Public Meetings - Crestwood, Missouri

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting covered presentations on membership fee schedules for The Cliffs at Whitecliff Park and the Aquatic Center, a public comment on the Whitecliff Park nature playscape, reports from city staff and aldermen, and a strategic plan discussion on connectivity and lighting policies. Several consent agenda items were approved, and three items were removed for separate discussion: the Aquatic Center fee resolution, The Cliffs membership and daily fee schedule, and the citywide fee schedule ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approval of the June 23rd Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting Minutes, and records of Special Meetings on June 25th, 26th, and July 8th. - A resolution to approve a grant application to the Municipal Park Grant Commission of St. Louis County for the Whitecliff Park Playground. - An ordinance authorizing the purchase of equipment from Kompan and ABC Creative for a new nature playscape at Whitecliff Park through TIPS and OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing. - An ordinance approving a supplemental agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for sidewalk design and construction through the Transportation Improvement Program. - An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Enterprise Sewer and Drain for additional compensation not to exceed $40,000. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident (unidentified, but stated address) expressed concern about the proposed nature playscape at Whitecliff Park, noting that the planned 50’x60’ artificial turf area conflicted with the city’s conservation goals and stewardship standards. They proposed replacing the turf with a native plant garden for pollinators and butterflies. Mayor responded that the plan is still evolving and that some of the requested elements will be included in the next version. Discussion Items - Presentation on Membership Fee Schedule for The Cliffs at Whitecliff Park: Director Ramirez presented a year-long review comparing costs with nearby community centers (Sunset Hills, Webster Groves, etc.) and private clubs. Proposed fees for The Cliffs-only membership: resident monthly $30, annual $330; non-resident monthly $39, annual $429; resident family (up to 4) monthly $49, annual $539; non-resident family monthly $65, annual $715. Platinum membership (includes aquatic center, fitness classes, child care) proposed at resident annual $445, non-resident $650; family resident $850, non-resident $1,190. Daily drop-in fees were proposed at $5 resident/$8 non-resident. Multiple aldermen supported increases to daily fees to better align with competitors (e.g., Sunset Hills $7/$10). Alderman Sevens noted that the park board recommended standardizing discounts (e.g., annual memberships effectively give one month free). The board discussed adding a family add-on for additional members beyond four ($60/year, resident and non-resident same). - Strategic Plan – Connectivity and Lighting Policy Discussion: Mayor led a discussion on developing a connectivity and lighting policy to define priority corridors for sidewalks and streetlights. A map showed existing sidewalks and proposed priority corridors (in red) connecting parks, schools, and churches. Aldermen suggested additions: extending Pardee Road sidewalk to Grant’s Farm Trails, filling gaps on Red Oak, Glenwood, Sanders, and connecting Grant’s Trail to Whitecliff Park. Alderman May advised caution to avoid overly ambitious corridors that may never be built; Alderman Morrison distinguished between pathway lighting and roadway lighting, urging staff to study best practices from other cities. Mayor confirmed staff will refine the map and bring back a formal policy later in the fall. Key Outcomes - The Cliffs Membership & Daily Fee Schedule (Resolution): Alderman May moved to set daily rates at $6 for residents and $10 for non-residents (amending the original proposal of $5/$8). The motion carried unanimously (8-0). The resolution as amended was then approved by roll call (8-0). - Aquatic Center Fee Increase (Resolution): After discussion about the impact of a $45 increase on families, the resolution approving the fee schedule was passed unanimously (8-0). - Citywide Fee Schedule Ordinance (as amended): Alderman May successfully moved to keep the reinspection surcharge at $75 (instead of reducing it to $50). The motion carried (8-0). The ordinance as amended was then read twice and passed on each reading by an 8-0 vote. - Other Consent Agenda Items: All consent agenda items were approved by a single roll call vote (8-0) after no further items were removed. - Future Action: Staff will update the connectivity map with aldermanic suggestions and present a formal sidewalk and lighting policy later in 2026. Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as July 28, 2026, but the user-provided meeting date is July 29, 2026. The summary uses the date given in the instruction.

