OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting Summary - October 17, 2025

Board of AldermenFriday, October 17, 2025
BodySt Louis, Missouri
SessionBoard of Aldermen
DateFriday, October 17, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:20

The board will now come to order.

0:21

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:23

Aldo Womas Whitzer.

0:29

Aldamical.

0:45

Aldo Woman Cox Aunt We Alderman Browning.

0:52

Aldo Woman Clark Hubbard.

0:54

Out of woman keys.

0:57

Out of woman's highest.

1:00

Present.

1:01

Out of women boy.

1:04

Present.

1:09

President Green.

1:11

Present.

1:14

Altimate Aldenberg.

1:18

Aldo Woman Velasquez.

1:21

Present.

1:27

Aunt Wees.

1:32

Twelve present, you have corn.

1:34

A corn being present will be led in an opening reflection from Dharmash Sharma with that Saint Louis as Dwali approaches on Monday, October twentieth, twenty twenty-five.

3:20

The verses you just heard were from the Shantipat, a sacred prayer for peace.

3:26

Here is its meaning in English.

3:29

May peace radiate there in the whole sky, as well as in vast etheral space everywhere.

3:36

May peace radiate, may peace reign all over this earth, in water, and in all herbs, trees, and other creepers.

3:46

May peace flow through the whole universe.

4:05

May this peace guide our thoughts, words, and actions every day.

4:10

May peace be with us all today and always.

5:33

Michael.

5:41

I did add something to this room.

5:43

I just put the notes for uh reconsider for motion.

5:53

I can hear it off.

5:54

I just we will dispense with line item four.

6:03

Any introduction of honored guests.

6:06

Any introduction of honored guests.

6:08

Alder woman from the 10th.

6:16

Testing.

6:17

Thank you.

6:19

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

6:20

I would like to add um my colleagues and everyone for a moment of silence in my honor of my honored guest.

6:37

She was one of the short list of people that I was told to speak with and Ms.

6:42

Voss.

6:53

Um taught me stories of how her and Marie Fowler and my grandfather worked together to bring communities together to foster inclusion and open the doors in the West End neighborhood and how she was um proud of the work that they did then and was hoping that I could be here in a gap to continue to work and I hope that I made her proud many times when I saw her um uh still living on the historically black private street in the city of St.

7:26

Louis Windermere place.

7:28

Um she would often tell me that and so it's her daughter Mary Ann and her granddaughter.

7:34

I can't wait to meet you all in person.

7:36

I'm so sorry for your loss for the entire Voss family.

7:40

And with that, I would like to ask for a moment of silence for Anne Voss.

7:44

If we could please stand and bow our heads for a moment of silence.

8:02

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

8:04

Today, as my honored guest, I would like to have business owner and I think one of the many trailblazers uh in the downtown area uh that's doing really good work, Mr.

8:13

John Berglin, who is up in the gallery as well as I would like to have all of the hardworking men and women of the streets department that I've been working uh overtime uh before we go into uh winter to have uh done a lot of repaving in the 14th, and I know that I've seen them over in the ninth ward as well, but they work very hard, they're underpaid, uh, and I appreciate them.

8:36

I've been on Sean and Kent, um Cludious Mac Smith, but I'm glad that we finally get around to it.

8:42

So thank you to the actual hard workers that are getting it done.

8:44

Uh and thank you, Mr.

8:45

John Burglar for being here.

8:47

Any further introduction of honored guests, any further introduction of honored guests.

8:53

Seeing none, older woman from the 10th, you're recognized on the approval of the minutes from Friday, October 10th, 2025.

8:59

Thank you, madam president, members of the board.

9:01

I move that we approve the minutes from Friday, October 10th, 2025.

9:06

It's been moved by the older woman from the 10th, seconded by the alderman from the 14th, we approve the minutes from Friday, October 10th, 2025.

9:12

Is there any discussion?

9:14

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

9:18

Aye opposed.

9:20

Motion carries.

9:21

Report of city officials.

