Winter 2016 - Richmond Heights

Richmond
Heights
Tons of Transportation to
take place in May
PD Trivia Night supports
Special Olympics MO
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Municipal Election
April 5, 2016
On April 5th, 2016, there will be a Regular
Municipal Election in Richmond Heights to fill
the seat of Mayor as well as four City Council
seats. To help learn more about each candidate, we asked the following questions:
1. What personal information about yourself
and your family would you like to share with voters in Richmond Heights?
2. What information about your career or occupation would you like to share with voters?
3. What information about your political experience would you like to share with voters?
4. In your opinion, what are the three most important issues put before the City of Richmond
Heights?
Jim Thomson is a lifelong resident
of Richmond Heights. Six generations of
his family have lived and attended school
and church in Richmond Heights including he and his wife, Kathy, and their two
children.
For 34 years, Mr. Thomson devoted his
life to the St. Louis Public Schools. He began as a teacher and coach, and later retired as a high school principal. The professional and leadership skills he learned
in his career prepared him to serve as your
mayor. From 2008-2012, Mr. Thomson
served as a Richmond Heights councilman
for District 2.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City and its residents include:
keeping Richmond Heights as an inviting
and thriving community to live, work and
raise a family; engaging the community by
asking our residents for feedback on city
regulations, ordinances, taxes, spending,
public safety, and more; and promoting
the businesses in Richmond Heights and
encouraging others to locate here.
Mayoral Candidates
VS
Jim Thomson
James Beck
James Beck, our current mayor,
was born and raised in Richmond Heights.
Mr. Beck graduated from St. Luke the Evangelist School in Richmond Heights in 1970.
He and his wife, Judy (nee Finger), have five
children. He is a mortgage banker/broker
with Essex Residential Mortgage, LLC.
Mr. Beck served three terms on the Richmond Heights City Council representing the residents of District 3 from 1994
until 2006, until he was elected mayor in
2008. With those 20 years of experience
as a foundation, he is well positioned to
work with the City Council and staff on the
many intricate issues now before the City
Council.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City and its residents include:
ensuring our residents’ safety; keeping the
City’s infrastructure well-maintained as
well as other services that make Richmond
Heights a great city through wise fiscal
practices; and implementing new policies
as needed to maintain the quality of life
that Richmond Heights residents deserve.
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Inside this
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Candidate Bios, Mayor..................1
Party on the Pavement Save the
Date...............................................1
Calendar........................................2
Contact Information.................2,16
Candidate Bios, City Council .....3-5
Forestry, Parks & PW..................5,6
HEIGHTS Happenings....................6
2015 Property Tax Rates................6
Library Grant Award.......................6
Veterans Memorial Statues............6
RHPD Report..................................6
City Council Actions......................7
Popular Annual Financial Report
(PAFR)......................................8-15
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1
City Calendar
City Council Meetings
7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at
City Hall. For more information, call
314-645-4595.
• February 1, 16
• March 7, 21
• April 4, 18
District 2 Community Meetings
10 a.m. at THE HEIGHTS.
• February 13
• March 12
• April 9
Police & Fire Pension Board
Meetings
7 p.m. at City Hall. For more information, call 314-645-0404.
• February 8
• March 14
• April 11
Municipal Court
6 p.m. at the Public Safety Building.
For more information, call 314-6451982.
• February 8, 17, 22
• March 14, 23, 28
• April 11, 20, 25
Board of Adjustment Meetings
6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at
City Hall. For more information, call
314-646-7658.
• February 18
• March 17
• April 21
Plan & Zoning Commission
Meetings
7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City
Hall. For more information, call 314646-7658.
• February 18
• March 17
• April 21
Library Board Meetings
Held at 5:30 p.m. at THE HEIGHTS.
For more information, call 314-6456202.
• February 16
• March 21
• April 18
Library Events
For more information, call 314-6456202.
• February 8 at 7 p.m. - Chinese
New Year Celebration at THE
HEIGHTS.
• April 10-16 National Library
Week.
2
Stories in the Park
10 a.m. at THE HEIGHTS outdoor
classroom. For more information,
call 314-645-1476.
• April 7, 14, 21, 28
Parks and Recreation Events
For more information, call 314-6451476.
• February 12 at 6:30 p.m.Sweetheart Dance at THE
HEIGHTS.
• March 11 at 7 p.m. - Family Night
Bingo at THE HEIGHTS.
• March 12 at 10:30 a.m.; March
15 at 5 p.m. - Swim Safe at THE
HEIGHTS.
• March 18 at 7:30 p.m. - Teen Egg
Hunt at Deer Creek Park.
• March 19 at 10 a.m. - Easter Egg
Hunt; 11 a.m. Doggie Bone Hunt
at A.B. Green Park.
• March 21 - 25 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Spring Break Camp at THE
HEIGHTS.
• March 25 at 8 p.m. - Adult
Egg Hunt at Memorial Park in
Brentwood.
• April 7 at 10 a.m. - Arbor Day
Celebration at THE HEIGHTS outdoor classroom.
• May 7 at 10 a.m. - Tons of
Transportation at Sunnen
Corporation parking lot, 7910
Manchester Road.
Lunch and Bingo
11 a.m. at THE HEIGHTS. For more
information, call 314-645-1476.
• February 17
• March 16
• April 20
Police and Community Together
(PACT) Unit Events
For more information, call Officer
Lyndsy Harrison at 314-655-3632.
• February 21 at 6:30 p.m. - Youth
Sports Night at THE HEIGHTS.
• April 8 at 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at
THE HEIGHTS.
Garden Club Meetings
7 p.m. at THE HEIGHTS. For more
information, email Donna at dmariemacd@aol.com.
• February 9
• March 8
• April 12
• April 30 from 9 a.m. - Plant Sale
at VFW Post 3500, 1717 S. Big
Bend.
February-April 2016
Chamber of Commerce Meetings
For more information and to RSVP,
email info2@maplewood-chamber.
com.
• February 13 at 6:30 p.m. Chamber Trivia Night at THE
HEIGHTS.
Veterans Memorial Committee
Events
For more information, call 314-8847527, visit their website www.vetsmemorial.org or Facebook page.
• May 26 at 5:30 p.m. - Memorial
Day Ceremony at Mid-County
Veterans Memorial Gazebo on
THE HEIGHTS grounds, 8001
Dale Ave.
Spring Clean Up
Saturday, April 2, 9am-12pm &
1-4pm. A day to help senior residents (65+) of Richmond Heights
with yard work. To sign up or volunteer call Mary Binns at 655-3504 or
email MBINNS@richmondheights.
org.
City Facility Holiday Closures
President’s Day, February 15
• City Hall and the Library are
closed.
• THE HEIGHTS is open regular
hours.
• No changes to this week’s
waste pickup schedule.
Easter, March 27
• THE HEIGHTS and the Library
are closed.
• No changes to this week’s
waste pickup schedule.
Connect with the City
www.richmondheights.org
Newsletter Contact
Mary Binns
mbinns@richmondheights.org
314-655-3504
City Council Candidates
District 1
For this District, there are three candidates seeking
the empty seat.
Gregory Vescovo was born and
raised in St. Louis. He attended the
University of Dayton for his undergrad, where he met his wife, Katherine. Later, he attended the University
of Dayton School of Law before moving to Richmond Heights in July of
2013. They have been married for 4
years and have two children.
During law school, he was recognized for Pro Bono
Commitment to the Community for volunteering with
the Missouri State Public Defender. In 2010, he passed
the Bar Exam and is now an attorney with Dowd & Dowd,
PC specializing in workers’ compensation, personal injury and legal malpractice.
Mr. Vescovo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2007. He spent a semester in college working in
Washington, D.C. as an intern for a Congressman.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the
City and its residents include: increasing residents’ sense
of community by encouraging greater communication
within our neighborhoods; ensuring our community’s
safety by building relationships between police officers
and the community they serve; and maintaining our
family-oriented neighborhoods while looking for the
right opportunities to grow our local economy.
District 2
For this District, there are two candidates seeking
the empty seat.
Rick Vilcek, our current District
2 Councilman, and his family have
resided in Richmond Heights since
1969. It was then that Mr. Vilcek
joined the Richmond Heights Police
Department. He served for 43 years
and retired as Police Chief in January of 2012. Under his leadership,
the RHPD achieved international
recognition through the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation (CALEA) in 2008. The RHPD was
reaccredited in 2011. Mr. Vilcek is a veteran of the U.S.