The Crestwood Public Safety Board met on July 28, 2026 (original agenda and minutes indicate July 27, 2026; the provided timestamp uses July 28). Chair Rich Bland called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The board approved the minutes from March 23, 2026, heard one public comment, received a comprehensive Fire Chief’s report, an Aldermanic update, and adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: A motion by Matthew Koehler, seconded by Jaclyn Hendrickson, to approve the March 23, 2026 Public Safety Board minutes passed on a unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Naily Kutz (8630 and working drive) expressed gratitude for the city’s tree trimming along the creek, stating it makes walking easier during strong winds. Discussion Items - Fire Chief’s Report – Chief Ryan Harrell delivered a detailed presentation on his first six months in office, outlining progress on five strategic priorities: operational excellence, people and culture, healthy community, financial stewardship, and strategic partnerships. Key initiatives included: - Updating the policy and procedure manual (nonexistent when he started) - Standardizing EMS onboarding and adopting Fire Ground Safety Initiative (FGSI) guidelines - Modernizing technology (PS Tracks software for asset tracking, digital time cards) - Hiring a shared field inspector with Public Works to ensure consistent inspections (previously three deputy chiefs conducted inspections inconsistently) - Increasing recruitment: 28 qualified applicants compared to 6 in the prior hiring cycle (a 375% increase) - Establishing succession planning and development for future leaders - Partnering with Mercy South Hospital; community health survey identified top concerns: mental health (38%), child motor vehicle accidents, depression/anxiety/alcohol use, and cardiac conditions - Expanding AED/CPR programs, certifying 7 instructors, updating expired AEDs, joining Pulse Point app to alert citizen responders within 15 seconds of dispatch - Improving fitness facilities (adding showers) and providing mental health support via Critical Incident Stress debriefing after a sentinel event - Proposing an updated EMS fee schedule to align with market rates (to be presented to the Board of Aldermen); no change to resident billing policy - Rewriting the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in user-friendly language while maintaining FEMA compliance - Establishing partnerships with state emergency management, STARS regional deployment, and group purchasing - Statistics: Year-to-date emergency calls: 968 (951 last year); EMS calls: 666 (same as prior year). - Questions and discussion: Board members queried mutual aid reciprocity, revenue implications of EMS transports, reliance on grants (Chief supports reduced dependency but may need grants for equipment replacement in 3-5 years), asset tracking for AEDs, and inspection process consistency (written reports available via online portal). The new inspection model separates annual fire/life safety inspections (fire department) from building construction inspections (shared inspector). Chief confirmed no change to resident collection practices. - Aldermanic Report – Alderperson Rebecca Now and Alderman Jesse Morrison provided updates: - New City Administrator David Wheedler (from Kirkwood) appointed; praised as a qualified candidate. - Interim Alderperson Kitty Nangle Lorm appointed to fill vacancy left by Mr. Ballis. - Development updates: Crestwood Crossing (ground broken on eastern end of Watson), Valvoline at Crestview Plaza, Dutch Brothers (coffee) near Sturdy, Dunkin’ Donuts completed, 8800 Watson fully demolished (construction beginning). - Capital Improvement Plan and asset management study approved to enable long-term planning. - Sappington House Foundation: floor laid, logs to be delivered soon; on schedule. - New recreation center ($20M) nearly roofed, progressing well. - Traffic calming measures on Liggett Road: first island installation began (forms stolen mid-day, to resume tomorrow). Additional islands planned. - Alderperson Now invited board members to the 5th Annual Crestwood Summer Soirée on July 31, 2026 to recognize volunteer service. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: March 23, 2026 minutes approved. - No New Business: No additional items were introduced. - Adjournment: Motion by Sarah Struckhoff, seconded by Matthew Koehler, passed by voice vote; meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

