Crestwood Board of Aldermen Meeting - February 26, 2025

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. However, the instructions for this summary specify the date as February 26, 2025. This discrepancy is noted; all content below reflects the actual proceedings as recorded.

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen met on February 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, a firefighter oath, a public hearing on EV charging stations, public comment, discussion of parking restrictions, approval of consent agenda items (with two items removed for separate action), and a discussion about demolishing two flood-prone homes on Sanders Avenue. All eight aldermen were present.

Consent Calendar

• January 28, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes & February 1, 2025 Work Session & February 7, 2025 Closed Session Records – Approved.
• Resolution Approving Grant Application for Missouri Highway Safety Program for Traffic Enforcement – Approved.
• Resolution Endorsing St. Louis County's Grant Program for Waste Reduction Efforts – Approved.
• Ordinance Approving Memorandum of Understanding with Webster Groves Police Department (firing range use) – Approved.
• Ordinance Amending Park and Stormwater Fund Budget (Ordinance 5512) for Suncrest Fest – Approved.
• Ordinance Providing for Consolidation of Lots at 9011, 9015, 9021 Sappington Road and 9616 Richter Lane (Long Elementary) – Approved.
• Ordinance Approving Agreement with M&H Concrete Contractors for 2025 Concrete Slab Replacement Project – Approved.
• Ordinance Authorizing Purchase of Concrete Materials from Valley Material Company (not to exceed $35,000) – Approved.

Two items were removed from the consent agenda for separate action (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Beckley (9137 Buxton) requested a stop sign at the intersection of Glencrest and Buxton due to multiple near accidents, including one involving a Crestwood police officer. He noted many children in the area. The mayor stated staff would have Director James Swingle review the city code procedure for stop sign requests and reach out to the resident.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing & Ordinance: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – City Planner introduced a text amendment to Section 26-79 to improve fire safety by requiring an emergency shutoff switch at EV charging stations and defining setbacks (same as accessory structures like sheds). The existing charging stations were expected to conform. Alderman Kennedy inquired about grandfathering and setback impacts on commercial lots. No public comments were made. The ordinance received first and second readings and passed unanimously (8-0).
• Unfinished Business: Consideration of Changes to Ordinance 5480 (Parking Restrictions in Crestwood Crossing) – After multiple discussions, the board debated whether to amend the fire code (Appendix D) or adjust parking rules in the new subdivision. Alderman Maybe provided research showing other growing cities (e.g., O'Fallon, St. Peters) have deleted or modified Appendix D to allow parking on narrower streets and smaller cul-de-sacs. Fire Chief Meyer explained that the 96-foot cul-de-sacs and 26.5-foot streets were required to accommodate ladder trucks from neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., Kirkwood). He warned against removing parking restrictions, citing fire safety. Aldermen expressed varied views: some supported relaxing parking on cul-de-sacs; others felt the issue was best addressed when the fire code is next updated (likely in 3 years). A motion to reject consideration of changes to Ordinance 5480 passed 5-3 (Morrison, Hall, Zavist, Ballis, Sebben in favor; Kennedy, Maybe, Now opposed). Alderman Maybe stated he regretted his previous vote on the ordinance and apologized to residents of Crestwood Crossing.
• Items Removed from Consent Agenda:
  • Resolution on Loop Trail at Whitecliff Park – Alderman Hall removed this. City Administrator noted the original plan used crushed limestone, but the board expressed interest in asphalt. After debate, the board approved the resolution with the understanding that the surface material choice (gravel vs. asphalt) is not yet final and will be determined after public outreach and cost-benefit analysis. The grant application (capped at $250,000) will be submitted for $235,000. The resolution passed.
  • Resolution Denouncing Closure of Grant Road – Alderman Hall removed this. Mayor reported that Grantwood Village reopened the road on February 26, making the resolution potentially unnecessary. The board voted to postpone the resolution indefinitely, to be brought back only if needed. Passed unanimously.
• New Business: Demolition of 1005 and 1001 Sanders Avenue – City Administrator reported that the city closed on 1005 in January and will close on 1001 on February 27. Both properties have experienced repeated overland flooding. He recommended demolition, with salvage/recycling efforts first (e.g., Habitat for Humanity Restore). Questions were raised about grading for flood mitigation, potential asbestos/lead regulations, and future use as open space under an MSD restrictive covenant. The board expressed general support for proceeding with demolition as outlined, with staff to explore recycling and coordinate with MSD. A formal contract will come before the board later.

Key Outcomes

• EV Charging Ordinance (Section 26-79 amendment) – Passed 8-0 on first and second readings.
• Motion to Reject Further Consideration of Changes to Ordinance 5480 – Passed 5-3. No amendments to parking restrictions or fire code will be pursued at this time.
• Loop Trail Grant Resolution – Approved. Staff will apply for $235,000 with flexibility on trail surface; final material decision deferred to later public input.
• Grant Road Closure Resolution – Postponed indefinitely due to road reopening.
• Demolition of 1005 and 1001 Sanders – Board directed staff to proceed with an RFP for demolition, after attempting salvage. Future contracts will require board approval. Staff will explore grading to mitigate flooding.