Crestwood Board of Aldermen Regular Meeting – August 26, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on August 26, 2026. The board welcomed new City Administrator David Weidler, who was sworn in and received remarks from the Mayor. The evening included an audit presentation, a public hearing and approval of a conditional use permit for a massage establishment, reports from aldermen, approval of the consent agenda, and a discussion on the Sustainable Crestwood strategic initiative. All seven aldermen were present, establishing a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the July 28, 2026 Board of Aldermen regular meeting minutes.
• Approval of a liquor license request by Blue Colors Alon, LLC DBA Asher Blue, The Salon, The Space.
• Ordinance amending Section 7-6 of Article 1, Chapter 7 (city inspections).
• Ordinance amending Section 2-4 of Article 1, Chapter 2 (bonds for public works contracts).
• Ordinance amending Sections 2-23, 2-48, and 2-50 of Articles 2 and 3, Chapter 2 (meetings, tie votes, elections, and official bonds).
• The consent agenda was approved by a unanimous roll-call vote of 7–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Auditor Presentation (Alan Schultz, UHY): Presented the annual financial audit for fiscal year 2025. Key points included: a decrease in current assets due to spending bond proceeds on the community center; approximately $11 million in capital asset additions offset by $2 million depreciation; a $3 million advance on TIFF notes; a general fund fund balance increase of about $144,000; 227 days of fund balance reserves; and a net pension asset of $4 million. The audit received an unqualified (clean) opinion. Recommendations were made regarding accrued vacation/sick leave compliance and IT policy documentation. Board member Alderman Maybe noted the vacation/sick leave issue had been raised the prior year without improvement and requested a staff update. Staff affirmed that IT recommendations would be passed to the city’s IT vendor.
• Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit (CUP 4-26): The hearing was held for JK Spa LLC to operate a massage establishment at 9919 Watson Road in the C1 local business district. City Planner Danny Jendusa testified that the proposal meets all applicable code criteria, does not dominate the neighborhood, and would promote public welfare. The Planning, Zoning, and Architectural Review Commission had recommended approval 4–0. Applicant C Ying described the business as offering Chinese, Thai, and Japanese massage styles, and explained that clients complete a health intake application to tailor treatments. No public testimony was offered in opposition. The board closed the hearing and passed the ordinance granting the CUP by unanimous roll-call votes (7–0) on first and second readings. The city attorney was directed to prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Board and Mayor Reports: Aldermen provided updates on various topics:
  • Alderman Maybe reported on Planning & Zoning items: the Ridgewood potential district design matter will return for a recommendation next week; Deerburg at Crestwood Crossing presented a final development plan for a parking lot serving future retail/restaurant spaces (Jojo’s Biscuit Factory, Brass Tap).
  • Alderman Seven reported on the Parks Board meeting and promoted the upcoming “Christmas in Crestwood” trivia night (fundraiser for December events).
  • Alderman Morrison reported visiting a troubled area near Verndale Park and attending a safer streets webinar regarding lighting standards.
  • Alderperson Nangalorum attended her first Parks Board meeting and expressed excitement about pickleball and family games complex progress.
  • Alderman Jadala mentioned a Sappington House Foundation event (RhondaPalooza) on September 25–26 and Suncrest Fest on October 24.
  • Alderman Hall reported on the Beautify Crestwood meeting and highlighted the “Sustainable Crestwood Initiative and Conservation Progress” report. Upcoming events include a pumpkin smash composting event (Nov 7) and Crestwood being selected for the 2027 St. Louis Native Garden Tour (June 5).
  • Alderman Jadala also provided updates on the Joseph Sappington Log House reconstruction: power pole cost reduced to $234, logs being assembled off-site, and onsite work expected to resume soon.
• New Business – Strategic Plan: Sustainable Crestwood: The Mayor introduced a board goal to provide direction on (1) city standards for municipal landscapes/natural areas, (2) guidance and support for voluntary resident efforts, and (3) potential code updates for naturalized landscaping. Aldermen offered a range of perspectives:
  • Several aldermen supported increasing street tree planting and creating a tree mitigation fund for removed mature trees.
  • Support was expressed for native plantings in city projects, with recognition that some ornamental plants may be appropriate near buildings.
  • Suggestions included developing a themes for parks, using the St. Louis County ordinance as a starting point for code changes, and exploring resident education and incentives (e.g., bulk tree purchases via Missouri Department of Conservation).
  • Concerns were raised about balancing aesthetics and property values, addressing invasive species (e.g., honeysuckle, bamboo), and ensuring maintainability of native landscapes.
  • Staff was directed to take the board’s feedback, review existing policies, and return with a proposed framework for future consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit Approved: JK Spa LLC may operate a massage establishment at 9919 Watson Road. The ordinance passed unanimously (7–0) on both readings.
• Consent Agenda Approved: All items approved unanimously (7–0).
• Audit Accepted: The clean audit opinion was accepted; staff to follow up on vacation/sick leave policy and IT documentation recommendations.
• Sustainability Discussion: No formal vote. Staff will develop a proposal based on aldermanic direction regarding municipal landscaping standards, resident support, and code updates, to be brought back for future board consideration.
• Joseph Sappington Log House Update: Power pole cost reduced to $234; foundation will pay; installation scheduled after payment. Log walls expected to be erected soon.