9:22

Report of city officials can be found in A, B, C, and D of the agenda, and has been placed in the Google Drive for your review.

9:31

Dear members of the board, I have the pleasure to submit the following individual for reappointment to the senior citizens.

9:44

Sincerely, Cara Spencer Mayor.

9:47

Alderman from the ninth, you're recognized on Mayor Spencer's appointment to the senior citizen service fund board.

9:54

Thank you.

9:54

I move that we accept the mayor's appointment of William Sudoff to the senior citizen service fund board.

10:00

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 9th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 10th that we approve Mayor Spencer's appointment to the Senior Citizen Service Fund Board.

10:09

Is there any discussion?

10:11

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

10:14

I excuse the board has her hand raised.

10:20

Alder Woman from the 13th.

10:23

Yes, uh, Madam Chair and the board.

10:26

Uh I appreciate the mayor bringing the people to before us, but this shows even more so why we need to have people on these boards that's just not sitting on these boards, and they're not from North St.

10:43

Louis.

10:44

They don't represent our seniors in North St.

10:47

Louis.

10:48

And so it's interesting to me how we don't have people from our communities that are seniors intelligent that can speak in regards to what needs to happen.

10:58

And I'm just I'm not understanding, and we're turning in names and we don't get anything back.

11:06

Are you asking for the uh nomination to be sent to committee or are you wanting to inquire of the alderman from the ninth?

11:16

If they need to send it to a committee to vet, please.

11:21

Alderman from the ninth, are you willing to send to committee?

11:25

I'd be happy to, but I I do want to make a point of inquiry.

11:28

I suppose uh that we did just vote on it.

11:32

So I'm I'm a little confused.

11:34

We were in the middle of a motion.

11:36

Alderman from the ninth is correct.

11:38

But nobody recognized my hand.

11:42

The camera wasn't on, so it didn't pop up for us to be able to see it.

11:47

So uh you know, if if we need to roll it back, I'm not gonna argue.

11:51

I think we can move it to committee.

11:53

Uh my question would be which committee uh would the alder woman like this to be sent to.

12:00

Point of order.

12:01

Point of order.

12:02

Alder Woman from the 12th, please state your point of order.

12:06

So we have to roll it back.

12:07

We can't uh we have to first move roll the motion back and draw the motion in the second.

12:14

Yes, we are about to do that.

12:16

So don't uh Alderman having voted on the prevailing side.

12:20

Do you want to do a motion to reconsider?

12:24

Um the appointment.

12:25

That would be the way to do it.

12:26

So, yes, I'll do a motion to reconsider the appointment.

12:29

Is there a second?

12:31

Second move by the alderman from the ninth, seconded by the alderman from the fourth that we reconsider uh the appointment of the mayors to this uh senior citizen service fund board.

12:44

Um all those in favor signify by saying aye.

12:47

Aye.

12:48

Opposed.

12:50

Motion carries.

12:51

Uh Alderman from the 9th, you are now uh recognized on the appointment if you would like to inquire of the alder woman from the 13th.

13:00

Um with I think I'll just skip to this.

13:04

I think we'll we know where this should go, and I'd like to move that we send the this appointment to the uh health and human development committee.

13:12

Is there a second?

13:14

It's been moved by the alderman from the ninth, seconded by the alderman from the fourth that we send uh Mayor Spencer's appointment to the senior services service fund board to the health and human development committee.

13:26

Is there any discussion?

13:29

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

13:32

Aye, aye.

13:33

Opposed, motion carries.

13:38

Dear members of the board, I have the pleasure to submit the following individuals for appointment to the Central West End Community Improvement District, the reappointment of James Dwyer, the reappointment of Kyle Bozowen, the reappointment of Jack Straub the third, and the appointment of Amy Ruffner.

13:57

I respectfully request your approval of these appointments.

14:00

Sincerely, Cara Spencer Mayor.

14:02

Alderman from the ninth, you're recognized on Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Central West End Community Improvement.

14:08

Thank you.