This meeting was scheduled as a public hearing and discussion session of the Crestwood Board of Adjustment. According to the agenda, the meeting was originally listed for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM; however, the provided meeting timestamp indicates July 17, 2026, 16:15:00 UTC. The discrepancy is noted because no verified recording or minutes are available. Record Availability and Discrepancy Notice - No meeting minutes were provided. - No recording exists because of a technical difficulty, so no transcript is available. - The agenda date (July 16, 2026) conflicts with the supplied meeting timestamp (July 17, 2026). Scheduled Agenda Items - Public Hearing – BZA-5-26: 7700 Cloverlea Drive – The agenda lists a public hearing for this property. Supporting materials include a Board of Adjustment application, a staff memo dated July 2, 2026, development code Section 26-17F4 standards, a boundary and improvements survey, a written statement and plans, St. Louis County real estate information and parcel viewer data, mailing labels, and the Chapter 26 Development Code. - Discussion – BZA Variance Extension Request: 1001 Ferndale – The agenda lists a variance extension request submitted by Bjornson; the request document was included as an attachment. No public comments, testimony, motion, vote, or official action could be summarized because no recording, minutes, or transcript were produced for this meeting. As a result, the substantive presentations and board deliberations for these agenda items remain unverified.

Note on Date Discrepancy: The agenda and transcript confirm the meeting occurred on July 15, 2026, though the system instruction indicated July 16, 2026. This summary uses the actual meeting date. The Crestwood Public Works Board convened on July 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting focused on a detailed review of the city's sewer lateral program, which faces projected funding shortfalls within five to six years. After extensive discussion, the board voted to recommend a reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap, pending final approval by the Board of Aldermen. The director also provided updates on numerous capital projects. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March 11, 2026 Public Works Board meeting were approved unanimously. Commissioner Schwantner abstained because he was not present at the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Director's Report - Staff Updates: City Administrator Chris Simpson left in January 2026; Dave Weidler will start in August 2026. Police Chief Williams served as interim. Public works is hiring one street maintenance worker and a new code enforcement officer (replacing Kentz, who was promoted to building inspector). - Community Center: Opening late spring 2027. The existing center (approx. 200 sq ft) will be replaced by a new 4,300 sq ft facility. The roof is nearly complete. - Government Center Projects: New generator installation set for fall 2026; safety vestibules for the city clerk's office and public works admin will be built August–September, with bullet-resistant glass and drywall. Capital asset report kickoff meeting scheduled for July 16. - Citywide Signage: Part of a rebranding effort to add directional signage and update park signs (some from the 1970s). Scope still being finalized. - Sanders Property Buyout: Demolition moving forward after abatement; grading and seeding expected by fall. - Concrete Slab Work: On track to be completed before school starts. Two slabs on Clay Avenue had to be replaced due to quality issues; city staff are monitoring pours daily. - Sidewalk Projects: Spellman Park along Samoa Drive in right-of-way acquisition; Crest Oak Sidewalk Project applied for TAP grant, decision expected fall. - Gravely Creek Bank Stabilization: Project to go out to bid in July; anticipated on August agenda for board approval. - Upcoming Policies: Connectivity and lighting, permitted inspections (2024 building codes), capital improvement policy, Comprehensive Plan 10-year update, feasibility of Camera Rico Industrial Connection, and Watson Industrial Park items. Aldermanic Report (Megan Janella) - The community center rental plan (keeping half of the existing center for pickleball) is financially infeasible; the entire structure will be torn down and replaced with a smaller restroom and shelter structure for the amphitheater. - Liggett traffic calming effort is over budget; alternative options are being explored. - Fifth Annual Summer Soirée will be held Friday, July 31, 5–8 PM at the Barn. All board members and commissioners are invited. Discussion Items: Sewer Lateral Program Changes - Program Overview: The sewer lateral program was established by voter approval in August 1998, with a $28 annual fee per household. The city covers the first $10,000 of repairs (up to a maximum of $10,000, then 