Crestwood Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting – October 23, 2024

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen met on October 23, 2024 (the agenda and transcript show the meeting was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM; the date provided for this summary, October 23, reflects the time‑zone conversion given in the source metadata). The meeting included presentations, approval of routine items, and extended debate on three ordinances removed from the consent agenda. All eight aldermen were present.

Presentations, Communications & Appointments

• Oath of Office – Police Officer Jennifer Branstetter was sworn in. Chief Williams noted her 17+ years of experience, leadership, and community‑engagement background.
• Crestwood Park Playground – Parks staff presented the selection process, which included an open house (June 27), online survey, and votes by the Park Board, community, and 500 students at Long Elementary. The winning design, a three‑tier Miracle playground from Hutchinson Recreation, features a zip‑line, ADA‑accessible ramp, quiet zone, spinner, and six slides. The board voted by roll call (7‑0) to select the aqua color option (#2). On ancillary items:
  • Fence: Approved coded chain‑link fence (vinyl‑coated) over aluminum (motion carried by voice vote).
  • Gate: Approved no gate (voice vote).
  • Sidewalk: Approved including a sidewalk in the project at an estimated cost of $1,000 (voice vote). Installation is expected to begin spring 2025, weather permitting.
• Traffic Calming Results – Chief Williams reported on speed‑hump demonstration projects:
  • Yorkshire Estates Drive: Vehicle count dropped 44.5% (from 6,336 to 3,516); 85th percentile speed fell 16% to 26 mph; average speed fell below the 20 mph limit; the proportion of vehicles exceeding the speed limit decreased from ~60% to ~40%.
  • Crest Oak Lane: Vehicle count changed insignificantly (‑4%); 85th percentile speed dropped 15% to 27 mph; average speed fell from 24 to 21 mph; vehicles over the speed limit fell from 68% to 47%. Staff noted that 17 additional streets have been requested for evaluation; the next candidate will be reviewed by the Public Safety Board in November. The chief also acknowledged that the city’s street superintendent, Doug Wilson, devised an in‑house asphalt speed‑hump installation that saved thousands of dollars.

Consent Calendar

The board approved the consent agenda by a unanimous roll‑call vote (8‑0), which included:

• Approval of the October 8, 2024 regular meeting minutes.
• Resolution approving findings of fact and conclusions of law for Life Storage, LP conditional use permit at 9900 Big Bend Boulevard.
• Resolution approving a grant application for sidewalk construction.
• Ordinance authorizing an agreement with EcoLandscaping STL, LLC for conservation and community outreach consulting.
• Ordinance authorizing the purchase and installation of the new Crestwood Park playground from Hutchinson Recreation & Design.

Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

Three ordinances were removed for discussion and amendment by Alderman May:

1. Recreational Vehicle Parking (Ordinance Amending Section 14‑167) Alderman May proposed three amendments, all adopted:

• Insert “in any 14‑day period” to prevent gamesmanship on the 72‑hour parking limit (voice vote).
• Replace references to “police department” with “city” and add a permit requirement for the new seasonal parking allowance (voice vote).
• Add a “notwithstanding” clause to clarify that the grandfathering exemption expires December 31, 2028 (voice vote). The ordinance then passed first and second readings by a roll‑call vote of 8‑0 each. Staff will notify currently grandfathered owners and implement a no‑cost online permit system.

2. Commercial Vehicle Parking (Ordinance Amending Section 14‑161) Alderman May offered several amendments, some modified during debate:

• Amendment 1 (adopted): Added “or during construction when a valid building permit is in effect” to the exception for transaction of business (voice vote).
• Amendment 2 (withdrawn): Would have exempted emergency vehicles on call; withdrawn after concerns about broad interpretation.
• Amendment 3 (adopted by roll call 7‑1): Changed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating threshold from 18,000 lbs to 12,001 lbs. Alderman Zavist voted no. The chief noted enforcement will rely on license plate registration.
• Amendment 4 (defeated 4‑4, Mayor broke tie by voting no): Would have added a list of prohibited vehicles (e.g., food trucks, limousines) and a clause referencing subsection C. Aldermen May, Ballas, Now, and Hall voted yes; Morrison, Kennedy, Zavist, and Seven voted no; Mayor voted no.
• Amendment 5 (adopted voice vote): Added “including multi‑family residential outside of an enclosed structure” to clarify applicability. The ordinance then passed first reading (7‑1, Zavist no) and second reading (7‑1, Zavist no).

3. 2024 Recodification Project (Ordinance Amending Chapters 2, 13, 15, 18, 24) Alderman May proposed four amendments, all adopted by voice votes:

• 18‑16A: Restore prior language on vacation leave caps, consistent with civil service rules.
• 18‑33: For harassment claims against the city administrator, change reporting from “mayor and board of aldermen” to “mayor or, in his or her absence, the president of the board of aldermen.”
• 18‑33 subsection 1: Same change for other claims.
• 18‑33A(1): Restore prior language requiring board notification of any filed complaint (not limited to claims against the city administrator or department head).
• Section 2‑48 (Tie Election): Restore prior language requiring a special election to resolve ties, consistent with the city charter, instead of the proposed drawing of lots. Alderman May noted that a charter amendment might be considered in the future. The ordinance passed first and second readings by unanimous roll‑call votes (8‑0 each).

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public spoke.

Reports & Future Issues

• Stormwater Funding: Alderman May expressed disappointment that MSD zeroed out OMCI taxing districts (including Gravois Creek) after Proposition S passed, eliminating an anticipated ~$125,000 annual funding stream. He characterized the decision as “irresponsible leadership.”
• Sappington House Foundation: Alderman Now reported the foundation received a $25,000 donation and a promise of another $25,000; a rescheduled concert had low attendance. Alderman Hall noted efforts to organize a fundraiser with a celebrity chef.
• Octoberfest & Community Events: Positive feedback on Octoberfest, the shred event (320 vehicles), and the War of 1812 ceremony at Sappington Cemetery.
• Future Agenda Item: Alderman May placed a potential reconsideration of the McBride subdivision parking ordinance on the agenda for two meetings hence, pending staff research. Alderman Morrison requested evaluation of signage at pedestrian crosswalks at Trianon and West Glenn.

Key Outcomes

• Playground: Aqua color, chain‑link fence, no gate, sidewalk included; contract with Hutchinson Recreation approved on consent.
• Traffic Calming: Data accepted; continued evaluation of additional streets.
• Ordinance – RV Parking: Passed with amendments, including a 2028 sunset on grandfathering and a permit system.
• Ordinance – Commercial Vehicle Parking: Passed with a 12,001‑lb threshold, no prohibited‑vehicle list, and other amendments; effective after second reading.
• Ordinance – Recodification: Passed with multiple amendments restoring prior language; effective after second reading.
• Closed Session: Following the regular meeting, the board moved into closed session (unanimous roll‑call vote) to discuss matters under RSMo 610.021(1), (3), and (13).