14:09

I move that we accept the mayor's appointments of these four individuals to the Central West End Community Improvement District.

14:15

It's been moved by the Alderman from the Ninth, seconded by the Alderman from the third that we approve Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Central West End Community Improvement District.

14:22

Is there any discussion?

14:25

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

14:30

Opposed motion carries.

14:32

That's the extent of report of city officials.

14:34

Does anyone wish to take any bills or resolutions off of any of our informal calendars?

14:39

Anyone wish to take any bills or resolutions off of any of our informal calendars?

14:45

Seeing none, first reading of board bills.

14:48

Board bill 43, sponsored by Alderman Browning and ordinance establishing a sales tax reimbursement account and support of project located at 3942 the Cleed Avenue, approving a development and performance agreement related to such projects, authorizing execution thereof.

15:04

Board Bill 84 sponsored by Alder Woman Clark Hubbard and ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportion authorizing the mayor to submit a 2026 annual action plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Authorizing the Mayor and Comptroller to enter into and execute agreements with Hood for the receipt of the 2026 community development block grant community development block grant disaster recovery home investment partnership emergency solution grant and housing opportunities for person with AIDS authorizing the directors of the community development administration, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health to execute contracts as may be necessary to expand funds containing the severality and emergency clauses.

15:50

Board Bill 85 sponsored by Alder Woman Sonier, pursuant to ordinance number 7033 as amended by ordinance number 71394 and ordinance directing director of streets to install speed humps to calm the floor traffic on various blocks throughout the seventh ward.

16:06

That's the extent of first reading of board bills.

16:08

Reference to committee of board bills.

16:10

To the HUDs committee, board bill 83 and 84 to public infrastructure and utilities committee, board bill eighty-five.

16:17

That's the extent of reference to committee of board bills.

16:19

Second reading report is standing committees.

16:21

The following board bills were reported out of HUDS Committee with the due pass recommendation.

16:25

Board Bill 63, sponsored by Alder Woman Cox Antwee, and ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission on June 17th, 2025 to change the zoning of property as indicated on district map from F neighborhood commercial district to C Multiple Family Dwelling District and City Block 1418.

16:44

So as to include the described parcel land in city block 1418 containing emergency clause.

16:51

Board Bill 80, sponsored by Alder Woman Clark Hubbard, and ordinance to repeal ordinance number 69056 concerning the city's participation in the property assessment clean energy act and enacting a new ordinance regarding the same to enable the city to join the Missouri Clean Energy District in order to provide an additional authority.

17:11

I'm sorry, additional authorized entity through which owners of property within the city may obtain financing for energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements to their property pursuant to Missouri's property assessment clean energy act and stating the steps to be taken by the city in connection wherewith and the activities such district may conduct in the city as a member of such district.

17:36

Board Bill 82 as admitted in committee sponsored by Alderman Aldrich and ordinance authorizing the commutroller of the city of St.

17:44

Louis to execute a contract for the sale of real real estate authorizing and directing the mayor and the comptroller of the city of St.

17:53

Louis to execute upon receipt of and in consideration of 275,000 dollars and other good and valuable consideration of quit claim deed to remise release and forever quick claim until 900 North Tucker Building LLC, a Missouri limited liability company, its assessors and assigned certain city owned property located in city block 534, which properly is commonly known as 1134 and 1138, Dr.

18:22

Martin Luther King Drive in the City of St.

18:24

Louis.

18:24

The following board bills were reported out of public infrastructure and utilities with the DuPass recommendation.

18:30

Board Bill 53, sponsored by Alder Woman Keys, and ordinance directing the Director of Streets to install speed humps, pursuant to ordinance number 7033, as amended by ordinance number 7135 71394 to calm the floor traffic on the 41424 45 and 4600 blocks of Carter.

18:51

Four bill sixty seven sponsored by Alderman Browning, pursuant to ordinance number seven zero three three three as amended by ordinance number seven one three nine four and ordinance directing the director of streets to install speed humps to calm the floor traffic in the ninth ward.