50/50 cost share for amounts above). Most homes in Crestwood use clay pipes with a 50-year life expectancy; many are now past that age. - Financial Trends: Over the past five years, the city averaged about 45 repairs per year, costing $110,000. In 2025, 100 applications led to 50 repairs costing $140,000. In 2026 (to date), 80 applications with 46 repairs; projected annual revenue $140,000 but projected expenditures $170,000–175,000. The reserve fund is adequate for now but will be depleted in 5–6 years if trends continue. - Options Presented by Director Faust: 1. Raise annual fee from $28 to $50 – requires voter approval. Could raise revenue to $250,000/year. 2. Add an application fee – could discourage some use and raise $20,000 (if $200 per application). 3. Lower the fund limit – e.g., cap city payments at $3,000 (most repairs fall under this, but a few exceed it). 4. Cost-sharing – require residents to pay 10–25% of repair cost. 5. Reimbursement model – city reimburses residents up to a set amount (e.g., $2,500) after they arrange and pay for the repair themselves. This reduces staff time, gives residents control over contractor and grading, and allows reimbursement for exterior cleanouts (up to $1,500). A 10-year gap between reimbursements would be established. - Board Discussion: - Commissioner Schwantner shared his experience paying $3,500 out-of-pocket for a sewer lateral repair in St. George before the program existed, noting the program is valuable but residents need to share responsibility. - Commissioner Liddy noted that without a fee increase, any reduction in benefits only delays insolvency by a few years. He suggested a combined approach: increase revenue and reform benefits. - Commissioner Welge expressed concern about raising taxes given recent approvals and fatigue; proposed starting with the reimbursement model as an incremental step. - Commissioner Berbar suggested that an application fee might burden residents at a time of need, but cost-sharing for camera work could be acceptable. - Commissioner Janella noted that indexing fees to inflation would require a specific number on the ballot; $50 is reasonable ($1/week). - Director Faust confirmed that reducing benefits (caps) can be done by board vote alone; tax increases require voter approval. - Outcome: A motion was made and seconded to recommend the reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap (and $1,500 for exterior cleanouts) to the Board of Aldermen. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). Key Outcomes - Vote: The board voted unanimously to recommend the reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap (and $1,500 for exterior cleanouts) to the Board of Aldermen. The recommendation includes a 10-year gap between reimbursements. - Next Steps: Director Faust will draft an ordinance and coordinate with the city attorney. A final draft will be presented to the board at the September 16, 2026 meeting. If approved by the board, the ordinance will go to the Board of Aldermen. The new program would take effect January 1, 2027. - Future Agenda: The board will also discuss security cameras at the September meeting. - Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

This meeting of the Crestwood Board of Aldermen took place on July 9, 2026 (note: the agenda lists the meeting as July 8, 2026). The board considered one new business item: an ordinance approving a three-year on-call architectural services agreement with Bond Architects, Inc. The board also voted to adjourn to a closed session to discuss personnel matters. Discussion Items - Ordinance for On-Call Architectural Services: The board discussed an ordinance authorizing a three-year agreement with Bond Architects, Inc. for on-call architectural design services. Alderman Hall moved for first reading, seconded by Alderman Hall (the mover and seconder were the same individual per the transcript). The first reading passed unanimously by roll call vote with 7 ayes (Aldermen Now, Morrison, Hall, Maybe, Zavist, Jadala, and Nangalorum). Alderman Zavist then moved for second reading, seconded by Alderperson Now. The second reading also passed unanimously with 7 ayes. The ordinance authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the city. Key Outcomes - Approval of Ordinance: The board approved the ordinance on both first and second readings unanimously (7-0), finalizing the three-year on-call architectural services contract with Bond Architects, Inc. - Adjournment to Closed Session: The board voted unanimously (7-0) to adjourn to closed session under Missouri Revised Statute 610.021(3) to discuss hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting particular employees.

