Whether or not to accept Eagle Crest as a city street was the main topic of discussion at a Holden Street Committee meeting held last Tuesday at the City Hall prior to the regular City Council meeting.

Street commissioner Larry Miller was concerned that if they accepted the roadway as a city street, the city would be responsible for maintaining the two landscaped islands in the roads right-of-way.  He also did not want the city to assume responsibility of the developments signage and lighting.

City Attorney Joe Willerth was in attendance at the meeting at the request of Miller and stated that in other cities he has been contracted by, these situations were resolved before development plats had been accepted. 

Since Holden has already accepted the plat, which show no islands, he suggested they work with the developer, Marilyn Mickey-Clay, or the homeowners association to develop an agreement in which the city would not incur maintenance responsibility for  the islands, signs and lights.

Willerth stated that he would work with Holden City Engineer Travis Keifer to put forth a proposal that would agree to accept the street with an additional agreement dealing with the citys concerns.

In another area discussed at the committee meeting, Miller stated that the recommendations of a storm water study in Holden was that the city  build several retention ponds to capture runoffs that put developments in jeapordy.

The conclusions were reached by the survey recently completed by URS Corp. of Overland Park, KS. 

According to Miller, most of the ponds suggested are on the south side of the city, but were mostly in undeveloped areas.

With new construction going on in Holden, the runoff water situation could increase in the future.

Addressing the runoff issue from a general legal standpoint, Willerth explained that natural flow of water is allowed, but if the flow is artificially affected, such as in paving or other development, it could be a city code violation or grounds for a civil suit by the affected landowner.

The person bringing suit would have to prove that the flow of water has increased due to the developing.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

Holden Mayor Mike Wakeman and City Clerk Sheila Spies explained to City Council members that Holden was experiencing an end-of-year funds shortage.

The mayor stated that the city was approximately $26,000 to $28,000 short to pay all the bills.  Those figures include an unexpected $25,000 payment to URS for the storm water system survey, explained the mayor.

The city, which normally finds itself short late in the year, was further hampered by cost overruns on the construction renovations to city hall.  Mayor Wakeman explained that all the citys reserves were depleted.  Spies pointed out that funds from sales tax have also been less than in past years.
The mayor stated that the city might have to get a short-term tax anticipation loan that would be paid back in January after taxes come in.  City Attorney Joe Willerth, who was in attendance at the meeting, suggested that the mayor see if URS would take half of their payment now and follow-up in January with the other half.

Wakeman replied that he would call URS and see if they would agree to defer 50 percent of the payment until January.  If not, he would call a special meeting to investigate the loan possibility further.  Wakeman stated that he would let council members know either way.

In resolutions and ordinances, a first reading was held on an ordinance that would make both sides of Eagle Drive a no-parking zone Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Another first reading was accomplished on an ordinance which would amend the citys code relating to headlights, tailights and light regulations on motor vehicles, motorcycles and other vehicles operating on city streets.  Second readings on both ordinances will be held at the December meeting.

Two other ordinances were tabled.  One, which would abandon 13th Street between Main and Market, was tabled because necessary documents from utility companies had not been received.  The other, amending the open burning ordinance, was sent to a committee consisting of Council members Butch Shore, Brenda Stumpff and Mike Zumwalt, to study the feasibility of allowing burning of leaves and yard debris on Sundays.

A resolution was passed setting opening and closing dates for the spring election for seats on the city council.  There will be an election for two-year terms in Wards I, II, III and IV.  The seats are presently held by Veronica Burt, Christi Stowe, Dorothy Wakeman and Chad Manford.  Opening date for filing will be December 12 at 8 a.m. and will close Jan. 16, 2007 at 5 p.m.

In other business at the meeting, Mayor Wakeman stated that no Requests for Qualifications had been received for the development of a new comprehensive plan for the city.  He said that it had been publicized in the Holden Image, Warrensburg Star-Journal and on the Missouri Municipal League website for three weeks.  There had been some interest, but none had followed up.  He said he would re-contact two of the companies that had shown some interest to see if they were still interested.