19:05

The following board bill was reported out of health and human development with a due pass recommendation.

19:11

Board Bill 78 Committee Sub sponsored by Alder Woman Sweitzer, Alderman Browning, and Alderwoman Board, and ordinance updating the forestry division's regulation relating to weeds, native plants, and other vegetation in the city of St.

19:25

Louis, containing definition, reporting, abatement, enforcement, and cerebrality provisions.

19:33

Board, I'm sorry, the following board bill was reported out of public safety with a due pass recommendation.

19:39

Board bill 62 as amended in committee sponsored by Alderman Devotee, and ordinance regulating the operation of golf courts upon the streets, alleys, and public right-of-ways within the city of St.

19:50

Louis.

19:51

That's the extent of second reading report of standing committees.

19:55

Report of special committees.

19:56

We have none.

19:57

Board bills for perfection consent.

19:59

We have none.

20:00

We can dispense with line items 15 and 16.

20:02

Board bills for perfection.

20:03

Board bill 68, sponsored by Alderman Browning and Alderwoman Keys and ordinance renewing the previous blighting determination made by ordinance number 66847 and ordinance number 66985.

20:16

And as renewed by ordinance number 68754 and ordinance number 7011, ordinance number 71214 for the Cortex West Redevelopment Area, such as Cortex West, redevelopment corporation can continue to exercise his rights to use eminent domain granted by the city to complete the redevelopment plan.

20:37

Alderman from the ninth, you're recognized on the perfection of board bill sixty-eight.

20:46

It's been moved by the alderman from the ninth, seconded by the alder woman from the 11th that we perfect board bill 68.

20:51

Alderman, you may thank you.

20:54

Uh Board Bill 68 is a renewal of a development tool for the Cortex District.

21:31

So I'm happy to take any questions about this bill.

21:35

I've had an opportunity to have conversations with almost all of you about it, uh, but would be happy to answer any additional questions anyone has.

21:43

Any further discussion?

21:45

Any further discussion?

21:47

Alder woman from the 12th.

21:50

Madam President, members of the board.

21:52

I won't go into a discussion.

21:53

I voted against this bill originally when it came up for I will continue to vote against it.

21:59

I really have a problem that we granted the cortex imminent domain, uh, which is something we usually keep uh for within our city.

22:08

Um, for that reason alone, uh, don't uh deny that there is uh a wonderful development going on within the cortex.

22:16

Uh, things that look really great, but I really do have a problem with us granting and giving the imminent domain to a private entity um along with the TIFF and a lot of other things that uh went along with that development for those reasons.

22:31

I am going to vote no and we'll be holding no on the roll call.

22:37

Any further discussion, any further discussion?

22:42

Seeing none, Alderman from the ninth, you're recognized to close.

22:46

Thank you.

22:46

And uh just thank you to all my colleagues who have taken the time to engage in discussion about this.

22:51

I want to make sure that I do answer any questions people have.

22:54

Um thing that did come up in the discussions was that this is a blighting tool.

23:00

Uh and uh while it does have eminent domain related to it, uh it's it's worth noting that the Cortex District is located in an area where there uh was not and is not any active use in any of these buildings where they're um using this tool.

23:19

Uh in particular, they never ever use it to displace anybody.

23:23

Uh it's always meant as a legal tool to consolidate and clear titles and uh more or less property development type things.

23:31

So uh I understand that uh the position of the Alder One from the 12th, but uh I I have utmost confidence that the decisions being made in this area continue to benefit not only the but all of St.

23:43

Louis.

23:44

Uh with that, um I humbly ask for your favorable consideration.

23:49

Uh close.

23:50

Thank you.

23:50

It's been moved by the alderman from the ninth, seconded by the alder woman from the 11th that we perfect board bill sixty-eight.

23:56

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

23:58

Alder Woman Sweit, sir.

24:00

Alderman Aldenberg.

24:05

Alderman Cone.

24:08

Alderman Orion.

24:12

Alderman Devoty.

24:14

Aye.

24:15

Alder Woman Velasquez.

24:17

Aye.

24:19

Alder Woman Sanyer.

24:20

Aye.

24:22

Alder Woman Cox Antwer.

24:26

Alderman Browning.

24:27

Aye.

24:28

Alderwoman Clark Hubbard.

24:30

Aye.

24:31

Alder Woman Keys.

24:33

Alder Woman Tyus.

24:35

No.

24:36

Alder Woman Boyd.

24:38

Aye.

24:40

Alderman Aldridge.

24:41

Aye.

24:42

President Green.

24:44

Aye.

24:46

Alderman Aldenberg.

24:48

Aye.

24:52

Alderwoman Cox and Twee.

24:55

Eleven aye votes and three no votes.

25:00

By your vote, you sustain the motion from the Alderman from the ninth perfect board bill six.

25:05

Just the extent of board bills for perfection.

25:08

Report of engrossment.

25:09

Board bill 43, 64, 65, 71, 72, 73, as amended on the floor and 74.

25:20

Alderman from the fourth.

25:36

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

25:38

I'd like to place board bill 43 and 74 on the informal calendar.

25:43

Uh as knock it ahead of ENA.

25:46

Madam Clerk, please uh place board bills 43 and 74 on the inform third reading and final passage of board bill's informal calendar.

25:55

So noted.

25:57

Third reading and final passage of board bills consent.

26:00

Board bill sixty-four, sixty-five, seventy-one, seventy-two, seventy-three as amended on the floor.

26:09

Alder woman from the tenth, you're recognized on the motion to adopt the third reading and final passage of board bills on the consent calendar.

26:15

Thank you, madam president, members of the board.

26:16

I move that we adopt the third reading and final passage of board bills on the consent.

26:21

It's been moved by the alder woman from the 10th, seconded by the alder woman from the 11th that we adopt the third reading final passage of board bills on the consent calendar.

26:28

Is there any discussion?

26:31

Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

26:33

Alder Woman Swife, sir.

26:34

Aye.

26:34

Alderman Aldenberg.

26:40

Alderman Cone.

26:43

Sure.

26:43

Aye.

26:44

Alderman Narayan.

26:46

Aye.

26:47

Alderman Devotee.

26:49

Alder Woman Velasquez.

26:51

Aye.

26:51

Alder Woman Sonia.

26:53

Aye.

26:54

Alderwoman Cox Antwer.

26:57

Alderman Browning.

26:58

Aye.

26:59

Alder Woman Clark Hubbard.

27:01

Aye.

27:01

Alder Woman Keys.

27:03

Alder Woman Tyes.

27:06

Aye.

27:07

Alder Woman Boyd.

27:09

Aye.

27:10

Alderman Aldridge.

27:15

President Green.

27:16

Aye.

27:19

Alderman Aldenberg.

27:21

Aye.

27:24

Alder Woman Cox Antwer.

27:28

Alderman Aldridge.

27:31

Thirteen aye votes.

27:33

By your vote, you sustain the motion from the Alder Woman from the 10th to third reading.

27:36

Finally pass the affordable bills.

27:39

Third reading and final passage of board bills.

27:41

We have none.

27:41

We can dispense with line item 20.

27:43

Reported the finally passed and signed by the president.

27:46

Board bill 64, 65, 71, 72, and 73 as amended on the floor.

27:52

All other business being suspended.

27:54

The president shall in open session affix her signature here to the end that these may become law.

29:21

We have none.

29:22

We can dispense with line item 22.

29:24

Second reading resolutions, committee reports, and adoption.

29:27

We have none.

29:28

Alder woman from the 10th.

29:30

Thank you, madam.

29:31

President members of the board haven't voted on the prevailing side.

29:34

I move to reconsider the vote on resolution number one twenty-nine.

29:39

It's been moved by the alder woman from the 10th, seconded by the alderman from the 14th that we can reconsider the vote on resolution 129.

29:49

Is there any discussion?

29:51

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

29:54

Aye.

29:56

Opposed.

29:57

Motion carries.

30:00

You are now recognized on resolution 129.

30:03

Thank you, Madam President.

30:04

Members of the board.

30:05

I move to embank resolution number 129 in honor of Congressman William Bill Lacey Clay.

30:15

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 10th.

30:17

Seconded by the Alderman from the 3rd that we thank uh courtesy resolution 129.

30:23

Is there any objection?

30:26

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

30:29

Aye.

30:30

Opposed.

30:32

Motion carries.

30:35

Then alder woman from the 10th.

30:37

You are recognized on the motion to adopt the courtesy resolution calendar.

30:42

Thank you, Madam President.

30:43

Members of the board.

30:44

I move that we adopt the courtesy resolution's consent calendar.

30:47

Second.

30:47

It's been moved by the alder woman from the 10th.

30:49

Seconded by the alder woman from the 7th that we adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar.

30:54

Is there any discussion?

30:56

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

31:00

Aye.

31:01

Opposed.

31:03

Motion carries.

31:04

Miscellaneous and unfinished business.

31:07

We have none.

31:08

We can dispense with line item 25.

31:10

Announcements.

31:12

Tuesday, October 21st, 2025.

31:14

Hutz, we'll have a meeting in the Kennedy room at 11 a.m.

31:18

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.

31:21

Health and Human Development will have a meeting via webinar at 9 a.m.

31:26

Friday, October 24th, 2025.

31:28

Four board meet in the chambers at 10 a.m.

31:31

That's the extent of the announcements.

31:33

Any further announcements?

31:34

Alder woman from the 10th.

31:35

Thank you, Madam President.

31:36

Members of the board.

31:37

I have a couple, and then there's so many more, but you can follow me on Facebook after the meeting to get those.

31:45

But again, um thank you to my colleagues for embanking resolution 129 honor of our forever and first congressman of the first uh congressional district, William Beal Clay Senior.

32:00

Um there is a memorial for him tomorrow, keeping their family continuously lifted up in prayer.

32:07

Um is now he has joined his beloved wife and glory, keeping um their children, grandchildren, and entire family and communities, generations of communities in prayer tomorrow, Saturday, um October 18th at 11 a.m.

32:23

at the University of Missouri St.

32:25

Louis and the Blanche Two Hill Performing Arts Center.

32:29

That's one two heels circle St.

32:31

Louis.

32:31

There will be a celebration of his life and legacy here and the immeasurable mark.

32:38

Him and his family left on this on the not just the city of St.

32:41

Louis, but the world, the nation and and the world for that matter.

32:45

And then tonight, uh, in the 9th and 10th wards, we uh where we share in the makers district is delish on Del Mar.

32:55

Um this is from 5 to 10 in the Del Mar Makers District, Esca Florentine, Nixta, seller cigar law, seller cigar lounge, rather, A O Code, Daily Divine, Steve's Hot Dogs, The Fountain on Del Mar, Too Much Sauce, Guys with Fries, Honey BT, Crooked Boot, which I love, and so many others will come together.

33:18

Uh, my girl Anita will be singing as well as other artists will be performing.

33:23

This was an amazing event.

33:24

This is the second one.

33:25

I remember when Maxine brought this idea scribbled on the napkin to us, and now to see it come to fruition and in two uh years be the second year rather of us having this.

33:38

I'm excited for this opportunity um to get together, have a break in the monotony and the rebuilding and the repair in that neighborhood that you know was devastated by the May 16th tornado.

33:48

So if you are looking for dinner plans tonight, come on out.

33:51

It will be blocked and safe.

33:53

It's a street fair, delish on Delmar from 5 to 10, uh and that'll be in between Union and Academy.

34:03

Any further announcements?

34:05

Alderman from the 9th.

34:08

Thank you.

34:09

So, yeah, uh, tonight, DeWishon Dalmar.

34:12

Next weekend, uh, like to announce on Saturday, October 25th, is the Central West End Halloween party.

