what the News-Leader reported about Burris' thoughts, that it's just his opinion the City should take responsibility for paying a portion of the additional funding contribution.

The paper reported Burris wants to wait and allow the Citizens' Sales Tax Oversight Committee to offer an opinion before the City Council makes a final decision about it.

The City began soliciting applicants for the Tax Oversight Committee on January 26, 2010. The deadline for turning in applications is 5 p.m., Feb. 9.

But, getting back to the original topic, in another way, it doesn't seem a fair question whether the City should be responsible for a portion of Tier I's "Additional Funding Contribution." While Tier I might not have known in 2000 that in 2006 Tier II would be created and Tier I would be closed, the time for this question would have been better suited to have been raised in 2006, or at least in 2009, when City Council stated at line 182 of resolution #9714 (passed on September 10, 2009 at a public meeting),

"If the tax passes ... The Additional Funding Contribution (AFC) portion of their (police and fire Tier I employees) contribution, as determined by the actuary's experience study, will continue in perpetuity; the additional contribution will sunset when the tax sunsets."

If the City chooses to label a portion of the A T & T settlement money as satisfying 2.77 percent of the additional funding contribution, it will take that much longer for the 3/4-cent pension sales tax to satisfy the pension shortfall and could potentially increase the number of requested extensions of that sales tax.

The News-Leader's Editorial Board also opined, in the January 27, "Our Voice" column, residents should be keeping an eye on the pension issue and that the News-Leader will try to seek answers as to why the City Manager would recommend the Council contribute millions more into the Tier 1 plan, money police and firefighters had already agreed to pay themselves.

One scenario (I'm just supposing) might be that Burris thinks there is a possiblity that if there is a legal challenge brought by the police and fire association/union attorney concerning this additional funding contribution, a judge might rule against the City, ruling the City should contribute the difference. In that case, Burris might want to play it safe and label part of the A T & T settlement money as payment of the 2.77 percent to protect himself and City staff from having to come up with an additional $5 + million in the future.

Certainly, the City manager could be considered crazy for recommending the Council pay a contribution police and fire employees have already agreed to pay but, is he? If he really thought the City could lose in a law suit against them, he might just be (in a self-serving way) "crazy like a fox" because, by recommending, as an option, mind you, part of the A T & T telecom settlement money be labeled as payment of the additional funding contribution, he and other City staff members wouldn't be scrambling to come up with the contribution through potential budget cuts later.

Think about it. The contribution(s), if payment is required from the City rather than Tier I employees, are going to come out of the tax payer's pocket regardless of when and how. Burris could be thinking, 'So, why not make it less painful for me and the City staff responsible for balancing a budget every year?' With a simple slight of hand it could appear $5 + million has been compensated in the fund. The reality is, if it is done using A T & T settlement funds, and the City manager gives up before there is even a legal challenge filed, it is crazy but, it would make his job easier. We need to know, for certain, the motivation for such a recommendation because, the difference is, by using that option, the responsibility is transferred from the collective shoulders of those police and fire employees who benefit from Tier I, and to the shoulders of the tax payer .

Regarding the potential legal question, in my opinion, since there was no objection to the additional funding contribution in 2006, when Tier II was created and Tier I was closed, then that ship should be considered as having sailed but, if there is still a question? There was even a very recent, second chance for police and fire Tier I beneficiaries to object to paying the additional funding contribution. The chance even occurred at a time the pension board, and many police and fire department employees, were fully focused on the pension plan and a highly touted sales tax remedy to its shortfall. You see, in 2009, when Tier I beneficiaries' responsibility to pay the additional funding contribution was reinforced by the passage of Council resolution #9714 in a very public meeting, Tier I employees, again, failed to object to taking responsibility for that contribution.

We really do have to wonder why Burris is offering an opinion that appears to concede this challenge before a challenge has even officially been filed (if it ever gets filed) a position the News-Leader reported was even in opposition to his own legal councel's opinion....

Experience might have been useful? (I'm just askin'...)

