City Council Meeting Summary: October 23, 2025

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on October 23, 2025, to address routine administrative matters, public safety legislation, and significant real estate transactions. The meeting began with a moment of silence honoring victims of a 2022 shooting at Central Vision Performing Arts and personal introductions by several aldermen. The board engaged in extensive debate and voting on Board Bill 62 (golf cart legalization), Board Bill 78 (vegetation management), and Board Bill 82 (sale of Ineco Plaza), alongside the renewal of the Cortex redevelopment tool.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from Friday, October 17, 2025.
• Approval of Board Bills 63, 67, 80, and 86 (speed humps, zoning changes, energy act participation) as the perfection consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alder Woman Cox Antweed: Expressed full support for the establishment of speed humps in the 8th Ward to calm traffic.
• Alder Woman Tyus: Expressed strong opposition to Board Bill 62 (golf carts), citing that the legislation is overreaching and inconsistent. She argued that prohibiting golf carts in public parks where cars are allowed contradicts the bill's stance on not parking on sidewalks, noting that such restrictions would negatively affect senior citizens and those with mobility issues in her ward.
• Alder Woman Boyd: Expressed strong opposition to Board Bill 62, stating that the park restrictions are "absolutely ridiculous" and an overreach. She argued that the legislation fails to account for the specific needs of North St. Louis and lacks enforcement faith in city officials.
• Alder Woman Velazquez: Expressed mixed feelings regarding Board Bill 78, raising concerns about the lack of city enforcement on city-owned properties in North St. Louis and the potential for neighbor conflicts over tree lawn gardening. She stated she would vote present rather than opposed due to these systemic issues.
• Alder Woman Keys: Expressed opposition to Board Bill 68, stating she does not agree with the premise of granting private entities the power of eminent domain as a development tool.
• Alderman Browning: Expressed support for Board Bill 68, stating he will be voting for its third reading and final passage.
• Alderman O'Reilly: Expressed concern regarding the lack of written text for Amendment Two to Board Bill 62, questioning the procedural irregularity of adopting a friendly amendment without prior circulation.

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 62 (Golf Carts): The sponsor, Alderman Devotee, moved to legalize golf carts and establish equipment/operational regulations. Alder Woman Velasquez proposed an amendment to allow light bars alongside headlamps; Alderman O'Reilly proposed an amendment to increase the lane allowance for the Dogtown area. Alder Woman Tyus and Alderman Browning discussed safety concerns, with Tyus arguing against park restrictions. Alderman Devotee defended the restrictions based on pedestrian safety in parks. The bill was amended and perfected.
• Board Bill 78 (Vegetation): Introduced by a substitute amendment sponsored by Alderman Call (filling in for Alderwoman Schweitzer), the bill aims to regulate weeds while allowing managed native plantings. Alderwoman Tyus noted the lack of city enforcement in North St. Louis, and Alderman Browning expressed concern about the responsibility placed on citizens. The bill was perfected with new co-sponsors.
• Board Bill 82 (Ineco Plaza Sale): Alderman Aldrich sponsored the sale of Ineco Plaza for $275,000 to a developer for a parking lot. Alderman Browning argued it is not a park, citing lack of maintenance and historical issues. Alderwoman Velasquez and Alderman O'Reilly argued that the property is a public park held out for use as such, protected by Article 26 of the City Charter, and should require a city vote for sale. Despite the charter concerns raised, the bill was perfected.
• Board Bill 68 (Cortex Renewal): Alderman Browning proposed renewing the blighting determination for the Cortex West redevelopment area, which includes the use of eminent domain. The board debated the ethical implications of private entities using eminent domain. The motion for final passage failed to achieve the required eight votes, resulting in a 7-5 vote.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 53 (Speed Humps): Perfected with Amendment One, extending traffic calming measures to Carter Avenue in the 11th Ward.
• Board Bill 62 (Golf Carts): Perfected as amended. Roll call vote: 8 Aye, 5 No. The motion to perfect the bill was sustained.
• Board Bill 78 (Vegetation): Perfect Committee Substitute adopted. Roll call vote: 10 Aye, 3 Present. The motion to perfect was sustained.
• Board Bill 82 (Ineco Plaza): Perfect Committee Substitute adopted. Roll call vote: 10 Aye, 3 No. The motion to perfect was sustained, despite arguments that the charter requires a voter referendum for the sale of public parkland.
• Board Bill 68 (Cortex): Failed on final passage. Roll call vote: 7 Aye, 5 No (8 votes required for passage). The motion to third read and finally pass was not sustained.
• Resolution 132: Adopted the 2026 Garden Side Subdivision Special Business District Budget.
• Appointments: The board unanimously approved the mayoral appointment of David Lie Hopes to the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict Advisory Board.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned until Friday, October 31, 2025.