Army who served with the 101st Airborne Division in
Vietnam from 1967-1968. He has a bachelor’s degree in
Criminal Justice and graduated from the F.B.I. National
Academy in 2003. Mr. Vilcek and his wife, Cindy, have
three grown children and 11 grandchildren – two of
whom attend Maplewood-Richmond Heights Schools.
According to the 2015 National Citizens Survey, residents continue to rate Richmond Heights favorably as
a place to live, work, shop, and raise a family. Mr. Vilcek
is experienced and committed to protecting the quality of life for the residents of District 2 and the City as a
whole.
Mark Mueller and his family have
lived in Richmond Heights since 1936.
Currently, six of his siblings, his mother,
wife and three children are happy to
call Richmond Heights home!
Mr. Mueller has practiced law for approximately seventeen years. In addition, he is a small business owner so he
can appreciate not only the needs of
the residents, but also area business owners.
He has been active on the Richmond Heights Board of
Adjustment and Appeals as well as the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for several years.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: maintaining the family friendliness of Richmond Heights, such as with the addition of
parks and green spaces; attracting more businesses to the
City, especially along Dale Avenue and Big Bend Boulevard;
and improving the educational and cultural opportunities
available to residents.
Joan Provaznik has lived in Richmond Heights for 27 years with her husband and three children. They are members of Little Flower Parish.
Ms. Provaznik earned an undergraduate
business degree from William Woods College and a law degree from St. Louis University. Previously, she worked in public
accounting and is currently the Business
Manager at Bishop DuBourg High School.
She does not have political experience but has held
leadership positions in several organizations. Also, she has
been the Richmond Heights Historical Society Treasurer
since 2004.
From her perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: balancing the residential aspect
with the commercial and economic growth; maintaining
reasonable services for residents; and doing these things
and more without undue tax burdens on the residents.
Mr. Vilcek will continue to hold monthly community
meetings on the second Saturday of each month at THE
HEIGHTS. For the past four years, these meetings have
been a vital part of personal, two-way communication
that the residents want.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: maintaining the City’s attractiveness to potential residents and businesses while also
thoroughly evaluating proposed residential and commercial development opportunities; providing a strong
educational environment for the children of this City;
and ensuring the City maintains a sound financial position within the context of a fiscally prudent budget.
continued on page 4...
3
City Council Candidates
District 2, continued...
Derek Bolden grew up in Olivette
and graduated from Ladue Horton
Watkins High School. He is an Episcopalian and a long term member of St.
Timothy’s in Creve Coeur. He and his
wife, Michelle, and their three children moved to Richmond Heights in
2010. His youngest daughter, Kiera, is a
graduate of MRH, class of 2015.
Mr. Bolden is currently a Manager of IT at Enterprise
Holdings, Inc. Throughout his professional life, Mr. Bolden
has displayed a vast ability to think outside the box to uncover innovative solutions, which he hopes to bring into
public service.
Derek is a lifelong Independent voter and considers himself a moderate when it comes to politics; however, politics does indeed run in the family. His Aunt Betty Thompson is a local civil rights activist legend and a former State
Representative.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: creating a more common sense
or modern approach to both future developments and
green spaces, while still maintaining the City’s current appeal; advocating for better connected neighborhoods, in
hopes of making the City safer and a more desirable place
to live; and protecting and enhancing the lives of the City’s
older residents who wish to remain in their homes to continue being pillars of our community.
District 4
For this District, there are two candidates seeking the
empty seat.
Charles Conners and his wife,
Melissa, and son, Patrick, live on Surrey Hills Drive, the same street that he
grew up on. He attended Little Flower
School and has been a lifelong parishioner of Little Flower Church. He later
attended Christian Brothers College
High School (CBC) followed by the
University of Dayton, where he was a
communication major with a minor in
political science. He later earned a Masters degree from
Webster University in Communication Management.
Currently, Mr. Conners is an Account Executive for Flat
World Supply Chain, a company that delivers innovative
logistics and supply chain solutions through customized
technology.
For his first public election, he is eager to bring a mix of
progressive thinking combined with the understanding
of what makes Richmond Heights a wonderful place to
live.
4
District 3
For this District, the incumbent, Megan Moylan, is uncontested.
Megan Moylan, our current District 3 Councilwoman, has lived in
Richmond Heights since 2005. She and
her husband, Heath, are active in the
Maplewood Richmond Heights School
District, where their three children attend. Mrs. Moylan holds a B.A. in English from Truman State University and a
B.S. in Elementary Education from University of Missouri St. Louis. Her prior work experience
includes teaching, human resources and social services.
During her first term on the City Council, Mrs. Moylan
participated in the budgeting process, worked to keep
quality services for the residents, and pushed for the
building of a sallyport behind the Public Safety building
so that arrestees are securely detained. She looks forward
to tackling additional issues in the City.
From her perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: maintaining a high level of service in our City while staying within budget; preserving
the high quality and value of our neighborhoods while
also promoting growth; and supporting families by improving the schools and addressing the needs of our aging residents.
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: promoting a safe community
for all; maintaining a sound infrastructure throughout
the City; and keeping the feel and culture of Richmond
Heights alive with new restaurants, shops, and small business, and, if sensible, larger national retailers.
Danny Hebenstreit is a native St.
Louisan and has resided in Richmond
Heights with his wife and son for the
last five years. Growing up he worked
in his family’s hobby shop where he
gained an appreciation of the needs
and concerns of small businesses.
For the last 36 years, he has been employed by Anheuser Busch. During his
tenure, he served as a shop steward helping to resolve
issues between labor and company.
Mr. Hebenstreit is knowledgeable in construction and
has owned and operated rental property, giving him insight to the needs of both landlords and renters. He is a
strong advocate for education, is civic-minded, and hopes
to contribute to the prosperity of the City.
...continued on page 5
City Council Candidates
District 4 continued...
From his perspective, the three main issues for the City
and its residents include: promoting quality residential
development that is compatible with existing neighborhoods, listening to the concerns of the surrounding residents; finding beneficial shared services to conserve tax
dollars; and exploring the cost and feasibility of expanding the number of parks and athletic fields.
Please vote
April 5th!
Register to vote by March 23rd.
If you are unable to vote in person,
please vote absentee ballot.
News from
Foresty, Parks, & Public Works
Leaf Compost and Wood Chips Delivery Program
Leaf mulch deliveries for March & April 2016 can
be reserved at THE HEIGHTS front desk or by calling
314.645.1476. The fees for delivery (truckload or maximum of 7 cubic yards) are: $50 in Richmond Heights; $60
in Maplewood, Brentwood, Clayton, and Ladue; $75 in
Shrewsbury, Webster Groves, Rock Hill, Frontenac, Huntleigh Woods, and University City.
Street Tree Planting and Maintenance Program
The City owns and maintains approximately 7,000 street
trees which have been inventoried and appraised. The
City plants and maintains in the tree lawn between the
curb and city sidewalk at no cost to property owners. Requests for street trees are accepted year-round; once requested, the City Forester will visit the site and select a
tree that is suitable.
Pruning is performed year-round by our award winning
Forestry Division. Structural tree pruning is performed
during the dormant season, but deadwood pruning can
potentially be performed any time of year.
Every street tree is inspected annually by one of our Internationally Certified Arborists. Work orders are then
prioritized and scheduled based on current Best Management Practices, industry standards and guidelines.
...continued on page 6