Where IS Vincent David Jericho when a girl needs him!? ;)

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: January 25-January 29, 2010

Monday, 1/25/2010

10:30 AM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Finance Committee Park Board Offices , 1923 North Weller Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049

6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650 (agenda)

Tuesday, 1/26/2010

8:00 AM Mayor's Commission for Children Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656

10:30 AM Solid Waste Management District Region O Executive Board Greene County, Room 309, 940 North Boonville Contact: Ronda Gulley, (417) 868-4197

12:00 PM Cancelled Council Lunch Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

2:30 PM Traffic Advisory Board Pedestrian & Bicycle Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, Traffic Eng.1st Floor Conference Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: David Hutchison, (417) 864-1971

3:30 PM Traffic Advisory Board Busch Municipal Building, Traffic Eng.1st Floor Conference Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Jenny Turner, (417) 864-1980

4:00 PM Urban District Alliance Downtown Forum (residents, business owners, property owners, employees, patrons, and students interested in downtown are invited by the Urban Districts Alliance) Missouri State University Alumni Center, 300 S. Jefferson Contact: the office of Urban District Alliance 831-6200

6:00 PM Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Vern Morgan, (417) 864-1844

Wednesday, 1/27/2010

No Meetings Scheduled

Thursday, 1/28/2010

3:00 PM Board of Public Utilities City Utilities, C. Frank Knox Board Room, 301 East Central Contact: Gayla Jones, (417) 831-8311

3:30 PM Jordan Valley Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Olivia Hough, (417) 864-1092

Friday, 1/29/2010

No Meetings Scheduled

Sources: City of Springfield Public Information Office; Springfield News-Leader (reformatting for ease of use)

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January 25 City Council Meeting

The agenda is now available for the next Springfield City Council meeting.

Click here.

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: January 18 - January 22, 2010

Monday, 1/18/2010

Holiday - City Offices Closed

Tuesday, 1/19/2010

9:00 AM Springfield Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System Board of Trustees Busch Municipal Building, Room L45, 840 Boonville Contact: Nikki White, (417) 569-6282

12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

12:00 PM Library Board Retreat Republic Branch Library , 921 N. Lindsey, Republic Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

4:00 PM Library Board Republic Branch Library , 921 N. Lindsey, Republic Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

Wednesday, 1/20/2010

8:30 AM Workforce Investment Board Planning & Oversight Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

1:30 PM Ozarks Transportation Organization Technical Planning Missouri State University, Plaster Student Union Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482

3:00 PM Cancelled E-911 Advisory Board Greene County, Commission's Conference Room, 940 North Boonville Contact: Debbie Moore, (417) 864-1719

5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

Thursday, 1/21/2010

8:00 AM Airport Board Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500

8:00 AM Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 815 E. St. Louis St. Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300

12:00 PM City Council Plans & Policies Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

3:30 PM Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178

6:30 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 1/22/2010

No Meetings Scheduled

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*Tentative City Council Lunch Agenda


1. Street Connectivity Policy Review - Ralph Rognstad

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council


Source: Public Information Office (with some reformatting for ease of use)

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: January 11-January 15

Monday, 1/11/2010

8:30 AM Library Board Programs/Services/Technology Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

12:00 PM Cancelled Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council Contact: Ryan Mooney, (417) 862-5567

6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650 (agenda)

Tuesday, 1/12/2010

8:30 AM Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Kirkpatrick, Phillips, & Miller, CPA's , 2003 E. Sunshine Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

9:00 AM Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055

12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

5:00 PM Watershed Work Session Watershed Offices , 320 North Main Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127

5:30 PM Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039

6:00 PM Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834

Wednesday, 1/13/2010

8:00 AM Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200

Thursday, 1/14/2010

8:30 AM Police Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Board of Trustees Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Kenneth Homan, (417) 883-3838

8:30 AM Workforce Investment Board Youth Council Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

6:00 PM Art Museum Board of Directors Art Museum , 1111 East Brookside Contact: Jerry Berger, (417) 837-5700

Friday, 1/15/2010

9:30 AM Cancelled Public Housing Authority Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329

12:00 PM City Council Community Involvement Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

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*Tentative Jan. 12, City Council Lunch Agenda

1. Follow-up to City Council Meeting held on Monday, January 11, 2010

2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mapping Update - Nick Heatherly

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: January 4-8, 2010

Monday, 1/4/2010

No Meetings Scheduled

Tuesday, 1/5/2010

8:00 AM Mayor's Commission for Children Executive Committee Community Foundation , 425 E. Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656

11:45 AM Special City Council Meeting* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

12:00 PM (or immediately following the Special City Council Meeting) Council Lunch** Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

