The Holden Image

The city’s liability insurance was renewed with a $6,000 increase over last year’s premium during the regular meeting of the Holden City Council last Tuesday night.

According to Mike Keith, the city’s insurance agent, the increase is due to several factors which include an increase in police officers, two liability claims in the past 18 months and the addition of three automobiles to those already owned by the city.

In other business, the council chose to accept a bid from Gillum and Gillum to perform the city’s annual audit at a cost of $6,500 plus $65 per hour for any additional bookkeeping that may be necessary at the time of the audit. Other bids were received from Cochran and Head at a cost of $16,000-$22,000 and Trout Beaman for $7,500 plus $60-$170 additional per hour for additional bookkeeping services. Trout Beaman has performed the city’s audit for the past two years.

In other financial matters, Mayor Terry Hedglin opened bids for a four-year storm sewer study for the city. Bids were received from URS Corporation at a cost of $56,796 for the entire study with $15,163 due the first year and George Butler Associates, Inc. at a cost of $209,458 for the entire four years. Hedglin referred the bids to the city engineer and street committee for a thorough review and recommendations.

In other business, Roy Sturgis, representing interest in The Paddocks at Town Acres, a new subdivision located at 1351 Road and Tenth Street in Holden, approached the council to request approval of a plat of the property. Sturgis stated that although he had been told by the planning and zoning committee that if the land was sold without existing utilities a plat would not need approval, he was told by the county surveyor the plat would need council approval regardless. After the meeting, the plat was reviewed by City Engineer Travis Kieffer, Hedglin and council members. It was approved with a minor change regarding easements.

In resolutions and ordinances, the council approved a bill that will allow the city to increase retirement benefits for its employees. The change, under the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System, will take effect August 1.

In related resolutions, the council approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a contract for city employee health insurance with the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan. According to city officials, the plan is less expensive than the city’s previous health coverage which will allow the city to contribute 100 percent of the cost for city employees. However, the new coverage does not include life insurance as the previous coverage did. A motion to allow the new coverage passed with council persons Brent Brown, Roseann Ferguson, Charles Shore, Cecil Bloss and Karl Timmerman voting yay; councilman Chad Manford voting nay and council persons Dorothy Wakeman and Mark Todd abstaining.

In other resolutions and ordinances, the council approved a resolution allowing Hedglin and City Clerk Sheila Spies to sign a contract with Baystone Financial Group for the lease purchase of a new Rosco Oil Distributor for the Holden Street Department. Funds for the lease purchase were allotted in the 2005-2006 street department budget.

In reports, Timmerman indicated construction of the roof atop city hall is progressing as expected. However, Timmerman noted the city inspector will be inspecting the roof rafters to ensure no damage was caused during the time they were exposed to rain when construction was halted for a time.

In other reports, Bloss briefed the council regarding progress to the Holden City Park by the park board. Bloss indicated concrete has been installed at the park’s newest shelter house, appropriations have been approved to purchase a new piece of playground equipment and two new picnic tables. In addition, Bloss said the board is looking into the possibility of chip sealing the parking lot at the park.

In other council reports and comments, Shore shared with the council his concerns about a plan for progress and growth within the city. “Progress is being made within the city, and from what I can tell the city doesn’t have any type of strategic plan in place to help these folks (developers, citizens) or guide them,” Shore commented. “I just think it’s time the city steps up and addresses all the issues of progress.”

Shore specifically mentioned street improvements and possible annexation as means to keep up with residential growth within the city. After some discussion among the council, it was decided Shore and Bloss would form a committee to begin brainstorming ideas for a strategic growth plan for the city.

In other reports, Brown reported the city’s new sewer lagoons are being used, and soon lines to the old sewer plant will be completely shut off. According to Brown, this means the old plant will not be available to use as a backup system. However, he pointed out that the sewer lagoons are expected to be more than sufficient for the city’s current sewage output with allowance for additional growth. The BPW is having a study performed to assess whether or not the city would be able to use the facility to accept outside sewage. Brown said this would bring additional revenue to the BPW. In addition, Brown noted new fences will be placed around the lagoons in the near future.

In other topics, Brown told the council the 2005-2006 budget for the Board of Public Works has been approved, and a public hearing will be held in August prior to the BPW’s regular meeting regarding a possible two percent increase in water rates. After being questioned by members of the council regarding the necessity of a water rate increase, Brown pointed out that several attempts have been made to recover money the BPW is losing by increasing water and sewer connection fees, but the council did not approve those increases at any time they were presented.

The next regular meeting of the Holden City Council will be held August 9 at 7 p.m.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor

According to Mayor Terry Hedglin, the city’s hands may be essentially tied in regards to taking action to stop the construction of a new youth center at the intersection of Tenth and Niagara streets, although city attorney Audara Charlton will be consulted for advice.

The matter was first discussed during the regular meeting of the Holden City Council last Tuesday night when local resident Gale Reardon addressed the council with the concerns of a number of citizens who live in the area where the construction is to take place.

