Crestwood Public Safety Board Meeting – March 23, 2026

The Crestwood Public Safety Board met on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7:01 p.m. in the City of Crestwood Board of Aldermen Chambers. The meeting included public comments on traffic safety, departmental reports, and discussion of a proposed ordinance regulating electric and motorized bicycles. The board voted to forward the ordinance to the Board of Aldermen for consideration.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the September 29, 2025, Public Safety Board meeting by voice vote. Motion by Matthew Koehler, seconded by Jaclyn Hendrickson.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nora Shamba (628 Rayburn Avenue) expressed concern about speeding on Rayburn Avenue, noting vehicles traveling up to 50 mph on a residential street. She proposed a three-way stop at Tahiti and Rayburn as a solution, stating that a stop sign would force drivers to slow down even if they do not fully stop. She referenced a prior response from the Department of Public Works that stop signs are ignored on smaller roads.
• Chris Hill (633 Rayburn Avenue) echoed concerns about speeding on Rayburn, observing that at least one-third of vehicles appear to be speeding. He noted the speed limit is 25 mph and that the street has a park, similar to Sunset Hills where the limit drops to 20 mph. He requested continued discussion on possible traffic-calming measures.
• Stephen Liddy (9401 Sappington Queens Lane) addressed the electric bicycle ordinance, asking the board to ensure precise definitions so that vehicles with motors are not inadvertently excluded. He noted that St. Louis County requires helmets for cyclists under 17 and raised questions about the compatibility of the ordinance with existing "no motorized vehicles" signs in parks and on Grant's Trail.

Reports & Communication

• Fire Chief's Report (Chief Ryan Harrell): Chief Harrell provided an overview of his first 80 days, including a software audit that eliminated redundancies, purchase of new asset management and personnel tracking software, development of an emergency operations plan, and partnerships with neighboring fire departments and Lindbergh School District. He also mentioned upcoming events: the Easter Bunny visit on April 12 (sold out), a movie night in May, and a fire open house.
• Police Chief's Report (Chief Jonathan Williams): Chief Williams reported that the department switched body camera providers from Digital Ally to Axon, hired a new officer (Andrew Gift) with 10 years of experience, and is restructuring the community resource officer position into a "business resource officer" to focus on retail theft. Crime in 2025 decreased by 15.4% (combined property and violent crime). He highlighted the creation of a Junior Police Cabinet at Drummond Middle School by School Resource Officer Kate Belays, with 34 students enrolled and activities including a helicopter visit.
• Aldermanic Report (Alderperson Rebecca Now and Alderman Jim Zavist): Updates included the ongoing search for a new city manager, a successful strategic goal-setting session on February 28, progress on the Sappington House Foundation, demolition of 8800 Watson (former Social Security/Value City site) which is planned for a large apartment and retail development, and new businesses including Dutch Brothers coffee, additional Drive-thru coffee at Bruce Seven, and Katie's Pizza. Alderperson Now also mentioned a conservation initiative to mitigate stormwater runoff.

Discussion Items

• Electric Bicycle Ordinance: Chief Williams presented the proposed ordinance, which defines three classes of electric bicycles (Class 1, 2, and 3) and motorized bicycles based on state statutes. Class 1 and 2 bikes (with pedal assist or limited throttle) do not require a license; Class 3 and motorized bicycles require a driver's license and minimum age of 16. The ordinance aims to give local enforcement ability to regulate where these vehicles can be ridden (e.g., not on walking paths, Grant's Trail, or parks) and to address complaints from residents. Discussion included questions about helmet requirements (not included), impoundment authority (board decided not to include a provision for impounding bikes of juveniles), and consistency with state law. The board debated whether to include a state penalty section allowing impoundment but opted not to.

Key Outcomes

• Forwarding of Electric Bicycle Ordinance: Motion by Mary Stadter, seconded by Matthew Koehler, to forward the proposed ordinance amending Sections 14-107, 14-140, and 14-149 of the Municipal Code to the Board of Aldermen for discussion and approval. Approved by voice vote.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. by voice vote.

Note: The user-provided meeting date (2026-03-24) differs from the agenda, minutes, and transcript, which consistently cite Monday, March 23, 2026. This summary uses the date from the source materials.