THE HEIGHTS Happenings
Easter Eggstravaganza / Dog Gone Egg Hunt
Mr. Bunny will be visiting area boys and girls at A.B.
Green Park on Saturday, March 19th. Hunting areas will be
available for ages 3 and under, 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 (all areas will
be peanut free) with over 10,000 eggs. Special prize eggs
will be waiting for lucky hunters. Bring a basket and don’t
be late for this very fun and FREE event! PLEASE ARRIVE
EARLY; hunt begins at 10 a.m. SHARP!
Next, it is the dog’s turn! At 11 am sharp, dogs on a leash
can search for eggs, so grab your camera for some great
photos! Resident: $5/dog; NR $7/dog (one dog/person)
Tween Egg Hunt
Tweens, ages 10-14, here is your chance for your own
Egg Hunt! And it’s in the dark! The event is Friday, March
18th from 7:30-9pm, and includes pizza, refreshments,
and the Egg Hunt at Deer Creek Park. Don’t forget a basket
and a flashlight! Max of 50 teens, with 3 adult chaperones
for the program. Residents: $5, NR: $7.
Free Group Swim Lessons
Children who live in Richmond Heights and Maplewood
now have an opportunity to learn to swim at NO CHARGE.
The only requirement is that the child has never participated in swim lessons at THE HEIGHTS OR MFAC previously. Be sure to sign up soon as there are a limited number
of spots. For more information or to see if you qualify, contact Karen Otto or Morgan Curry at 314.645.1476.
Tons of Transportation
This event is one of PARC’s finest. Boys and girls alike love
to sit in the driver’s seat of all of these huge machines! Join
us for this FREE event at Sunnen Corporation, 3275 S. Big
Bend, 63143, on May 7, from 10am-1pm. Call THE HEIGHTS
for more information.
Adult Flashlight Hunt
If you’re 21 and older, join us at 8pm on Friday, March 25
at Brentwood Memorial Park for some fun as you search in
the dark for tons of eggs and other great prizes. Outdoor
event, dress appropriately, held rain or shine. Don’t forget
a basket and a flashlight. R&NR $10 for pre-registration (on
or before 3/24); $15 at the event. Registration begins at
7:30 pm; must be registered by 8:15 pm; hunt begins at
8:30 pm.
5
2015 Property Tax Rates
At the September 21st meeting, the City Council adopted the 2015 property tax rates for the General Fund, the
Library Fund, and the Police and Fire Pension Fund.
The tax rates for residential property in Richmond
Heights will be:
* General Fund $0.287
* Library Fund $0.187
* Pension Fund $0.315
* Total Levy $0.789
These rates are charged based on $100 of a property’s
assessed value. The Total 2015 Residential levy is $0.01
lower than the 2014 levy, resulting in reduction of taxes
in the amount of $1.90 for a home with appraised value of
$100,000 for City services.
The State has verified the tax rates.
For more information on City Finances, check out pages
7-14 for the award-winning Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.
RH Memorial Library awarded
Storytime Plus Grant
The Richmond Heights Memorial Library has been
awarded a $2,500 Storytime Plus Grant for books, music,
and story time enhancements, all designed to involve
parents in early literacy efforts that include reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing with their young children. This grant is made possible in part by the Institute
of Museum and Library Services and Technology Act as
administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of
the Office of the Secretary of State.
Check out Library’s Baby and Toddler Stories program
with Kim every Monday at 9:15 or 10 a.m., except holidays! Drop in for stories, songs, and more!
Veterans Memorial Statues
On November 11, 2015, the Veterans Memorial Committee honored veterans of both Iraq Wars. Mayor James Beck
led the ceremony while Councilman Rick Vilcek spoke eloquently about the Iraq Wars and its
veterans. A cannon salute was made
by Joe Adams and Project Blue Light
group. Statues depicting modern
soldiers (pictured) in various poses
were also dedicated at the event. All
are welcome to see the new statues,
sit and honor veterans, and peruse
the memorial pavers. Space is still
available to honor a veteran in your
life by purchasing inscribed bricks as a permanent part of
the Memorial grounds.
The Committee’s next ceremony will be May 26, 2016, at
5:30 pm to honor those who served in Afghanistan. All veterans and general public are invited. Mid-County Veterans
Memorial Gazebo, THE HEIGHTS grounds, 8001 Dale Ave.
For more information, please call 314-884-7527, visit the website at www.vetsmemorial.org, or like them on Facebook!
6
News from
Foresty, Parks, & Public Works
continued...
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is here!
The EAB is a non-native insect that feeds on Ash trees
(Fraxinus spp.) and Fringe trees (Chionanthus virginicus).
EAB was first detected in the U.S. in 2002 and has now
spread to over 13 states with devastating consequences.
In early 2015, EAB was found in the St. Louis area within 6
miles of Richmond Heights and now is the time for property owners to take action if you haven’t already. The City
has been preparing for this inevitable invasion by hosting
educational workshops and providing educational literature.
How Do I Identify It?
Dead and or dying branches in the upper canopy of ash
trees are generally the first sign of an infestation. Small 1/8
inch diameter, D-shaped holes may
be seen in the bark where adult
beetles have emerged. When bark
is removed sawdust-filled tunnels
or galleries are present where the
insect larvae have been feeding.
½ inch whitish larvae may be seen
in the tunnels. Adult beetles are a
slender, 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, with
bright emerald-green wing covers. Woodpeckers feeding
on ash trees excavating holes to harvest the burrowing
larvae can also be an indicator that an ash tree is infested.
St. Louis area homeowners can also call the St. Louis Emerald Ash Borer Hotline on (866) 716-9974 (toll-free).
More information can be found at
www.emeraldashborer.info.
For inquiries about any of these programs or other tree-related issues, contact the City Forester at
314.655.3656 or tbrunsman@richmondheights.org.
RHPD Report
Have you visited our City’s Police Department website at www.rhpolice.org?
You can subscribe to neighborhood NIXLE alerts, daily residential vacation checks,
and link to the department’s upcoming Facebook page.
Also, you can review weekly crime summaries, give feedback through the Citizen Satisfaction Survey, and check
for upcoming events like the RHPF Golf Tournament and
Trivia Night.
On April 8, 2016, the Richmond Heights Police Department will be hosting its 18th Annual Trivia Night to raise
money for Special Olympics. The P.A.C.T. (Police And Community Together) Unit has been in existence for nearly
twenty-one years and has partnered with Special Olympics ever since. The trivia night will begin at 7 pm at THE
HEIGHTS, 8001 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, MO 63117.
Tables seat 8 at $10 per person. The trivia night this year
will be music trivia with a new emcee. As always, there
will be raffles after each round, and t-shirts will be available for purchase for $10 each. Bring your own refreshments, but soda and chips will be provided.
City Council Actions
ORDINANCES
Bill #5444: Approves the final plat for a minor subdivision dividing a certain piece of property of 54,264
square feet at 9052 Clayton road into three separate
lots as sought by 9052 Clayton road, LLC, Rob Soper and
Charles Shagrin, principals to create three buildable
lots; each lot at least 18,000 square feet in size.
Bill #5454: Amends ordinance #4788, the Municipal
Code of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, to comply with Missouri Senate Bill # 5; relating to penalties,
court procedures, and speeding violations.
Bill #5455: Amends ordinance #4788, “the Municipal
Code of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri”, chapter 130; section 130.020 and 130.060, relating to open
Bill #5445: Amends section 140.030, court costs, gener- meetings and records.
ally; subsection (a)(13) of the Municipal Code of the City
of Richmond Heights, Missouri, by adding (d.), public Bill #5456: Imposes a local use tax at the same rate as
defender.
the local sales tax of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri for purchases from out-of-state vendors that exBill #5446 (Emergency Measure): Levies and establishes ceed two thousand dollars.
the rate of annual taxes for municipal purposes to be
collected in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for
RESOLUTIONS
the year 2015.
Resolution 15-09: Appoints Michele Kopolow, Michael
Bill #5447 (Emergency Measure): Levies and establishes Pratl, A. Earl Wendt, Glenn Henninger, Glenn Powers
the rate of annual taxes for Library purposes to be col- and Pamela Reitz, to office as members of the Tax Increlected in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri, for the ment Financing Commission of the City of Richmond
year 2015.
Heights, Missouri.
Bill #5448 (Emergency Measure): Levies and establishes Resolution 15-10: Appoints Georgia Streett, a resident
