The Crestwood Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing for a conditional use permit, approval of several ordinances, and a resolution granting an extension for a major development. All seven aldermen were present (Alderman Daudt absent). The meeting was chaired by the Mayor.
Conditional Use Permit for 9201 Watson Road (CUP-9-24): The applicant, represented by attorney Ed Griesadic, requested a CUP to operate a community/cultural center in a vacant 31,256 sq. ft. building on 2.35 acres in the C-1 zoning district. The city planner, Danny Jindusan, testified that the use meets all CUP criteria and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions. The applicant stated the foundation serves about 100 families, will have five on-site employees, typical events draw 5-10 cars (40-50 cars for 5-6 large annual events), hours end by 10 PM, no alcohol or smoking, and no retail sales. Alderman May asked about a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement; the applicant agreed to a PILOT covering bonded indebtedness plus one-half of city revenues lost due to nonprofit status, capped at $5,500 annually. The board passed a motion to amend the ordinance to require a PILOT agreement within 60 days. The ordinance was then read twice and passed 7-0.
Ordinance for Commissioning Agent (Removed from Consent): Ordinance authorizing an agreement with Faith Group, LLC for commissioning and building envelope commissioning services for the new community center (cost ~$92,000). Alderman Zavist expressed concern over cost, calling it "belt and suspenders." City administrator and parks director argued the service is specialized and crucial to avoid HVAC problems experienced at the current center. The motion passed 5-2 (Aldermen Zavist and Ballas opposed) on first reading; second reading was postponed to a future meeting. Alderman May requested additional justification and payback analysis before the next meeting.
Ordinance on Permitting & Licensing Processes (Removed from Consent): Ordinance amending chapters 5, 7, 13, and 24 to facilitate online permitting. Alderman Zavist raised concerns about requiring electronic submittals for small projects, but staff clarified that hand-drawn plans will still be accepted. The ordinance passed 7-0 on both readings.
Stormwater Management Policy Ordinance (New Business): Ordinance adopting a refreshed stormwater management policy. Alderman May proposed an amendment to Section 6.1, changing "on a case-by-case basis on private property where public impact can be shown" to "on private property where a public purpose can be shown." The amendment passed. The city plans to hire a stormwater consultant to re-rank projects. The ordinance passed 7-0 on both readings.
Resolution for Extension at 8800 Watson Road (New Business): Resolution to extend the deadline to begin construction of Phase 1 multi-family residential units. The city planner detailed a timeline of communication failures, code violations, and a suspended grading permit because MSD approval was not obtained. The applicant began grading without a valid permit on November 2, 2024. The board expressed frustration at the applicant's lack of attendance and communication. Three amendments were adopted:
All right, looks like it's seven o'clock. I call this November 12th Ward of All Remitting Order. If you'd please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands? One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice or all city clerk, can you please take roll? Excuse. Other than Ballas? Here. Seven are there? You have form, Your Honor. Thank you very much. Uh we have no presentations, communications, or appointments this evening, so we'll move right on to public hearings. We have one public hearing for a conditional use permit for 9201 Watson. So I will call this public hearing to order for application number C UP 924. Uh Ed Griesadic on behalf of the Turkish American Intercultural Education Foundation seeks a conditional use permit, operate an assembly limited use in the existing facilities at 9201 Watson Road. Is there representative uh here tonight? If you could please come just forward and uh just introduce yourself and state your business address for the record. Okay. I'm an attorney. I have offices at five Indian Creek uh 63131. And I represent the uh Turkish American Intercultural Educational Foundation. Very good, thank you. Um we will go through uh somewhat of a formal process this evening of calling everybody uh in turn. Um we'll get to you in a minute, so feel free to have a seat. Um city attorney kick us off. Yes. Um I would like to introduce some exhibits, Your Honor. Uh exhibit number one would be the public hearing notice for the C UP. Exhibit number two, the City of Crestwood Code, Chapter 26 containing the zoning code. Exhibit number three is the applicant's written statement and floor plan. Exhibit number four is the planning and zoning commission staff report and exhibit number five is the city's comprehensive plan. If there is no objection, I would ask that these be submitted into evidence. Does the applicant have any objections to those? No. No objections. They will be admitted then. Then I would like to ask some questions of the city planner, please. Very good. Uh City Clerk, can you please swear in the city planner? I do. Please state your name and occupation. My name is Danny Jindusan. I'm the city planner. Have you become familiar with application number C UP nine-24 regarding the request of Ed Grisadic on behalf of the Turkish American Intercultural Educational Foundation seeking a conditional use permit to operate an assembly limited use in the existing facilities at 9201 Watson Road? Yes, I have. And in which zoning district is 9201 Watson Road located? C one local commercial district. Under Section 2615 of the Municipal Code of the City of Crestwood, must an assembly limited use obtain a conditional use permit in the C1 local commercial district? Yes.