[Introductory paragraph summarizing overall meeting.] The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 2, 2026, to discuss several items including a continued public hearing for a massage establishment conditional use permit, a proposed Ridgewood Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, demographic updates for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan, and commercial building materials standards. The meeting also included an aldermanic report on city developments. Consent Calendar - Approval of the June 3, 2026, meeting minutes was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No comments during the open public comment period. Public Hearings - CUP-4-26 – Junkun Gao Massage Establishment (9919 Watson Rd.): The applicant was not ready to proceed. A motion to continue the hearing to the August meeting passed unanimously via roll call (6-0). - Ridgewood Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District: Staff presented an outline of design guidelines for mid-century modern homes. Public testimony was heard from resident Jane Kelly (1430 Woodview Dr.) who expressed concerns about unanswered questions regarding cost implications, roof repairs, and lack of professional input. Alderman James Abbas commented on cost trade-offs. Commissioners discussed square footage thresholds, visual impact, and the need for a variance process. A motion to continue the discussion to the August meeting passed unanimously (6-0). Discussion Items - 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update – Demographic Changes 2017 to 2025: Staff presented data showing Crestwood is growing faster than St. Louis County and Missouri, with a younger median age, higher household income, and higher housing values. Discussion included the need to maintain housing diversity, pedestrian connectivity, and address rental property concerns. The commission will continue reviewing a progress report at future meetings. - Commercial Building Materials Discussion: The commission revisited a previous code provision requiring a minimum of brick/masonry on commercial buildings, which was removed in 2024. Members expressed support for reinstating a 35% masonry requirement with a variance option. Staff will draft a proposal for the next meeting. Aldermanic Report - Chairman Sweeney was reappointed by the Board of Aldermen. New Alderman Kelly Nangle Lowenhagen was welcomed. The community center project update: due to cost overruns, the original family games concept (retaining part of the old building) was revised to full demolition and construction of a band shell stage with outdoor sports courts, staying on budget. More details expected. Key Outcomes - Continued CUP-4-26 to August 2026 meeting. - Continued Ridgewood Overlay discussion to August 2026 meeting for further public input and professional feedback. - Directed staff to draft a commercial building materials ordinance with a 35% masonry requirement for review. - Unanimous approval of June 3, 2026 minutes. Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as July 1, 2026, but the transcript and user-provided timestamp indicate the meeting occurred on July 2, 2026.

This summary covers the Crestwood (Missouri) Board of Aldermen meeting. The agenda scheduled the meeting for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers, Crestwood Government Center, 1 Detjen Drive, Crestwood, MO 63126, but the meeting metadata indicates it took place on June 24, 2026 at 14:15 UTC — a discrepancy noted rather than resolved. No minutes are available, and no recording was made due to a technical difficulty. As a result, this summary reflects only the published agenda; no votes, decisions, or spoken remarks can be confirmed from the record. Presentations, Communications and Appointments - Resolution honoring Alderman Balles. - Appointment of Kitty Nangle Lohrum as Alderman for Ward 2, to serve until the next general municipal election, followed by an oath of office upon approval of the appointment. - Oath of Office for Firefighter/Paramedic Devin Randall. - Existing Community Center Renovation Design Refresher — presentation by Bond Architects, including the Outdoor Family Games Complex design. Public Hearings & Public Comment - Public hearings were listed on the agenda; no specific topics were published. - A public comment period was scheduled with a 5-minute limit per person. No public comments are recorded in the available record. Unfinished Business - A resolution approving a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Policy to evaluate and approve capital improvement projects for the City of Crestwood. Supporting materials included a CIP Policy memo, the 2026 Final Capital Improvement Plan, and the FY2025 CIP Project List. Consent Agenda (Scheduled Routine Items) - Approval of the May 26, 2026 Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting Minutes. - Annual appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions: Luke Bauer to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (five-year term ending 6/30/2031); Devin Sauer as Chair of the Civil Service Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); Dan Krewson to the Park Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); Scott Hrubes to the Park Board, moving from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); Robert Sweeney as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission (four-year term ending 6/30/2030); Rich Bland as Chair of the Public Safety Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); Jaclyn Hendrickson to the Public Safety Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); James Schwantner to the Public Works Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); Jasenka Verbarg to the Public Works Board (three-year term ending 6/30/2029); and Dan Garvey as an alternate member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment (five-year term ending 6/30/2031). - Liquor license request for 9666 Watson Operations LLC DBA Watson Gas Mart, 9666 Watson Road, with Managing Officer Fadi Kaid. - Resolution approving Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law regarding the application of HFA-AE, on behalf of Valvoline Instant Oil Change, for a conditional use permit to operate a vehicle service and repair facility at 9222 Watson Road. - Resolution approving Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law regarding the application of Mishaal Taqui and Mallard Land Holdings for a conditional use permit to operate a drive-thru restaurant (Dutch Bros Coffee) at 9838 Watson Road. - Ordinance approving an agreement with Dr. Justin A. Rapoff for the provision of medical control services, authorizing city officials to execute the documents (SEMS Agreement, 12.2025–12.2027). - Ordinance authorizing the purchase of one 2026 Chevrolet Colorado at a total sum not to exceed $36,000.00, and designating four excess fleet vehicles as surplus and authorizing their sale or trade-in. - Ordinance approving an agreement with Navigate Building Solutions, LLC for the Capital Asset Assessment Project. - Ordinance amending the agreement with St. Louis County, Missouri for the housing of municipal inmates, increasing the per diem housing rates for municipal residents at the County Justice Center. - Ordinance approving the Final Record Plat for the Wayne Apartments Subdivision at 8800 Watson Road. Key Outcomes - No outcomes can be confirmed. Because no minutes were produced and the meeting recording failed due to technical difficulty, no votes, tallies, directives, or final approvals from this meeting are documented. The agenda noted that the Board of Aldermen could vote at any time to enter closed session for legal advice pursuant to Section 610.021(1) of the Missouri Revised Statutes; whether it did so is not recorded.

Despite the agenda listing June 16, 2026, the official meeting timestamp is June 23, 2026 at 10:15 UTC (7:03 PM local as indicated in the transcript). The board convened in the Aldermanic Chambers to review playground designs, approve fee schedules, and receive departmental updates. Consent Calendar - Agenda Reorder: Motion to move the Whitecliff Playground presentation ahead of the consent calendar passed unanimously (motion by Tim, second by Dan). - Minutes Approval: Minutes from February 17, 2026 were approved with an edit to add Lisa Bozdeck as Vice Chair (motion by Dan, second by John). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Whitecliff Playground Presentation and Public Voting - Director Eilien Ramirez explained the municipal park grant timeline: application due in August, with the Board of Aldermen review on July 28. 958 total votes were received (830 online) by June 10; a new system will restrict to one vote per person/URL for the 48-hour voting period following the meeting. 120 camp kids will also vote. - Three designs (numbered 5, 6, and 7) were presented: - Cunningham Recreation (Dave Farson and Renee, position 5): Proposed an inclusive destination playground certified as a National Demonstration Site for both inclusion and play on. Features include play towers, tube slides, nature zones, swing garden (three bays with adaptive swings), music instruments, and shade structures. Surfacing: pour-in-place. - Playground Consultants (Dana Amini and Christy, positions 5 and 6): Presented two designs. Design 6 had the most online votes. Designs emphasize inclusive play, turf surfacing (PlaySafe, 15-year warranty, no crumb rubber), ramps accessible to wheelchairs, a 360-degree loop slide, ninja course, and sensory elements. Design 5 also featured a misting tree and a large ramp system. - Board members asked about maintenance, mallets (secured with steel cable), fencing (permanent metal fence recommended), and ADA/fall-height compliance. - No