Crestwood Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025

The Crestwood Board of Aldermen met on December 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting included the appointment of a new fire chief, a public hearing on the FY2026 budget, public comments from two residents, unanimous approval of most consent agenda items with discussion on a capital improvement fund item, and approval of four proposed charter amendments to appear on the April 7, 2026 ballot. The board also addressed future issues and adjourned to closed session.

Presentations, Communications and Appointments

• Appointment of Fire Chief: The board unanimously approved Resolution 3437377.1, appointing Ryan Harrell as Fire Chief of Crestwood. City Administrator Simpson outlined a competitive search process that narrowed 13 applicants to a unanimous recommendation. Harrell, a 26-year veteran of Clayton Fire Department, will begin January 2, 2026.

Public Hearings

• FY2026 Budget Public Hearing: The mayor opened and closed the hearing with no public comments. The budget ordinances were later considered on the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tyler Lawson (resident, 8919 Rustin Lane): Expressed frustration with the fire department inspection process while opening a golf store in Watson Plaza. He said the city approved his permit in two days, but later fire department officials required $20,000 in unanticipated changes and delayed opening by six weeks, including an $8,000 fire alarm system requirement only flagged at final inspection. Lawson urged the city to review its process to support business investment and stated he was not seeking special treatment. He thanked Aldermen Gadala and Morrison for encouraging him to speak.
• Martha Dewchild (9158 General Grant Lane): Opposed ballot Proposition 4 (four-year terms for mayor and aldermen). She noted the Charter Review Commission voted 8-1 in favor, but the dissenting member (former Alderman Chris Pickle) stated there was no compelling reason for the change. Dewchild argued that three-year terms already provide stability and experience, and that election cost savings should not be a deciding factor. She requested that any voter education materials include both pros and cons, especially for Proposition 4.

Reports & Comments

• Alderperson Zavist: Reported a meeting on security for the Ridgewood subdivision; further steps to be taken.
• Alderperson Now: Shared a report from Alderman Hall on the Sappington House Foundation: a new president, an $8,075 donation to the Joseph Sappington log cabin project, footing poured November 21, and upcoming events (Spirited Holiday Past, Dec 6; Scenes from a Christmas Carol, Dec 21-22; trivia night March 6).
• Alderman Maybe: Welcomed Chief Harrell; noted Planning & Zoning approved an amended site plan for 8800 Watson (road width reduction from 30 to 26 feet) but unanimously declined a residential subdivision. Asked city staff for a report on the fire department process issues raised by Lawson.
• Alderman Seven: Welcomed Harrell; noted similar complaints from renters about inconsistent fire code enforcement. Announced upcoming events (Winter Wonderland Dec 6 at Y-Cleft Community Center with a movie instead of fireworks; no ice rink next year; Sun Crust Fest date set for October 24, 2026; Route 66 centennial celebration likely Sunday October 11). Reported from Public Works subcommittee: RV code discussion and sewer lateral fund review (no immediate changes). Noted that the Sappington Concord Historical Society board voted not to give land to Lindbergh High School.
• Alderwoman Gadala: No park updates; thanked Lawson for speaking and noted he reported difficulty finding contractors willing to work in Crestwood due to known challenges.
• City Administrator: Reminded that the second December meeting is canceled; provided community center construction update (concrete walls being poured, structural steel due mid-December, new water line installation on Party Road).
• Mayor: Thanked Alderman Seven for the trivia night; wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously (5-0) via consent agenda after two readings:

• Approval of October 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
• Appointment of Alderperson Now as liaison to Sappington Foundation (replacing Alderman Sebben) through April 2026.
• Reappointment of Gary Grewe and William Appelbaum to the Watson Plaza Community Improvement District Board.
• Liquor license issuance for Katie's Pizza and Pasta.
• Ordinance authorizing amendment to Enterprise Sewer and Drain agreement (additional compensation up to $55,000).
• Ordinance authorizing purchase/installation of fitness equipment at Cliffs at Whitecliff Park from Advanced Exercise via Sourcewell cooperative.
• Ordinance amending Sec. 14-62 to add a crosswalk across Lowill Lane near Robyn Road.
• Ordinance approving General Fund Budget for FY2026.
• Ordinance approving Park and Stormwater Fund Budget for FY2026.
• Ordinance approving Prop A Fund Budget for FY2026.
• Ordinance approving Sewer Lateral Fund Budget for FY2026.

Discussion Items

• Capital Improvement Fund Budget (removed from consent): Alderperson Now raised concerns about proposed street lighting in the Capital Improvement Fund budget ($30,000 allocated). She noted that some residents may not want lights, and criteria appeared based on ease of installation (existing Ameren poles) rather than need. City Administrator explained that lights are proposed for areas with need and cost-effective installation; final approval will come via separate ordinances with public notification. Alderman Maybe provided background: the city has 76-80 missing street lights per code, and 13-15 pending resident petitions. The budget funds only a third of those. The ordinance passed unanimously after discussion and two readings.
• Charter Amendments (New Business): The board unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing four propositions for the April 7, 2026 ballot, as recommended by the 2025 Charter Review Commission:
  1. Clarifications: Fixing grammar, inconsistencies, no substantive change.
  2. Efficiencies: Temporary absence of mayor, single reading of consent agenda, board setting meeting times by ordinance, etc.
  3. Election Alignment: Consolidating elections to April municipal date, correcting conflicts with state law (tie votes).
  4. Four-Year Terms: Changing mayor and alderman terms from three to four years (effective 2028). Alderwoman Gadala and Alderman Seven discussed ballot language neutrality; City Attorney noted the board must submit all four as proposed. The charter mandates submission. The board voted unanimously to place them on the ballot.

Key Outcomes

• Fire Chief Appointment: Approved unanimously (5-0). Ryan Harrell will begin January 2, 2026.
• Consent Agenda: All items except the Capital Improvement Fund budget were approved on consent with no opposition (5-0).
• Capital Improvement Fund Budget: Approved unanimously (5-0) after removal and discussion.
• Charter Amendment Ballot Ordinance: Approved unanimously (5-0). Voters will decide on four propositions in April 2026.
• Future Directions: The board directed staff to (1) review the feasibility, legality, and cost of adding a sidewalk to the flagpole at Sappington Cemetery (report in early 2026); and (2) bring a recommendation within 30-60 days on hiring an architect or commercial construction inspector to augment St. Louis County reviews for major commercial projects.
• Closed Session: The board voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn to closed session to discuss legal matters, employee negotiations, and personnel records.