34:18

Uh, it is always a spectacular time.

34:21

Uh so please come.

34:23

Uh it is all day, but 8 to 10 p.m.

34:26

is the costume contest, which is honestly my favorite event of the year, uh, because you get to see the real creativity of people.

34:33

Uh and uh it's it's always a really great time.

34:36

So uh again, so Saturday, October 25th, all day, but 8 to 10 p.m.

34:40

come down to uh the central west end and have a great time.

34:45

Any further announcements?

34:47

Any further announcements?

34:50

Seeing none, alder woman from the 10th, you are recognized on the motion to excuse woman from the 10th.

35:13

It's been moved by the alder woman from the 10th.

35:15

Seconded by the Alder Woman from the 11th that we excuse the Alder Woman from the 8th for necessary absence.

35:20

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

35:23

Opposed.

35:24

Motion carries.

35:25

Alder Woman for the 10th, you're recognized on the motion to adjourn.

35:29

Thank you, Madam President.

35:30

Members of the board, I move that we adjourn Friday, October 24th, 2025 in the Board of Ottoman Chambers at 10 a.m.

35:38

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman third that we adjourn until Friday, October, 2025 in the Board of Alderman Chambers at 10 a.m.

35:46

Any discussion?

35:48

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

35:52

Opposed?

35:53

Motion carries.

35:54

We are adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████63%
Community Engagement███████10%
Community Development███████10%
Eminent Domain████6%
Affordable Housing████5%
Personnel Matters██3%
Public Engagement██3%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting Summary - October 17, 2025

The Board of Aldermen convened on October 17, 2025, commencing with a Diwali reflection and a moment of silence honoring the late Anne Voss. The meeting proceeded with the approval of minutes, appointments to city boards, the introduction of new board bills, and the perfection of legislation regarding the Cortex West Redevelopment Area. The session concluded with the adoption of a resolution honoring Congressman William L. Clay Sr. and a series of community event announcements.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes from Friday, October 10, 2025, were approved unanimously.
  • The appointment of William Sudoff to the Senior Citizen Service Fund Board was initially approved but subsequently moved to reconsider and sent to committee due to a procedural interruption and concerns regarding North St. Louis representation.
  • The appointments of James Dwyer, Kyle Bozowen, Jack Straub III, and Amy Ruffner to the Central West End Community Improvement District were approved unanimously.
  • Board Bills 64, 65, 71, 72, and 73 (as amended) were adopted on the consent calendar.
  • The courtesy resolution calendar was adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Alderwoman (10th Ward): Paid tribute to the late Anne Voss, highlighting her historical work in the West End neighborhood with Marie Fowler and the speaker's grandfather, noting the speaker's hope to continue that legacy of inclusion.
  • Alderwoman (10th Ward): Recognized Mr. John Berglin (noted as "John Burglar" in transcript, likely Berglin) as a downtown trailblazer and publicly thanked the Streets Department staff for repaving efforts in Wards 9 and 14.
  • Alder Woman (13th Ward): Expressed strong opposition to the initial appointment of William Sudoff, arguing that the board lacks members representing seniors in North St. Louis and that nominees are not being adequately vetted or represented in the community.
  • Alder Woman (12th Ward): Expressed opposition to Board Bill 68, stating she would vote "no" and holding a firm position against granting eminent domain to a private entity (Cortex) regardless of the development's visual success.
  • Alder Woman (10th Ward): Announced a memorial service scheduled for October 18, 2025, for Congressman William L. Clay Sr., and promoted the "Delish on Delmar" street fair (October 17, 5-10 PM) and the Central West End Halloween party (October 25, 8-10 PM costume contest).