formal board vote was taken on the playground design; public voting outcomes will determine next steps. Discussion Items - Aldermanic Report (John Moore): Announced the city administrator recruitment process nearing completion; four charter amendments passed in April 2026 (including two-year budgets, April-only elections, and four-year terms starting in 2028). Mentioned new e-bike rules, the Ridgewood historic overlay, the Whitecliff loop trail (Prop A), Forest View evictions, and commercial developments (Dunkin', Club 65 pickleball, corporate HQ for Cyburgs, Chase, Seven Brew, QT, Dutch Bros). - Staff Report (Eilien Ramirez): Community center construction progressing (walls, track pour around next week); reported severe vandalism across parks (hole in Whitecliff slide costing $12,000, restroom damage, spray painting). Moving to metal fences and earlier restroom closures. A new facility coordinator/special events position has been budgeted to start in July with five strong applicants. Mayor’s statement on community center renovation costs: estimates significantly higher; options to be discussed by Board of Aldermen. - Membership Fee Schedule for Aquatic Center: Proposed 20% average increase to offset a $250,000 loss and rising minimum wage. New resident rates: individual $85→$105, Lindbergh $135→$160, non-resident $155→$190; family and additional-member adjustments discussed. Staff noted the loss of $250,000 last year, record membership revenue under $200,000, and high non-resident family rates relative to peers. - Membership Fee Schedule for The Cliffs (new community center): Considered monthly vs. annual pricing, daily fees ($6 for youth, $8 for adults, etc.), and inclusive family definitions (e.g., four adults in one household). Board discussed simplifying discounts to one month free with annual payment, but no motion was made. Key Outcomes - Aquatic Center Fee Schedule Approved: Motion to approve the proposed pricing (as presented on the sheet) passed. No vote was taken on the Cliffs membership fees. - Playground Voting: Initiated 48-hour public voting period (including 120 camp kids) to select from the top three designs; results will guide the grant application. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 18, 2026, at the Government Center Chambers.

The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:01 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers at the Crestwood Government Center. Four commissioners were present (Bundren, Seven, Cook, Zippel), with Chairman Sweeney and Commissioners Charbonneau and Questerman excused. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a final plat for 8800 Watson Road, a public hearing on the Ridgewood Conservation Overlay District, and discussion of the 2027 Comprehensive Plan update. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 6, 2026 meeting. New Business: Final Plat – 8800 Watson Road - City Planner Danny presented a request for approval of the final plat for the property at 8800 Watson Road, an 11.5-acre site at the corner of Grant and Watson. The subdivision would create three lots: two commercial outlots fronting Watson and one larger lot for multifamily residential buildings, all within the PDMXD (Planned Development Mixed Use) district. - Staff recommended approval, noting that the final plat was unchanged from the preliminary plat approved 7-0 by the commission in May 2026. - The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the final plat. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen at the end of June. Public Hearing: Ridgewood Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District - City Planner Danny outlined a draft proposal to establish a conservation overlay district for the Ridgewood neighborhood, a 270-home mid-century modern subdivision designed by architect Ralph Fournier. The proposal would create design guidelines for new construction and large additions, including low-slope gable roofs with off-centered front gables, wide roof overhangs, non-centered front doors, maximum side wall heights, limits on front door steps above grade, and dimensional standards for projecting fireplaces. The overlay would not restrict demolition (the city lacks authority under a conservation overlay) and would not apply to existing homes, which would not be subject to retrofits. - Survey results presented: 305 postcards were mailed to residents and property owners; 104 responses were received (approximately 34% response rate). Of respondents, 75% said the architectural character of their home and surrounding homes was important to their decision to live in the neighborhood; over 90% found it somewhat or very important; over 80% supported some form of city action on architectural preservation; 67% supported placing restrictions on architectural features for new construction even if it increased costs; 75% supported additional height restrictions; and nearly 80% supported requiring review before demolition. - The commission emphasized that this is an iterative public process with no decisions made tonight, and public hearings will continue at the July 1 and August meetings. - Public comments: - Mary Cogitt (1519 Ridgewood) expressed appreciation for the effort and asked whether the city could coordinate with Webster Groves on properties in the same subdivision that lie across the municipal boundary, as those homes are at the entrance to the neighborhood. - Vicki Barshius (Paddock Court) asked what cost ramifications the overlay might have for existing homeowners. - Rick Green (1136 4th Street) voiced opposition to the draft as proposed. He argued that the survey had a low response rate (34%), that Ridgewood represents less than 5% of Crestwood's population, and that the overlay would over-regulate a small fraction of the city. He also called for flexibility for modern living, expressed concern about administrative hurdles for home expansions (e.g., a 350-square-foot master bedroom), and asked that two sitting aldermen who reside in Ridgewood recuse themselves from voting. He advocated using real-world renovation projects as a test case before codifying rules. - Neil Chase (1334 Liggett Drive) spoke in strong support, citing the importance of preserving the neighborhood's scale and character, and referenced the negative impacts of demolitions in other areas. He mentioned that Modern STL is working to list Ridgewood on the National Register of Historic Places, with a nomination expected to be submitted to the state historic preservation office this summer, at no cost to the city. He also recommended tying demolition permits to approved building plans to avoid vacant lots. - Phil Hunt (900 Coffee Drive) supported the conservation effort, noting the high market demand for Ridgewood homes (average sale-to-list price ratio around 103%) and the importance of preventing demolitions, particularly for two vacant, boarded-up properties near his home. He requested a stay of demolition to allow preservation-minded buyers to purchase and restore homes. - Commission discussion following public comments: - Agreed to have staff reach out to Webster Groves planners to explore collaboration on the portions of Ridgewood in that city. - Directed staff to gather more data on cost implications for homeowners, insurance impacts, and to invite home builders, architects, and the real estate association to future meetings. - Emphasized the distinction between a conservation overlay (design controls) and historic preservation designation, and committed to keeping the discussion focused on conservation. - Noted a discrepancy in survey distribution (some properties received multiple surveys) that had been resolved via tax roll review. - The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to continue the public hearing to the July 1, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. Discussion: 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update - City Planner Danny was unable to present the planned demographic update due to staffing shortages in the public works department. He shared preliminary observations that Crestwood's median household income has grown faster than St. Louis County and Missouri, and that the age profile appears to be shifting toward more school-age children and fewer elderly residents compared to broader trends. A full report is expected next month. - Commissioners discussed the desire to revise the zoning code to include a minimum masonry percentage for new construction, referencing the prior standard of 30%. Staff was asked to circulate previous code language and survey comparable St. Louis County municipalities' requirements. Aldermanic Report - Alderman Representative Grant provided an update on city matters: Alderman Ballis resigned from the Board of Aldermen, with a mayoral nomination expected next meeting. The Board received the annual sewer lateral report, noting the fund has about two years of expenses but the $28 fee has not changed since 1999; a discussion on potential rate increases or service level changes is ongoing. The Board approved the Valve Lane CUP and the Dutch Brothers CEP, and received a satisfactory 5-year report on the Crestwood Crossing TIF. Adjustments to purchasing policy for inflation are being considered. Prop A projects at White Cliff Park (trails and a pedestrian footbridge) are in progress. Key Outcomes - Approved the final plat for 8800 Watson Road (4-0). - Continued the Ridgewood Conservation Overlay District public hearing to July 1, 2026 (4-0). - Directed staff to coordinate with Webster Groves, invite industry experts, and gather additional cost, insurance, and demographic data. - Directed staff to research masonry percentage requirements in other communities and consider updating the zoning code accordingly.