the rate of annual taxes for the Police and Firemen Re- citizen, to office as a member of the Public Library Board
tirement Fund to be collected in the City of Richmond of Trustees; to a term ending July 1, 2018.
Heights, Missouri, for the year 2015.
Resolution 15-11: Reappoints L. Andrew Franke, Kurt R.
Bill #5449: Amends ordinance #5396 the 2014-2015 fis- Kerns, and Michael Pratl, all resident citizens, to office as
cal year budget (Amendment #1).
members of the Plan and Zoning Commission; each to a
term ending November 1, 2018.
Bill #5450: Approves a site plan review, preliminary and
final development plan for a portion of the City of Rich- Resolution 15-12: Reappoints A. Earl Wendt and James
mond Heights, Missouri located along northwest corner Renz, both resident citizens, to office as members of the
of Eager and McCutcheon roads to allow Phase II con- Plan and Zoning Commission; each to a term ending
struction of four apartment buildings and classified as a November 1, 2017.
planned residential zoning district.
Resolution 15-13: Reappoints Georgia Rusan, Mark W.
Bill #5451: Amends ordinance #4788, the Municipal Westfall, Susan M. Ferrara, and Ken Gordon, all resident
Code of the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri; chapter citizens, to office as members of the Board of Adjust405 zoning regulations; amending the district map by ment and Appeals; each to a term ending November 1,
changing the zoning classification of a certain parcel of 2020.
property, generally located at 1107 East Linden Avenue
in the City of Richmond Heights, Missouri from R-2A sin- Resolution 15-14: Appoints Barbara Summers, a resigle-family residential to planned development residen- dent citizen, to office as a member of the Plan and Zontial district to allow for construction of 42 townhomes. ing Commission, to a term ending May 1, 2018.
Bill #5452: Approves a site plan review, preliminary and
final development plan for property located at 1107
East Linden Avenue in the City of Richmond Heights,
Missouri classified as a planned residential zoning district in order to construct 42 town homes.
Bill #5453: Approves the final plat for boundary adjustment consolidating numerous tracts of contiguous
property to new lot “a” and lot “b” as described herein;
being part of lots 12 through 17 and 32, all of lots 33
through 40 and part of the 15 foot wide alley in block 1
of Francis place and part of lots 26 through 35 in block
3 of Darstmoor, a subdivision of in the City of Richmond
Heights, Missouri, St. Louis County, Missouri.
Resolution 15-15: Appoints Connie Williams, a resident
citizen, to office as an alternate member of the Board
of Adjustment and Appeals, to fulfill an unexpired term
ending September 1, 2016.
Resolution 15-16: Reappoints Timothy day and Stephen
P. Holmes, both resident citizens, to office as members
of the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fire Retirement Fund, to a term ending December 4, 2017.
Resolution 15-17: Reappoints Mark F. Mueller, a resident
citizen, to office as a member of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals; to a term ending November 1, 2020.
If you have questions about any ordinance or resolution,
please contact Deputy City Clerk Pat Villmer at 314-6454595 or email pvillmer@richmondheights.org.
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PAFR
City Hall
1330 S. Big Bend Blvd.
Richmond Heights MO,
63117
James J. Beck, Mayor
District 1
Matt Casey
Rob Jacknewitz
Council Members
District 2
Reginald Finney
Rick Vilcek
District 3
Ed Notter
Megan Moylan
District 4
Camille Greenwald
Daniel Sebben
CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MO
POPULAR ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2015
City Website/Facebook/Twitter
www.richmondheights.org
https://www.facebook.com/RichmondHeightsMO
https://twitter.com/richmondhghtsmo
Police Website
http://rhpolice.org/
THE HEIGHTS Recreation Center Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeightsRH/
8
PAFR
Citizens of Richmond Heights,
The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) has been prepared by the Finance Department to present the City’s financial position to the citizens of Richmond Heights in a condensed and easy to read format. The information provided in this report was
taken from the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). A copy of the CAFR is available at the City Hall or on the
City’s Web site by navigating to Departments ˃ Finance ˃ Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
The City received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting for the June 30, 2014 Fiscal Year Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the 25 th consecutive year.
The City received the GFOA award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, for the June 30, 2014
Fiscal Year, for the second consecutive year. To the best of our knowledge, the information presented herein is accurate in all
material respects and presents fairly the financial position and results of operations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and fairness of the data presented rests with the City. The PAFR is prepared in accordance with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards.
ABOUT THE CITY
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
The City is a Home Rule Charter
form of government adopted in
1987. The Mayor and eight Council
Members (The Council), serving
alternate four year terms, formulate
policies for the proper administration
of the City. All legislative power and
policy-making authority rests with
The Council.
The Council appoints the City Manager who is responsible for the dayto-day administration of all city operations.
In order to receive an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, a government
unit must publish a Popular Annual Financial Report, whose contents conform to program standards of creativity,
presentation, understandability and
reader appeal.
STATISTICAL DATA
Year Incorporated:
1913
Form of Government:
Council/City Manager
Area in Square Miles:
3
Miles of Streets:
33
Total Police Personnel:
41
Total Fire Personnel:
24
Total Other Personnel:
250
S&P Bond Rating: AA+
Sources: City Records and
US Census Bureau at
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/
states/29/2961706.html
Table of Contents
Financial Activity Statement
Revenues
Expenditures
Fund Types
Fund Balances
Fund Balance Policy
Detail of Major Funds
Looking Ahead
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The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has given an Award for
Outstanding Achievement in Popular
Annual Financial Reporting to The City
of Richmond Heights for its Popular
Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal
Year ended June 30, 2014. The Award
for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a
prestigious national award recognizing
conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local
government popular reports.
The City provides a comprehensive
range of quality municipal services
including zoning, planning, public
safety, administration of justice,
community development, economic
development, recreation, forestry,
roadway maintenance/improvement,
building inspection, and general administration.
Population 2010:
8,603
Per Capita Income:
$49,883
Median Household Income:
$62,929
Median Age:
38.6
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Total Housing Units:
4,680
Median Value of OwnerOccupied Housing Units
$241,400
Retail Sales, 2015:
$426,020,510
Retail Sales per Capita:
$49,520
Principal Employers:
SSM Health Care
Macy’s Department Store
City of Richmond Heights
Schnucks Markets
Nordstrom, Inc.
Dillard’s, Inc.
Cheesecake Factory
Momentum N.A., Inc.
Apple, Inc.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
PAFR
Financial Activity
The table of Revenues and Expenditures
for All Government Fund Types provides a
comparison between the current and prior
Fiscal Years.
Revenues
Overall revenues were $120,375 higher in
the current year. Some revenue sources
that saw a change are;
 Sales Tax revenues increased
$190,492. The City has strong commercial retail areas which generate
sales tax revenues, most notably the
St. Louis Galleria, The Boulevard St.
Louis, and Richmond Center. Standard & Poors, in their October 2015
report on the City of Richmond
Heights, viewed the City’s per capita
retail sales at 262% of the national
level. Even with this strong commercial base this revenue source is volatile. Economic fluctuations, competing
regional commercial retail areas, and
periods of vacancy due to business
turnover are some factors that influence this revenue source. It is important that the City maintain diverse
revenue sources to weather fluctuations.
 Intergovernmental revenues were
down slightly at $109,227. In the prior
year the City received a $246,693 for
the Veteran’s Memorial Gazebo, a
similar grant was not received in FY
2015. Street grants were comparable
in the current and prior year with a
slight variance of $8,190. The City
received grant revenues during the
2015 fiscal year primarily due to the
Dale Avenue Streetscape project
$588,671 and the Wise Ave. street
reconstruction project $314,819.


CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MISSOURI
ALL GOVERNMENT FUND TYPES
Change in Net Position
2015
2014
2013
REVENUES
Property Taxes
Sales Taxes
2,991,583
10,651,737
2,918,383
10,461,245
2,870,594
10,878,304
Utility Taxes
1,745,272
1,803,616
1,792,908
Licenses & Permits
Fines
1,539,468
482,146
1,199,258
700,189
1,214,427
763,523
Charges for Services
Intergovernmental
2,162,962
2,126,773
2,105,678
2,236,000
2,110,458
1,240,003
Investment Income
118,621
183,669
111,337
Contract Income
Miscellaneous
20,204
375,787
19,931
466,209
1,400,282
714,202
22,214,553
22,094,178
23,096,038
General Government
3,697,292
3,700,877
4,921,147
Public Safety
7,371,076
7,397,201
7,088,963
Public Works
1,627,805
1,686,846
1,596,639
Parks & Recreation
3,189,129
3,282,606
3,194,663
Capital Outlay
2,402,582
3,165,921
3,432,139
Debt Service
4,544,920
7,305,426
4,646,847
22,832,804
26,538,877
24,880,398
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Total Revenues
EXPENDITURES
Total Expenditures
OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES)
Capital Asset Sale Proceeds
107,985
3,765,142
Net Changes in Fund Balance
(510,266)
(679,557)
(1,784,360)
Fund Balances at July 1
19,417,239
20,096,796
21,881,156
Fund Balance at June 30
18,906,973
19,417,239
20,096,796
Licenses & Permits increased $340,210. This is primarily due to construction permits for Manhassett Village $226,213
and Menards $72,506.
Court Fines & Costs were $218,043 lower than the prior year. This decrease is due in part to fewer tickets issued as
staffing levels were reduced during the year.
Expenditures
Overall expenditures were $3,706,073 lower in the current year. This is primarily due to the early payoff of the Manhassett
Village NID Series 2006 Bonds in the prior year. Additionally, Capital Outlay expenditures were down $763,339. Street improvement expenditures were $185,785 lower in the current year. Some other non-recurring expenditures that occurred during the prior year were: The Veteran’s Memorial Gazebo $329,070, AB Green Tennis Court reconstruction $148,840, and
pool resurfacing $79,300.
Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Another significant non-recurring change in the net position was from the sale of land in the prior year. The property, located
in the Hadley Township Redevelopment Area, was sold to Menards where their new Home Improvement Center is being
constructed. The former Public Works & Parks facility and storage yard were located on part of the land that was sold A
significant portion of these proceeds are being used to construct the new Public Works & Parks facility.
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PAFR
REVENUES
Sales Taxes