“Supporting our youth is a very important and worthwhile endeavor... However, placing the center in a residential area raises concerns,” Reardon said, directly quoting a letter to the editor written by the group. “Many evenings there are children playing in our neighborhood. We are fearful for their safety, especially with the possibility of having so many young drivers in the area.”

Reardon continued by saying citizens in the nearby neighborhoods, herself included, are concerned about the potential of increased noise, loitering and loud activities during funeral services held at the neighboring Holden Cemetery.

“Isn’t there a more suitable area available that could house the center and not intrude on the privacy of our citizens in their own homes,” Reardon asked. “Ask yourself if this center were being built next to your home if you would have concerns.”

In addition, Reardon brought to the council’s attention a petition that contains the signatures of 60 citizens in the area who are against placement of the youth center at the chosen location.

Hedglin told Reardon and the council that the land in question is of a R3 zoning class, which allows that type of structure. In addition, he said a building permit has already been issued to the Christian Youth and Family Alliance for construction of the center.

“Considering it (zoning) allows that kind of structure, and all their setbacks (on the plat of the property) are correct, I don’t know that we have any authority to say they can’t put it (the center) there,” Hedglin stated.

Councilman Karl Timmerman asked Hedglin if it would be possible for City Attorney Audara Charlton to take a look at the situation to assess whether or not the city definitely does or does not have any authority in regards to intervening with the construction.

Councilman Brent Brown said although he understands the citizens’ concerns about placement of the youth center he feels that there would be complaints no matter where the center is placed.

“Historically, it hasn’t mattered where the youth center (previous youth centers) was. People have absolutely wanted the kids to just disappear,” Brown commented. “Every youth center that I have known of in my 33 years in town people have wanted shut down and they’ve wanted the kids to be seen and not heard or not seen at all. It’s time for the citizens of Holden to quit saying ‘we want to help the youth’ and actually do something to help them instead of continuing to say ‘we don’t want you in our neighborhood’ or ‘we don’t want you in this or that location.’ We’re sending the wrong message to kids in this community...I truly understand the citizens’ concerns, but we’ve got to start sending the kids in this community a better message other than ‘we don’t want you in our area.”

Timmerman indicated it was his understanding a youth center is part of the purpose of the HOPE Community Center. Brown disagreed, reminding Timmerman that during the time a youth center was located in the HOPE Service Center there were also citizen complaints. According to Brown, numerous attempts were made by citizens approaching both the council and HOPE Board to have the center shut down. “This is a recurring theme within Holden,” Brown commented. “It doesn’t matter where it’s at.”

After hearing no further questions or comments, Hedglin agreed to have Charlton look into the matter, although he cautioned the council that the probability of the city lacking the authority to intervene would be high.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor

HOPE Coalition Executive Director John Roberts addressed concerns about insurance coverage at the board’s regular meeting Monday night.

According to Roberts, he has received many inquiries about liability in both the Community Service Center (CSC) and specifically the Community Activity Center (CAC). At the invitation of Roberts, Verna Jenkins, who carries the insurance on both buildings, was present to address any questions or concerns regarding coverage.

After researching the subject, Jenkins informed the board that only activities sponsored by HOPE and the CAC are covered in the policy.

A board member questioned whether an individual’s own homeowner’s policy could cover them in the event of an accident and Jenkins said some policies do cover those types of claims and some do not.

“Any time you open your building up to the public, you are leaving yourself open to liability in the event of an accident,” she added.

Roberts also informed the board that abuse/molestation insurance would be added in the event of a sexual offense.

“The only way this coverage would be null and void is if HOPE knowingly hired a sex offender or if HOPE knows about abuse and lets it continue,” added Jenkins.

She reminded the board the bottom line in insurance coverage is to do what is reasonable to maintain the safety of people who use the facility.

In other CAC business, Beth VanMeter shared concerns about charges for use of the CAC building.

“There is no set policy right now, and we are looking to the board to help clarify this,” said VanMeter. Following a lengthy discussion, the board agreed to address the issue later and obviously insurance liability will play a part in their decision. Patricia Williams reminded the board that according to the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), they are required to donate some free time back to the community for community-wide events.

Included in the insurance requirements is that an adult needs to be present during events at the CAC. VanMeter said they are working on that issue and she will take this information back to the volunteer board.

In other business, Roberts informed the board that a certified public accountant audit of financial statements was a requirement.

“This is important if we hope to continue to search for available grants,” said Roberts. “Despite wanting to save money by doing our books in-house, it appears we need to get our financials together and have them audited.” Roberts went on to say he has written to CPA firms that do audits for not-for-profit organizations at a discount. A portion of the audit cost can be written off to NAP, according to board secretary Dorothy Salsman.

In fundraising matters, Roberts reported that he made a presentation to Johnson County United Way in Warrensburg for possible contributions next year.