 In two final items, the council approved a request from the Holden Chamber of Commerce and the Holden Image to close Main St. from Second Street to the alley  from Wednesday evening to Sunday noon (November 22-26) for placement of a stage for the annual Christmas Kickoff Celebration. 

The council also heard Bob Corkill, American Legion Post 90 commander, announce there would be a guest speaker at the VFW Tuesday, November 28, at 7:30 p.m., to present information on the coming bird flu pandemic.  His address will explain how the entire community can get prepared.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

 

The audit for the 2005 fiscal year and the last six  months of the recently concluded Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) project was conducted in November, HOPE Executive Director John Roberts told the  board of directors at last weeks regular meeting.

Westbrook and Company conducted the audit and at the conclusion, we were told there were no material weaknesses other than procedures for counting and accounting for cash transactions, said Roberts.

He went on to say because of HOPEs limited staff, this will likely always be a problem.  However, he noted a number of preventative measures were suggested to limit exposure to theft or misappropriation of monies.

As has been recommended in the past and approved by the board, the Community Activity Center (CAC) and the Community Service Center (CSC) will be adopting a one system, one computer accounting practice by January 1, 2007, he added.

HOPE is now currently up- to-date on audits except for their 2006 fiscal year.  Roberts has asked for this to be scheduled in February.

In new business, board president Bob Mickey reminded the board it was time to elect new board members.  We need one member to fill the unexpired term of board member Aline Kirchhoff and one to fill a fully open two-year term, said Mickey.  The board had discussed two candidates and offered the positions to them and they accepted.  They are Jeff Terry of the Bank of Holden, and Jerry Pearce, the counselor at Holden High School.  Mickey also reminded the board that next month it would be time to elect new officers and the new slate would take over in January.

In other new business, Roberts reminded the board that HOPE will be sponsoring the Angel Tree again this year.  The program assists families in need with presents for their children.  Last year more than 59 families with 155 children were served by the program, added Roberts.

In other financial business, it was reported to the board by Roberts that solicitation for the NAP donations are underway and ongoing.  Initial letters have been sent to past donors and follow-up letters will be going out soon, said Roberts.  He added that with the help of a lot of individuals, HOPE sold all of its tax credits during the last project period, which totalled approximately $275,000.

In other new business, Roberts told the board HOPE may now be participating in an on-line service called Access Point which helps with their job referral program.  Initial information indicates we would be provided a computer and training to help those needing work, said Roberts.    Mickey asked Roberts how this program would be promoted and Roberts said he would use the newspaper and the marquee to let the public know the service is available.

In a CAC update, Roberts told the board several events have been held at the CAC since the last meeting.  They include the Pink Tea, with approximately 100 in attendance; the election, in which approximately 2,000 people voted; an appreciation dinner for supporters and participants of the CAC; and a sewing class, conducted by Donna LaHue.  The diversity and scope of these events truly makes our facility a community activity center and all bring positive exposure to a modern, open, well run and well maintained facility, stated Roberts.

In Harvester news, Kirchhoff and Roberts explained to the board that due to miscommunication, HOPE will not be receiving their holiday meats this year.
In old business, Roberts updated the board on the process of obtaining bids to demolish the CSC building.  He reported he is meeting with a demolition professional soon to discuss the issue and obtain a bid.

In personnel news, it was reported by Roberts a new Clothes Closet coordinator had been hired.  Melody Nalls has been hired to replace Pat Talley as the coordinator, said Roberts.

In United Way news, Roberts told the board HOPE is teaming with the Johnson County United Way to assist with the JCUW Holiday Homes Tour.  Four of the eight homes participating are in Holden.  All proceeds go to the United Way and help to support some 28 agencies and organizations in Johnson County.  Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at F&C Bank or the Bank of Holden, stated Roberts.

In closing, Roberts reminded the board next month will be the last meeting of the current board.  Because we will have some new members and want to acknowledge the contribution of our outgoing ones, I want to urge all present, future and outgoing members to attend, said Roberts.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff