Crestwood Board of Aldermen Meeting – December 11, 2024

Note: The agenda and transcript date this meeting as December 10, 2024; the user-provided metadata gives December 11, 2024. This summary uses the provided date but notes the discrepancy.

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen convened on December 11, 2024 (per metadata), to conduct a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru, approve a consent agenda, and discuss the final design of the new community center. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

The following routine items were approved 8–0 on a single roll-call vote:

• Approval of November 26, 2024, Board of Aldermen regular meeting minutes.
• Resolution approving findings of fact and conclusions of law for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the Turkish American Intercultural Educational Foundation at 9201 Watson Road.
• Resolution appointing John Frisella as Provisional Municipal Judge.
• Ordinances approving on-call maintenance and repair service agreements with seven vendors: RJP Electrical, LLC; Daikin-TMI, LLC; Overhead Door Company of St. Louis; Holper Industries d/b/a Holper’s Pest and Animal Solutions; Merlo Plumbing Company, Inc.; Enviro Tech Services, LLC; and an ordinance amending Section 2-64 of the Municipal Code regarding incident management (NIMS ordinance).

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

1. Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit for Dunkin' Donuts (9600 Watson Road)

• Applicant Michael Crouch (partner, OM Watson STL Donuts Inc.) presented a proposal to convert a former restaurant building into a Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-thru. The site has been a restaurant since 1958.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended a condition prohibiting left turns from the north curb cut on Old Sappington Road. The Crestwood Police Department later suggested making that curb cut entrance-only to prevent traffic confusion and backups.
• Board members debated the police recommendation. Several aldermen (including Alderman Maybe and Alderman Seven) favored the planning commission’s less restrictive approach, noting the site had operated without such restrictions for decades and that issues could be addressed later if they arose.
• The board voted 8–0 to approve the ordinance granting the CUP on both first and second readings. The city attorney was directed to prepare findings of fact consistent with the board’s decision.

2. New Business – Community Center Design Discussion Alderman Maybe led a discussion on remaining design elements for the new community center (90% plans). Key points included:

• Mechanical Enclosure Cladding: Some aldermen proposed adding a stone base (approx. 4 ft high) to the steel mechanical enclosure near the playground. The city administrator noted the cost would be at least $10,000 and that landscaping (evergreen trees) would screen most of the unit. After debate, the board voted 5–3 (Hall, Seven, Morrison opposed) to authorize the upgrade if the total cost is under $20,000.
• Front Desk Countertop Materials: The board unanimously agreed to replace the Formica surfaces (PL3 and PL4) with a more durable stone or solid-surface material (e.g., Cambria), subject to a reasonable cost as determined by staff.
• Flagpole: Confirmed that a flagpole and conduit are included in the plans.
• Timber Seating/Art Elements: Alderman Maybe expressed concerns about the durability of the proposed natural wood timber sculptures near the entrance, suggesting alternatives (e.g., recycled materials). No formal action was taken; the architect will evaluate options.
• Other Items: The city administrator reported that a standing-seam metal roof was rejected due to a $450,000+ cost increase; staff is leaning toward a PVC membrane roof. Pickleball court striping in the multi-purpose gym will be added temporarily as needed.

3. Reports and Announcements

• Alderman Now reported that the Sappington House Foundation project is progressing rapidly; a shed has been demolished, tree removal bids are pending, and a groundbreaking ceremony is set for January 11.
• Alderman Hall and others thanked staff and volunteers for the successful Christmas in Crestwood events (parade, car cruise, fireworks).
• Alderman Maybe invited elected officials to the Municipal League Holiday Open House on December 12.
• The board acknowledged Mayor Shipley’s illness and wished him a speedy recovery.

4. Closed Session The board voted 8–0 to adjourn to a closed session under Missouri Revised Statute 610.021(1) and (13) to discuss legal matters immediately following the regular meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit Approved (Dunkin' Donuts): Granted 8–0 on both readings; conditions include no left turn from the north curb cut on Old Sappington Road (the planning commission’s version, not the police department’s entrance-only recommendation).
• Consent Agenda Approved: 8–0, covering multiple routine items.
• Community Center Design Direction:
  • Front desk countertops to be upgraded from Formica to stone/solid surface (unanimous guidance).
  • Mechanical enclosure cladding upgrade (stone base) authorized if under $20,000 (5–3 vote).
  • Flagpole confirmed; timber seating/art to be reviewed for durability and aesthetics.
• Closed Session: Adjourned to closed session (8–0).