1:30 PM Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100

Wednesday, 1/6/2010

8:00 AM Workforce Investment Board Marketing Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

Thursday, 1/7/2010

5:30 PM Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Nick Heatherly, (417) 864-1059

6:30 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 1/8/2010

8:30 AM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Park Board Offices , 1923 North Weller Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049

9:00 AM Commercial Street Community Improvement District Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Donnie Rodgers, (417) 880-3435

*Special January 5, 11:45 AM City Council meeting Agenda:

1. ROLL CALL.

2. FIRST READING BILLS. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON.

3. COUNCIL BILL 2010-001 (O'Neal)A special ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $13,000,000 principal amount of special obligation bonds (State of Missouri - Direct Loan Program - ARRA) series 2010 of the City of Springfield, Missouri, for the purpose of extending and improving the City's sewerage system; prescribing the form and details of the bonds and the agreements made by the City to facilitate and protect their payment and prescribing other related matters.

4. NEW BUSINESS

Budget Cuts - Greg Burris

5. ANY AND ALL MATTERS WHICH FALL WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE COUNCIL.

6. ADJOURN.

Note: Springfield City Clerk Brenda Cirtin indicated the Council wouldn't be taking action on Council bill 2010-001, and the public hearing will be continued to the regular January 11, City Council meeting. After hearing from the public the Council will likely vote.

"Just wanted Council to have plenty of time to review it, as it is ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) money," Cirtin wrote in an email.

**City Council Tentative January 5, Lunch Agenda:

1. Citizen's Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) - Vern Morgan

2. Continued Q & A regarding City Manager's Proposed 2nd Quarter Budget Cuts - Greg Burris

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

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Sources: City of Springfield Public Information Office and City Clerk Brenda Cirtin

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: December 21-December 25, 2009

Monday, 12/21/2009

No Meetings Scheduled

Tuesday, 12/22/2009

3:00 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

Wednesday, 12/23/2009

Update: 12:00 PM Closed Meeting: City Council, Busch Municipal Building, 4th floor conference room

Thursday, 12/24/2009

No Meetings Scheduled

Friday, 12/25/2009

City offices closed.

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: December 14-18

Monday, 12/14/2009

3:30 PM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Golf Committee Park Board Offices , 1923 North Weller Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049

6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650 (Agenda)

Tuesday, 12/15/2009

10:30 AM Solid Waste Management District Region O Executive Board Cook's Kettle Restaurant , 1715 N. Boonville Contact: Ronda Gulley, (417) 868-4197

12:00 PM Council Lunch Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654 (tentative agenda attached)

1:30 PM Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100

Cancelled 3:00 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

3:00 PM Airport Board Public Relations Committee Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500

3:30 PM Library Board Finance/Personnel Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

4:00 PM Library Board Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

6:00 PM Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834

Wednesday, 12/16/2009

12:00 PM City Council Community Involvement Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

Cancelled 3:00 PM E-911 Advisory Board Greene County, Commission's Conference Room, 940 North Boonville Contact: Debbie Moore, (417) 864-1719

5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

Thursday, 12/17/2009

8:00 AM Airport Board Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500

8:00 AM Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Matthew Schaeffer, (417) 864-1198

8:00 AM Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Ozark Empire Fairgrounds , 3001 N. Grant Avenue Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300

8:30 AM Library Board - Public Building Corporation Board of Trustees Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

8:30 AM Springfield Police Officers' & Fire Fighters' Retirement System Board of Trustees Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Nikki White, (417) 864-1515

11:30 AM City Council Plans & Policies Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

12:00 PM Ozarks Transportation Organization Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482

3:30 PM Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178

Friday, 12/18/2009

9:30 AM Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329

12:00 PM City Council Finance and Administration Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

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City Council Lunch Agenda (tentative) for Dec. 15, 2009

1. Follow up to City Council meeting held on December 14, 2009

2. Annual KPMG Audit Report - Michele Stromp & Cassie Meschke from KPMG

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

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City Council Agenda for December 14, 2009

The upcoming City Council meeting agenda is now available online.

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: October 19-October 23

Monday, 10/19/2009

12:00 PM Library Board Finance/Personnel Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

6:30 PM Town Hall Meeting [on Community Improvement Districts] Hosted by Councilmen Nicholas Ibarra, Doug Burlison and State Representative Eric Burlison Brentwood Library , 2214 Brentwood Boulevard Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Tuesday, 10/20/2009

12:00 PM *Council Lunch Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654 [Jackie's note: The Public Information Office announced last week, the City's cable T.V. station, CityView, will be airing City Council lunch meetings. You will find a link for CityView's Web site in the sidebar of "JackeHammer," under Springfield's TV23].

