Crestwood Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting - March 25, 2026

Note: The agenda and transcript indicate this meeting took place on March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The summarization instructions provided a date of March 25, 2026 at 14:30 UTC, creating a discrepancy. This summary uses the agenda/transcript date for content accuracy.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from February 24, 2026 regular meeting and a February 28 special meeting (Strategic Planning and Goals Setting Workshop) were approved.
• Proclamations: Two proclamations were approved – one commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and one honoring the John Sappington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution on their 60th anniversary.
• Police Union Decertification: A resolution approving a petition to revoke representation by Teamsters Local 610 for the Crestwood Police Department bargaining unit was adopted. The petition had been signed by a majority of officers.
• Conservation Consulting Renewal: An ordinance renewing an agreement with EcoLandscaping STL, LLC for conservation and community outreach consulting services was passed.
• Police Vehicle Purchase: An ordinance authorizing the purchase of one police vehicle (2026 Dodge Durango) for a total sum not to exceed $36,500 was adopted, funded by a Blue Shield grant.

Items Removed from Consent Agenda

• Tavern Hours Ordinance (Section 5-26 Amendment): Alderman Maybe pulled this item for discussion. The ordinance would have amended hours of operation for taverns selling intoxicating liquor, opting out of a state statute (Mo HB1041) that allows 23-hour operation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19). Alderman Maybe argued the city has no taverns (only restaurants with liquor licenses) and that no World Cup games conflict with current closing hours (1:30 AM to 6 AM). He suggested polling local businesses before prohibiting extended hours. After debate, a motion for first reading failed 4-2 (nays: Morrison, Hall, Maybe, Sabbat; ayes: Zavist, Now). The ordinance was not adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

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

Reports & Presentations

• Presentation: Tracy Williams (MOCCFOA) presented Patrick Benwell with a certificate for achieving Missouri Registered City Clerk (MRCC) certification.
• Mayor’s Report: Upcoming events: Business Mingle for Christmas in Crestwood (March 25), election day April 7 (four city charter items), city administrator recruitment posting by April 10 with target selection June 29, annual shred day April 11, and Samoa Sidewalk Project open house April 14 (4–7 PM).
• Aldermanic Reports:
  • Alderman Now: Attended public safety board meeting; residents from Rayburn expressed speeding concerns. Fire and police chiefs reported. Car break-ins have dramatically decreased.
  • Alderman Zavist: Public works board meeting discussed neighborhood cameras and policies. Attended Cool Cities STL/Missouri Native Stewardship Services symposium with Alder Person Now; noted potential for ordinances on invasive species and a free 160-plant stormwater mitigation booklet.
  • Alder Person Now: Also attended the stewardship summit; met with Angie Weber on conservation efforts.
  • Alderman Hall: Beautify Crestwood meeting – May 2 open house at Government Center. Sappington House Foundation meeting – tribute night fundraiser successful; water issues around foundation delaying backfill.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Strategic Plan: Mayor presented the plan developed at the February 28 special meeting. The board had divided into three groups and produced aligned strategic directions: Healthy Crestwood, Connected Community, Sustainable Crestwood, Economic Development, and Financial Stability. Specific annual goals for the board include:
  • Connectivity and lighting policy
  • White Cliff Loop Trail design (with a small working group)
  • Family Games Complex design update
  • Community engagement framework
  • Sustainability policy
  • Comprehensive plan review (10-year-old plan, light review this year)
  • Policy of policies review (starting with Capital Improvement Plan and purchasing policy)
  • City initiatives for staff include health/wellness pilots, community identity projects, sustainable practices (recycling, solar), Watson Road industrial corridor assessment, and cooperative agreements. The plan is ambitious but low-cost. Alderman Maybe requested prioritization of city initiatives and suggested adding two former goals: a boundary commission map (by 2030) and determination of drainage right-of-way ownership in Ward 3. He also asked about the emergency procedures manual update – Chief Harrell reported significant progress with CEMA. After discussion, a motion to adopt the plan passed unanimously (6 ayes).

Key Outcomes

• Approved: All consent agenda items (minutes, proclamations, union decertification, conservation renewal, police vehicle purchase) passed unanimously.
• Rejected: Ordinance amending Section 5-26 (tavern hours) failed first reading 2-4.
• Adopted: The 2026 Strategic Plan was unanimously approved.
• Future Issues: Staff will investigate the feasibility of an ADA-accessible sidewalk at Sappington Cemetery (likely not possible due to steep hill and graves). Staff will contact local businesses about potential use of the extended-hours state statute during the World Cup.