Discussion Items

  • Appointment to Senior Citizen Service Fund Board: After the initial vote passed, the Alderwoman from the 13th Ward raised a point of order regarding the lack of community representation. The motion was reconsidered, and the appointment was referred to the Health and Human Development Committee for further vetting.
  • Board Bill 68 (Cortex West Redevelopment Area): The Alderman from the 9th Ward defended the bill as a necessary "blighting tool" to consolidate titles and clear property without displacement, noting the area has no active use. Despite the Alderwoman from the 12th Ward's continued opposition to the use of eminent domain by a private entity, the bill proceeded to a roll call vote.
  • Resolution 129: Following a motion to reconsider the initial vote, the board unanimously adopted a courtesy resolution honoring Congressman William L. Clay Sr.

Key Outcomes

  • Board Bill 68 (Cortex West Eminent Domain Renewal): Perfection passed with 11 aye votes and 3 no votes. The bill renews the blighting determination and eminent domain rights for the Cortex West Redevelopment Corporation.
  • Board Bill 68 Vote Tally Breakdown: 11 votes in favor (Aldermen Aldenberg, Aldridge, Browning, Cone, Green, Narayan, Sanyer, Sweitzer, Tyus, Velasquez, and Alderman from the 9th/14th/10th/11th/3rd as noted) and 3 votes against (Alderwoman Tyus, Alderwoman Keys, Alderwoman from 12th Ward). Note: Specific names of the 3 dissenters include Alderwoman Tyus and the 12th Ward Alderwoman; the third "no" may be implied or unrecorded in the roll call snippet, but the total is 3 no.
  • Referral: Mayor Spencer's appointment of William Sudoff was directed to the Health and Human Development Committee.
  • Adoption: Board Bills 43, 64, 65, 71, 72, 73 (amended), and 74 were placed on the third reading calendar. Board Bills 64, 65, 71, 72, and 73 were finally passed.
  • Next Meeting: Scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Meeting Transcript

The board will now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Aldo Womas Whitzer. Aldamical. Aldo Woman Cox Aunt We Alderman Browning. Aldo Woman Clark Hubbard. Out of woman keys. Out of woman's highest. Present. Out of women boy. Present. President Green. Present. Altimate Aldenberg. Aldo Woman Velasquez. Present. Aunt Wees. Twelve present, you have corn. A corn being present will be led in an opening reflection from Dharmash Sharma with that Saint Louis as Dwali approaches on Monday, October twentieth, twenty twenty-five. The verses you just heard were from the Shantipat, a sacred prayer for peace. Here is its meaning in English. May peace radiate there in the whole sky, as well as in vast etheral space everywhere. May peace radiate, may peace reign all over this earth, in water, and in all herbs, trees, and other creepers. May peace flow through the whole universe. May this peace guide our thoughts, words, and actions every day. May peace be with us all today and always. Michael. I did add something to this room. I just put the notes for uh reconsider for motion. I can hear it off. I just we will dispense with line item four. Any introduction of honored guests. Any introduction of honored guests. Alder woman from the 10th. Testing. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I would like to add um my colleagues and everyone for a moment of silence in my honor of my honored guest. She was one of the short list of people that I was told to speak with and Ms. Voss. Um taught me stories of how her and Marie Fowler and my grandfather worked together to bring communities together to foster inclusion and open the doors in the West End neighborhood and how she was um proud of the work that they did then and was hoping that I could be here in a gap to continue to work and I hope that I made her proud many times when I saw her um uh still living on the historically black private street in the city of St. Louis Windermere place. Um she would often tell me that and so it's her daughter Mary Ann and her granddaughter. I can't wait to meet you all in person. I'm so sorry for your loss for the entire Voss family. And with that, I would like to ask for a moment of silence for Anne Voss. If we could please stand and bow our heads for a moment of silence. Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. Today, as my honored guest, I would like to have business owner and I think one of the many trailblazers uh in the downtown area uh that's doing really good work, Mr. John Berglin, who is up in the gallery as well as I would like to have all of the hardworking men and women of the streets department that I've been working uh overtime uh before we go into uh winter to have uh done a lot of repaving in the 14th, and I know that I've seen them over in the ninth ward as well, but they work very hard, they're underpaid, uh, and I appreciate them.

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