3:00 PM Airport Board Administrative Committee Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500

4:00 PM Library Board Ash Grove Branch Library , 101 E. Main Street, Ash Grove Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Sub-Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Wednesday, 10/21/2009

3:00 PM E-911 Advisory Board Greene County, Commission's Conference Room, 940 North Boonville Contact: Debbie Moore, (417) 864-1719

5:30 PM Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834

6:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Busch Municipal Building, Fire Station No.1, 720 East Grand Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

Thursday, 10/22/2009

8:00 AM Airport Board Springfield/Branson National Airport , 2300 North Airport Boulevard Suite 100 Contact: Terri Winchester, (417) 868-0500

7:00 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 10/23/2009

9:00 AM Commercial Street Community Improvement District Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Donnie Rodgers, (417) 880-3435

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October 20, City Council Lunch - TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Continued discussion of Council Bill 2009-253 (Police Fire Pension Board)

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council

Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office (Reformatted)

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Springfield Should have Limited Focus to Passing Pension Sales Tax in November

Attempt to stage November's ballot language to enable the city to influence a future sales tax repeal vote may threaten passage of pension sales tax next month

Springfield, MO - There has been repeated reference made by City attorney Dan Wichmer that state statute restricts and limits what the city may, or may not, include in the ballot language of a sales-tax initiative to fund the police and fire pension plan. What is interesting are the deviations from the ballot form RsMo 94.579 has indicated the city must "for the most part" follow. Why oh, why, do they chose the deviations they choose? (Well, keep reading.)

RsMO 94.579 states:

The ballot of submission for the tax authorized in this section shall be in substantially the following form:

Shall ...... (insert the name of the city) impose a sales tax at a rate of ...... (up to one) percent, solely for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of public safety departments of the city?

Other than a yes box, a no box, and some voter instruction, that's it...the end.

Had the City of Springfield, and its City Council, which approved the City of Springfield's official ballot language on August 24, stopped with the first part of the paragraph, which reads:

“Shall the City of Springfield impose a sales tax at a rate of three-quarter of one percent (3/4-cent) solely for the purpose of providing revenues for the Springfield Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension System,"

...my yes vote would have been secure but, they didn't stop there, instead, they added:

"with said tax to sunset upon the Pension System fund reaching a fully-funded (100%) status as determined by an independent actuarial study conducted for the Pension System Board of Trustees?”

With that, and a heavy heart, my no vote was secured, instead. A heavy heart because I do recognize the importance of the tax being passed, it is the reason I voted in support of the failed February pension sales tax of 1 percent.

The ballot language has been troublesome for many citizens, and personally, I think if public confusion rises to the level the City Manager feels it is necessary and appropriate to initiate passage of a City Council resolution clarifying the language, then there is an obvious and very real problem with it (see: Council Bill 2009-254, purpose and explanation).

The reason the second half of the ballot is troublesome to me rests in its potential to make me a liar in 2014, should I wish to make the decision to repeal the tax.

By voting yes on "question 1," I would not only be approving the 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the pension plan but, in my view, I would, in essence, be endorsing funding the pension plan to a 100 percent funded ratio before I would vote to repeal the tax.

Since I do not believe that full funding is either necessary to reach the city's goal, and question whether it is the best funded ratio by which the city could reach their goals, I am uncomfortable with endorsing a 100 percent funding of the plan.

A couple of things stop me from committing to endorsing paying the sales tax until the pension plan is funded at 100 percent.

1. The city is under no threat of the state withholding sales tax revenue to fund the pension plan, so long as the pension plan is funded at a 60 percent or higher ratio.

2. Milliman actuaries recommended the funded ratio which would best reach the city's long term goals as 90 percent, when they performed a study prior to the failed February vote.

"Under both 6 percent and 7.5 percent [investment return] scenarios, funding to the 100 percent target appears to overshoot the desired results long term," the Milliman actuaries advised. "The 90 percent target scenarios seem to better match the desired long term outcomes." - Nov. 19, 2008 issue, "Community Free Press," page 2)

I also resent what I perceive as an effort, on the city's part, to set up language today which will more than likely be used to coerce or guilt the public into approving it again, five years from now.

If I can be even clearer: I planned to vote in support of a 3/4-cent sales tax to fund the police/fire pension plan but, because, instead of placing a straight-forward and focused question before me, the city wrote language with an eye toward influencing my vote in five years, I will be unable to vote in support of the over-all question. I hope they have not ensured this sales tax initiative's failure.

They lost my affirmative vote by over-reaching what should have been the clear-cut objective of simply passing THIS sales tax initiative on THIS day (November 3).

It truly was a yes vote that was the City's to lose.

Disclaimer: I have not written this post to try to influence the vote of any other Springfield resident. I simply cannot, in good conscience, support the ballot language of "question 1," as it was crafted.

Related: "Law sought to give Springfield voters voice in funding choice" - Source: "News-Leader.com"

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: Oct. 12-Oct. 16

Monday, 10/12/2009

12:00 PM Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council Chamber of Commerce , 202 John Q. Hammons Parkway Contact: Greg Williams, (417) 862-5567

6:30 PM City Council Meeting Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Tuesday, 10/13/2009

8:30 AM Library Board Buildings & Grounds Committee Kirkpatrick, Phillips, & Miller CPAs , 2003 E. Sunshine Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

9:00 AM Board of Equalization Greene County, Room 113, 940 North Boonville Contact: Richard Struckhoff, (417) 868-4055

12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

2:00 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

5:00 PM Watershed Work Session Watershed Offices , 320 North Main Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127

5:30 PM Sherman Avenue Project Area Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Marti Fewell, (417) 864-1039

Cancelled due to lack of a quorum - 6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Wednesday, 10/14/2009

8:00 AM Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Barb Baker, (417) 831-6200

Cancelled 8:00 AM Workforce Investment Board Marketing Committee Missouri Career Center , 1514 South Glenstone Contact: Karen Dowdy, (417) 887-4343

(Added 10/13) 5:00 PM Special City Council meeting (closed for real estate and litigation) Busch Building 4th floor conference room.

5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

6:00 PM Commercial Street Task Force Fire Station Number 1, Community Room, 720 East Grand Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

Thursday, 10/15/2009

8:00 AM Springfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors Jordan Valley Park , 411 North Sherman Parkway Contact: Tracy Kimberlin, (417) 881-5300

12:00 PM Ozarks Transportation Organization Board of Directors Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Tim Conklin, (417) 836-5482

3:30 PM Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Benjamin Kellner, (417) 864-1178

Friday, 10/16/2009

9:30 AM Public Housing Authority Madison Towers, Northeast Meeting Room, 421 West Madison Contact: Tom Barnett, (417) 866-4329

-----------------------------------------

*October 13, City Council Lunch Tentative Agenda

1. Follow up to City Council meeting held on October 12, 2009

2. Update on status of Wonders of Wildlife

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office (Reformatted)

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P & Z to Refer Urban Garden Text Amendment to City Council

and what's "JackeHammer's" opinion regarding the amendment?

Thursday night, as readers of "JackeHammer" know, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) held a public hearing regarding the proposed text amendment that was unanimously recommended to them by the urban garden task force.

The P & Z Commission, in turn, unanimously voted to recommend that text amendment for consideration by the Springfield City Council at Thursday night's meeting. P & Z anticipates the proposed text amendment will be presented to the Council for first reading and public hearing on October 26.

Having stayed up to date on the issue and having reported on it extensively as the process has unfolded, I figured some of my readers would like to know my opinion on the proposed text amendment. I am allowed to have an opinion, you know? ;)

When I got home last night and looked at some of my favorite news links, I noticed that the "Show-Me Institute's" official blog, "Show-Me Daily," had weighed in on Springfield's urban garden issue. Since I had an exchange with Show-Me blogger Sarah Brodsky, in which my opinion on the amendment was outlined, I would refer you to that Brodsky entry and the comment section where my opinion was expressed. I also would refer you there because I thought the exchange between Brodsky and myself was interesting and she brings yet another opinion to the issue.

If you have any comments, please address them here, I might not, immediately, see them if posted at "Show-Me Daily," though I will try to check in periodically.

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: Oct.5-9

Monday, 10/5/2009

8:30 AM Library Board Programs/Services/Technology Committee Library Center , 4653 South Campbell Contact: Debbie Eckert, (417) 883-5366

Tuesday, 10/6/2009

8:00 AM Mayor's Commission for Children Community Foundation , 425 E. Trafficway Contact: Denise Bredfeldt, (417) 864-1656

12:00 PM [Please Note Location Change] *Council Lunch Missouri Hotel, Lobby, 420 E. Commercial Street Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

1:00 PM Police Civilian Review Board Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor West Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Francene Marchant, (417) 864-1791

1:30 PM Board of Adjustment Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Matt Schaefer, (417) 864-1100

2:30 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

5:15 PM Environmental Advisory Board Springfield/Greene County Health Department, Basement Conference Room, 227 E. Chestnut Exp. Contact: Karen McKinnis, (417) 864-1623

6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 2nd Floor East Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Wednesday, 10/7/2009

5:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, Basement Conference Room, 397 East Central Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

Thursday, 10/8/2009

8:30 AM Police and Fire Pension Review Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Evelyn Honea, (417) 864-1002

5:30 PM Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Nick Heatherly, (417) 864-1059

6:00 PM Art Museum Board of Directors Art Museum , 1111 East Brookside Contact: Jerry Berger, (417) 837-5700

6:30 PM Planning and Zoning Commission Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Mike MacPherson, (417) 864-1831

Friday, 10/9/2009

8:30 AM Springfield/Greene County Park Board Dickerson Park Zoo , 1401 W. Norton Road Contact: Jodie Adams, (417) 864-1049

12:00 PM City Council Finance and Administration Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

---------------------------------------------

*TENTATIVE COUNCIL LUNCH AGENDA [Please note the Council lunch will be held in the Missouri Hotel Lobby located at 420 E. Commercial Street on Tuesday, rather than at the Busch building]

1. "Tuesdays with The Kitchen" Presentation of Programs & Campus Tour - Lisa Hamaker

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council

Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office [with format editing]

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P & Z Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Urban Garden Text Amendment

Task force members prompt Springfield City Council to adopt a resolution to support a policy of food, urban agricultural and energy sustainability

The Urban Garden Task Force voted unanimously to recommend a City staff prepared, proposed text amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z) for consideration when the task force met on September 22. The task force's approval came with one section change, reflected at Section 5-3002 (E) of the recommended amendment.

Rather than restricting hours of operation from sunrise to sunset as the draft had specified, the proposed section was changed to allow operation from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. One other change to the same section allows gasoline powered equipment to operate on the same schedule. The draft text amendment originally allowed mechanical, gas and electric equipment use only from the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Under the proposed amendment, "Personal Gardens" and "Community Gardens" will be allowed in any and all zoning districts in Springfield. Neither will be allowed to sell produce to the public on-site.

Other than the prohibition of on-site sales, personal gardens can be cited under the nuisance ordinance of City Code for the same things for which all City residents may be cited, such as odor, noise, high weeds, grass, etc. There were no additional restrictions applied to personal gardens.

Community gardens face a few more restrictions. The owner or proprietor of the property will be required to file an application with the Director of Building Development Services but, not without reason, considering they have more potential to be a source of complaint to the neighborhoods where they will be tended than personal gardens tended by a single property owner or family. There will also be a no to minimal-cost permit required.

The proposed restrictions on Community gardens apply to: Accessory structures (not to exceed 40 percent of the lot area); placement of accessory structures; hours of operation; signage; storm water, sediment and erosion; odor emissions; high weeds and grass; compost and material storage areas; lighting; noise; vision obstruction; and parking (if cultivated area exceeds 1 acre in size).

Commercial gardens and Farmers' Markets were also defined and regulated under the proposed amendment.

Task force member Galen Chadwick took the advise of Jack Wheeler, the chair of the task force, and prepared a letter to attach to the proposed amendment for the City Council to consider.

In his letter to the City Council, Chadwick made a plea for local food sustainability.

"The food consumed by the citizens of the Springfield Economic Area, an amount in excess of 1,100 tons of food per day, is shipped and trucked to us along a fragile and globalized supply line," Chadwick wrote. "Should this delivery system be disrupted for any reason, supermarket shelves will empty within hours. The average household has roughly three days worth of food on hand. Given that less than 5% of our food is grown within the state, or within a thousand miles beyond our borders, the result of a significant disruption will be catastrophic."

Chadwick, a regional co-coordinator of the "Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance" (WFNA), proposed the City Council should consider supporting or initiating a "Food Policy Council," to create, develop and implement citywide food policy regulation.

The WFNA is a member of the Healthy Youth Partnership, a non-profit organization in St. Louis working to develop a "just and sustainable local food system" under the direction of Maggie Menefree and University of Missouri Community Food Systems director Dr. Mary Hendrickson.

Chadwick and fellow WFNA regional coordinator Ruell Chappell have been working to form the Well-Fed Neighbor Farmers' Co-op, in conjunction with area supermarkets.

Chadwick indicated the WFNA could assist the Council, if they are interested in forming a Food Policy Council.

"Should the City Council be interested in this proposal, the WFNA will arrange an informal exploratory session along with Dr. Hendrickson, regional foods experts, and other key academic and WFNA executive leaders," Chadwick wrote, before supplying Council members with contact information.

He listed potential partners in the food council as: Faith based groups, concerned individuals, farmers, community gardens, food producers, cooks, local and state governments, schools and colleges, health and nutrition experts, food advocates, food distributors, farmers' markets, and food banks/food pantries.

A second Urban Garden Task Force letter, signed by four members of the task force, supported "the concept of establishing the "Food Policy Council" as a part of the non-profit community."

"We are asking City Council to adopt a resolution to support a policy of food, urban agricultural and energy sustainability."

The four members who signed the letter endorsing the Food Policy Council and the establishment of the WFNA as a step toward their shared goal were: Earl Slavens, Urban Garden Task Force member; Chairman of the Friends of the Victory Gardens at Grand Oak Mission Gary Schafer; Melissa Millsap, Urban Roots Farm; and Curt Millsap, Millsap Farm CSA.

If this issue is of interest to you, the Planning and Zoning Commission will take public comment on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

If the P & Z Commission approves the Urban Garden Task Force's report and attached amendment, the Commission anticipates the City Council will hear first reading of a bill seeking their approval of the text amendment, and take public comment at their October 26 meeting. That would mean the Council would likely vote on the ordinance on November 9, after second reading of the bill.

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City of Springfield Weekly Calendar: Sept. 28-Oct. 2

Update, addition to Wednesday's meeting schedule and (new change as of Wednesday morning) the Springfield Police Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Board of Trustees will meet in the Community Room of Fire Station #1 at 720 E. Grand instead of at the Busch building as originally planned.

Monday, 9/28/2009

No Meetings Scheduled

Tuesday, 9/29/2009

12:00 PM Council Lunch* Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654 (or immediately following Council Lunch)

12:30 PM (or immediately following Council Lunch) Special Council Meeting Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

2:30 PM Administrative Review Busch Municipal Building, Room 285, 840 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

6:00 PM Mayor's Commission on Human Rights Busch Municipal Building, Room L45, 840 Boonville Contact: Bob Hosmer, (417) 864-1834

6:00 PM Police Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force Subcommittee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Brenda Cirtin, (417) 864-1650

Wednesday, 9/30/2009 (revised)

12:00 PM City Council Plans & Policies Committee Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Lisa Harley, (417) 864-1443

5:30 PM Landmarks Board Old City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Contact: Daniel Neal, (417) 864-1036

Cancelled 6:30 PM Commercial Street Task Force Busch Municipal Building, Room L45, 840 Boonville Contact: Anita Climer, (417) 864-1654

Addition: 6:30 PM Springfield Police Officers' and Firefighters Retirement System Board of Trustees Community Room of Fire Station #1 at 720 E. Grand

Thursday, 10/1/2009

5:00 PM Building Trades Certification and Examination Board Busch Municipal Building, 1st Floor Conf. Rm, 840 Boonville Contact: Nick Heatherly, (417) 864-1059

Friday, 10/2/2009

7:30 AM Watershed Committee Midtown Carnegie Branch Library , 397 East Central Contact: Loring Bullard, (417) 866-1127

9:00 AM Commercial Street Community Improvement District Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conf. Rm., 840 Boonville Contact: Donnie Rodgers, (417) 880-3435

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*TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL LUNCH AGENDA

1. General Council Discussion

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council

3. Adjourn to Special Closed Session Council Meeting

Source: City of Springfield Public Information Office

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