2008--09-29 Special Council Session Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF UNIVERSITY CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION September 29, 2008 The Council Study Session, held in the Chambers of the City Hall, on Monday, May 15, 2008, was called to order by Mayor Adams at 5:30 p.m. In addition to Mayor Adams, the following members of the Council were present: Mr. Arthur Sharpe, Jr. Mr. Terry Crow Mr. Michael Glickert Ms. Lynn Ricci Mr. Byron Price Mr. Robert Wagner had an excused absence. Also present were the City Manager Julie Feier and the City Attorney John Mulligan. The Study Session was for the briefing of the Council as to actions the City had taken and what the future plans were in relation to the flash flood. City Manager Julie Feier addressed the Council and the large group of citizens attending the meeting. She informed the citizens that the meeting was planned for just a briefing for the Council and MSD, FEMA or any other flood assistance would not be present at this meeting. She informed the citizens that there is scheduled a large meeting in which FEMA and MSD representatives would be present. This will be held at Heman Community Center. At this meeting, if FEMA declares University City a disaster area, the City will supply help for any residents needing assistance in filling out the paperwork, as it needs to be done on-line. Ms. Feier said the City is also working with the Corp of Engineers. When explained that it is also important at this time to make sure the neighborhoods remained stabilized. Ms. Feier stated that there will not be charges for permits for any flood victims for work done due to the flood. The City will work with any flood victim who is trying to bring their house up to code. The hotline number for any flood victims to call is 314-505- 8511 and an inspector will come out to evaluate what would need to be done to bring back to code. Ms. Feier stated that in trying to keep the flood victims informed, door-hangers were put on the homes’ front door. She thought that focus groups and police could help in getting out any future messages. Ms. Feier had plans to have an award ceremony for the many individuals and groups who tirelessly gave to help others. Mr. Byron Price’s questions: 1. How can anyone help to persuade FEMA to declare University City a disaster area? Ms. Feier said that sending disaster stories to FEMA and any of your State and Federal legislators could be helpful. 2. Asked for weekly status reports from the City Manager concerning the flash flood 3. Asked who is responsible for the channels of River DesPeres. He stated that MSD fourteen years ago said they were and he thought they were now telling them that they are not. Director of Public Works Ms. Shields-Benford stated that it was MSD’s responsibility but the City has spent many hours cleaning it up and also working on the bridges.