Sales Taxes make up almost half of the City’s revenues. The local sales tax rates charged on retail sales are:
 1% County Point of Sale—share approximately 30% with St. Louis County and B Cities, also called ‘Pool” cities
 0.25% Local Option—share approximately 14.25% with St. Louis County and B Cities
 0.25% Fire & Emergency Services— not subject to sharing
 0.50% Parks & Storm Water— not subject to sharing
 0.50% Capital Improvements—share 15% with St. Louis County and B Cities
Property Taxes are the next largest revenue source. The General Fund’s Residential, Commercial, and Personal Property tax rates are all $0.29 per $100 of assessed value.
Charges for Services are primarily received from recreation services. They make up 84% of all charges for services.
Other sources of this revenue are ambulance services 10.7%, and sewer lateral repairs 5.3%.
License & Permits are made up of approximately 81.4% from merchant, business, liquor & vehicle licenses, and 18.6%
from building permits.
Fines are received from traffic tickets, parking tickets, crime victim’s compensation, bond forfeitures, false alarms, DWI
recoupment and court costs. Per state statute RSMo 302.341.2 revenues received from traffic violation fines and court
costs shall be below 30%. Effective August 28,2015 Senate Bill 5 went into effect. This law states that starting January
1, 2016 no more than 12.5% of a St. Louis County Municipality’s general operating revenue can come from minor traffic
violation cases. The revenues from all types of court costs were 2.1% of total City revenues and 4.37% of the City’s
General revenues.
Utility Taxes are received from gross receipts tax on the sale of natural gas, water & phone at 6%, electric at 5.625%,
and cable at 5%.
Intergovernmental revenues are received from gasoline tax, motor vehicle fees, cigarette tax, and grants. Approximately 45% of these revenues were from grant proceeds.
The remaining 2.3% is received from a reimbursement from East Central Dispatch Center (ECDC) for office space rental
(0.1%), Investment Income earned on the City’s excess cash (0.5%) and various miscellaneous other sources (1.7%).
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PAFR
EXPENDITURES