In related business, Roberts requested a four-person committee made up of HOPE board members be organized to help with strategic planning.

“I believe this will help us define and/or redefine our mission as an organization, look at programs we need to add, enhance or eliminate, and in general prepare for the future,” said Roberts. The board was asked to think about who would be interested in serving on this committee and the issue would be discussed at the next meeting.

In a maintenance update Roberts told the board the basketball lift system in the CAC has been repaired. The outdoor ladder bid has been awarded to John McLennan and he reported the installation will be completed soon. In the CSC, two exhaust fans are now working, but they still need more fans according to board member Aline Kirchhoff. Other electrical problems still remain in the CSC and the board will secure a bid to see what the costs of repairs would be.

Roberts also received permission from the board to send out letters and surveys to previous donors as well as a HOPE membership insert in the Holden Image/Penny Saver.

The board will next meet on Monday, August 8.

By Dana Neubert
Staff Writer

Johnson County voters will once again be asked to approve a tax increase for the construction of a new county jail when the proposal for a new, larger and much more secure facility appears on the ballot August 2.

If approved by voters, the jail would be constructed using a one-quarter of a cent sales tax increase until the facility is paid off. The tax would then decrease to one-eighth of a cent, providing funds to assist with the day-to-day operations of the jail.

A similar but much more expensive proposal was defeated by county voters last August by a margin of 6,617 to 3,991. However, according to Johnson County Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Heiss, the new proposal is much more in line with what he and the county commission believe the citizens want.

Heiss said county officials were careful to address the concerns of citizens when meeting with architects to design a site plan for the new facility.

“I believe we’ve addressed all the citizens’ concerns,” Heiss said in April during the new proposals initial review. “After the issue was defeated (last August), I spent a lot of time paying attention and talking to people out in the county.” Heiss said it was while talking with county citizens that he realized most citizens agree the county needs a new jail facility but are not agreeable to the size and cost of the type of facility proposed last year.

“A lot of what I heard (after proposal failed last August) was that it was too big, too expensive and too aggressively financed,” Heiss commented. “It’s important to me that the citizens know we not only listened to their concerns, but we took them into consideration and addressed them all.”

In addition to casual conversation with county voters, a number of public meetings have been held with Heiss and the county commission that were used to address the concerns of neighboring citizens and Warrensburg Main Street, Inc.

According to Heiss, the new proposal does not require the county to acquire any additional real estate, the size and scope of the plans have been reduced by about one-third and the project comes with a much lower price tag than previously proposed. The new jail proposed on the ballot last August would have cost county taxpayers approximately $11,000,000. The cost of the newly proposed facility would be around $8,000,000.

If approved, the facility will be constructed on the site of the existing jail and sheriff’s offices, not in a location forcing the closing of Market Street on the historic courthouse square as has been previously discussed. According to Heiss, Warrensburg historical advocates objected to the closing of Market Street, stating that it would diminish the historical value of the courthouse square.

The jail and sheriff’s office would take frontage on Maynard Street with parking behind the facility. An underground tunnel is planned that would connect to a secure corridor in the Johnson County Justice Center, forever eliminating the need for deputies to transport prisoners to court by means of the outside. According to Heiss, the new facility would allow plenty of space for the county’s current inmate needs as well as future growth.

The construction of a new county jail has been a longtime desire of county officials who have noted problems with overcrowding, plumbing and electrical defects and security issues just to name a few.

“This is a very important issue,” Heiss said. “It was important a year ago, and it’s even more important now. The citizens need to know that this jail is failing. It is costing us an enormous amount of money to keep it going... It’s an old building, and it’s deteriorating.”

In an annual report of conditions provided to the county commission by Heiss earlier this year, a number of concerns regarding the current jail were expressed. Heiss stated concerns regarding air quality, safety, security, heating and cooling, electricity and plumbing, roofing and intermittent overpopulation at the facility.

“The design of this facility makes it virtually impossible to effect an evacuation of staff and inmates in the event of a fire,” Heiss wrote. “I cannot find the words to adequately express my concern for the safety and well-being of my staff and the inmate population in the event of a fire.”

Air quality was also high on Heiss’s list of concerns in the report in which he stated the air quality in the facility was very poor with duct work needing to be replaced. Heiss reflected on a letter sent to the Johnson County Commission regarding the quality of air back in December 2002. “In that letter, I reported that numerous members of my staff have long suffered from respiratory infections and sinusitis. I reported that my commanders have complained about black mold growing around air vents and duct work,” Heiss wrote. “I made a request to have the duct work cleaned. To date, no action has been taken to correct this condition.”

Heiss continued his report by saying he believes conditions at the jail pose a huge liability to the county and have deteriorated to such a degree that the only real solution to the problem is the construction of a new facility.

According to Heiss, if the jail is approved by voters the earliest construction could begin is next spring, and the facility would require nearly a year of construction time, displacing the sheriff’s office into the Johnson County Justice Center for a time.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor