2011-05-23 Regular City Council Session

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Loop feeling comfortable doing so with those who object to their rights being violated in solving the problem at the Loop. Mr. Crow said that the larger problem is created by a small number and is hard to pass legislation to address it. Mayor Welsch answered Mr. Crow’s question on the sales tax issue in the State Legislature. She stated she is a member of the task force that the St. Louis County Municipal League set up of A & B cities who are working to come up with recommendations of how the legislature might proceed next year with the pooled sales tax legislation, so that this will not be an issue every year. Ms. Ricci stated she went to the rain-garden open house which had a lot of resource information on planting native plants, reducing MSD bills through the use of permeable pavers instead on concrete slabs, and information on rain barrels. She said she also attended the City of Ferguson’s 5K walk which had 500 plus people in attendance. It was a friendly neighborhood/merchants walk promotion for their City and thought it would be a great thing for U City to consider in the future. Mr. Kraft noted the budget hearing was refreshing as compared to two years ago as the process appears to have worked instead of everyone finding out what the budget was five minutes before it is voted on. He discussed the City’s budget in reference to the State Auditor’s report. The State Auditor stated the City Council did not receive financial reports in a timely manner. Financial reports showing revenue and expenditures should be prepared on a monthly basis. These reports are necessary to provide accurate and timely financial information to City officials upon which effective management decisions can be made. Mr. Kraft said without financial reports, it is not possible to modify or change the budget as circumstances change. He noted that timely data is needed to run the City. Mr. Kraft agreed that monthly revenue expense reports would be a start; a budget format that is easier to understand is needed. Mr. Kraft noted a serious look is needed as to how money is set aside for Capital expenditures. Rachel Sobotka, Student Council representative Ms. Sobotka stated she has been thinking about the Loop problem and was finding a solution. She noted that she and her friends were all so happy to have the Loop as an option to visit that is full of culture. She hoped that before anything was passed the youth could show how grateful they are for the Loop. Mayor Welsch thanked Ms. Sobotka and congratulated her on her graduation from University City High School this month. Ms Sobotka will be attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison, studying Economics and, perhaps, Business. The Mayor thth announced information about Fair U City on Sunday and Monday the 29and 30. She noted she would be going to a luncheon hosted by Missouri American Water where U City is being considered for a Sustainability Award. Mayor Welsch stated the City of Ladue has contacted her to find out information about U City’s Green Practices Committee. She noted the Bike Walk Task Force met with Trailnet in order to get information for creating the draft master plan for biking and walking in University City. They hope to have the master plan drawn up by the end of 2011. Mayor Welsch said she is trying to get a regional conversation going on how opportunities for the youth be provided for not just in U City but around the region. She asked anyone interested to contact her. She also asked that more youth attend her task force on Seniors/Youth in order to give more input. Mayor Welsch spoke of a health fair that will be held at Centennial Commons on June 4 sponsored by Operation Food Search.