Public Safety accounts for approximately 32% of the City’s total expenditures. Approximately 90% of these are for employee salaries and benefits.
The remaining 10% covers professional services, prisoner detention, supplies, building & equipment maintenance.

General Government includes expenditures for employee salaries & benefits 32%, solid waste disposal 28%, professional services 13%, liability &
workers compensation insurance premiums 9%, street lighting 5%, legal services 5%, and supplies, building & equipment maintenance 8%.

Parks & Recreation includes expenditures for employee salaries & benefits 60%, maintenance of The Heights Recreation facility 14%, Maplewood
Family Aquatic Center (MFAC) outdoor pool 7%, instructors & sports officials 6%, professional services 3%, and programs, supplies, insurance, &
equipment maintenance 10%.

Public Works includes expenditures for employee salaries & benefits 79%, sewer lateral repairs 7%, snow removal 4%, building repairs & maintenance 3%, and professional services, supplies, equipment & vehicle maintenance 7%.

The primary Capital Outlay expenditure in 2015 was 64% for Infrastructure improvements. Approximately $903,490 in grant proceeds and $315,084
in County Road & Bridge Taxes were received to pay for the street improvements. Other capital expenditures included construction of the new Public
Works & Parks Facility 11%, reconstruction of the AB Green Basketball courts and Pavilion 4%, vehicles 4%, computer equipment, upgrades &
maintenance 10%, and machinery, equipment, & other improvements 7%.

Debt Service principle & interest payments account for 20% of the total expenditures. The outstanding debt at year end were:

Certificate of Participation (COPs) – proceeds used for construction of the Heights, Public Safety and Public Works facilities. These debts will be
retired in 2017



Series 2009 - $865,000
Special Obligation Bonds (SOB) and Build America Bonds (BAB) – proceeds used for various capital expenditures including vehicles, Information Technology, and road construction.


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Series 2005 - $4,775,000
SOB Series 2010 - $660,000. This debt will be retired in 2018.
SOB-BAB Series 2010A - $2,770,000. This debt will be retired in 2030.

Francis Place Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Transportation Development District (TDD) Bond Series 2005 – proceeds used for improvements in public areas in the Francis Place project area, also know as The Boulevard. This debt is payable solely from Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) and Economic Activity Taxes (EAT) in the project area. These bonds do not constitute a general obligation of the City. It is anticipated this debt will be retired in 2025.

Manhassett Village Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) Series 2012 – proceeds used for McKnight Rd. improvements. This debt will be
retired in 2026. $2,385,000.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades lease – proceeds used for energy efficient HVAC and lighting upgrades. This debt will be retired in 2027.
$1,826,914.64.
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PAFR
Fund Types
Governmental Funds – Most of the City’s basic services are included in the governmental funds, which focus on 1) how
cash and other financial assets, that can readily be converted to cash, flow in and out and 2) the balances left at the yearend that are available for spending.



General Fund: This fund is the general operating fund of the City. It is used to account for all financial resources except
those required to be accounted for in another fund.
Restricted Funds: These funds receive revenues that are dedicated to a specific operation per statute. The funds are
used to account for all financial transactions related to revenues and expenditures for their specified purpose. The City’s
restricted funds include: Fire & Emergency Services Fund, PARCs and Storm Water Fund, and Capital Projects
Fund & Sewer Later Fund.
Debt Service Fund: This fund is used to account for the accumulation of resources for the payment of general longterm debt principal, interest, and related costs.
Fiduciary Funds – The City is the trustee, or fiduciary, for its public safety employees’ pension plan. The City is responsible
for ensuring that the assets reported in this fund are used for their intended purposes. The City excludes these activities
from the City’s government-wide financial statements because the City cannot use these assets to finance its operations.
This fund is not included in the PAFR.
The City also has a component unit – the Richmond Heights Memorial Library. Although legally separate, the City is financially accountable for the Library. The Library component unit is not included in the PAFR.
Fund Balance Policy
The City’s minimum reserve policy is 25% of annual expenditures and transfers in each Fund. The overall goal is to maintain
a 33% reserve. It is prudent to have sufficient reserves to continue providing quality services to residents without increasing
taxes. These strong reserve balances have kept the City solvent.
The City’s Fire and Emergency Services Fund does not generate sufficient revenues to cover their annual expenses, therefore, requiring a transfer from the General Fund to balance the accounts. As a result of this mandatory transfer the Fire and
Emergency Services Fund is included with the General Fund when calculating the reserve.
All of the Government Fund Types met the minimum required Fund Balance at June 30, 2015, the fiscal year end.
Fund
General & Fire Service
Funds Combined
PARC & Storm Water Fund
Reserve %
59.21%
52.65%
Fund
Debt Service Fund
Capital Projects
Other Governmental Funds
Reserve %
75.31%
226.93%
333.28%
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PAFR
Detail for Major Funds
Change in Net Position
7
14
PAFR
Exciting Things to Look Forward to in the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year
New Fire Pumper in Service November 2015
New Public Works & Parks Facility
Completed February 2016
Menards Opening March 2016
St. Louis Galleria New Store Openings Winter 2016
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The City’s CAFR provides more detailed information and includes the Independent Auditors Report. The CAFR is prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which are uniform minimum standards and guidelines for financial accounting and
reporting in the United States. It follows Governmental accounting and financial reporting statements, interpretations and technical
bulletins issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and other financial standards that are issued by state and
local statutes.
The 2015 Fiscal Year CAFR is available on the City’s website at www.richmondheights.org or by contacting the City of Richmond Heights
Finance Department at 1330 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights, MO 63117.
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15
Time-sensitive mail:
Please deliver by February 15, 2016
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Louis, MO
Permit No. 495
1330 S. Big Bend Blvd.
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
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City Departments
City Hall
1330 S. Big Bend Blvd.
Main Number............................................ 314-645-0404
Office of the City Manager................... 314-645-4595
Building Department............................. 314-646-7658
Finance Department.............................. 314-655-3550
Public Safety
7447 Dale Ave.
Dispatch.......................................................314-645-3000
Fire Department........................................314-645-8800
Municipal Court........................................ 314-645-1982
Police Department................................... 314-655-3573
THE HEIGHTS
8001 Dale Ave.
Memorial Library...................................... 314-645-6202
Parks and Recreation.............................. 314-645-1476
Public Works
7997 Elinor Ave.
Main Number............................................. 314-645-2277
Richmond Heights
City Council
Mayor James Beck
jbeck@richmondheights.org
314-954-7660
Important Phone Numbers
Ameren Missouri............................................. 800-552-7583
Laclede Gas Company.................................. 314-621-6960
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District...... 314-768-6260
Missouri American Water............................. 866-430-0820
PARC Van Service............................................ 314-655-3667
Republic Waste Services.............................. 636-947-5959
Sewer Lateral Replacement........................ 314-267-5477
St. Louis County main number.................. 314-615-5000
Voter Registration.......................................... 314-615-1800
Council Member Matt Casey
mcasey@richmondheights.org
314-647-3696
District 1
District 2
Council Member Reginald Finney
rfinney@richmondheights.org
314-795-6126
Council Member Ed Notter
enotter@richmondheights.org
314-781-3707
District 3
District 4
Council Member Daniel Sebben
dsebben@richmondheights.org
314-991-3832
16
Council Member Rob Jacknewitz
rjacknewitz@richmondheights.org
314-581-7774
Council Member Rick Vilcek
rvilcek@richmondheights.org
314-645-3034
Council Member Megan Moylan
mmoylan@richmondheights.org
314-348-7191
Council Member Camille Greenwald
cgreenwald@richmondheights.org
314-989-0753