St. Louis Board of Alderman Meeting Summary - November 7, 2025

The Board of Alderman convened with a quorum of 12 members present to honor civil rights icon Percy Green II, approve key disaster relief allocations, and debate ethical investment policies. The meeting included the adoption of courtesy resolutions, the processing of multiple board bills regarding tornado and RAM settlement funds, and a contentious vote on Resolution 136 concerning the ethical investment of retirement funds.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 149: Honoring Percy Green II was introduced by unanimous consent after a motion to suspend rules passed. Alderman Aldrich (14th Ward) introduced the resolution, and Alderman Matt DeVoto (5th Ward) moved to bank it, with all members signing on as co-sponsors.
• Minutes: The minutes from Friday, October 31, 2025, were approved by consent.
• Courtesy Resolution Calendar: Adopted by unanimous vote.
• Board Bills for Perfection Consent Calendar: Bills 84, 13, 75, and 85 were adopted by unanimous vote.
• Third Reading and Final Passage: Board Bill 89 was adopted by consent.
• Resolution 144: The 2026 Tower Grove Concerned Citizens Special Business District Budget was approved by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Guest Introductions: Alderwoman Keys (11th Ward) introduced members of the SLU Policy Pods, including Asriel Garcia, Skylar Lanus, and others, as well as Jessica Trout.
• Alderman Aldrich's Guests: Alderman Aldrich honored guests including Mama Jamala Rogers, members of the "Not Another Nickel" campaign, Unite Here, and Annalise Stover of the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. Alderman Aldrich and Alderman Aldenberg praised Stover's immediate response to tornado-displaced constituents.
• Unionization Support: Employees and union representatives from Caldies Coffee were acknowledged. Alderwoman Singh (7th Ward) and Alderman Aldrich expressed solidarity with workers pursuing unionization, emphasizing the bravery required to organize.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 136 (Ethical Investment): A debate ensued regarding the resolution to direct the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System to cease investments in 17 companies engaged in war/weaponry, which constitute ~1% of the portfolio.
  • Alderman Aldrich (Sponsor): Expressed unwavering support for the resolution's spirit, framing it as a stance for humanity and peace, comparing the sentiment to the apartheid divestment movement. He refuted divisive rhetoric used by opponents.
  • Alderman DeVoto (5th Ward): Expressed strong support for the humanitarian spirit of the resolution, citing moving testimony received in committee, but voted "no" on the basis of feasibility. He stated the Board lacks confirmation from the Retirement Board on whether divestment is legally or practically actionable.
  • Alderman Narayan (12th Ward): Expressed opposition to the resolution. He voiced discomfort with the political nature of the debate, citing local community safety concerns regarding gas stations in his ward, and stated he would vote "present" rather than support what he viewed as a politicized agenda that ignored local violence.
  • Alderman Keys (11th Ward): Expressed support for the resolution's humanitarian core but noted she would vote "present" (later corrected to imply a vote against the specific feasibility concerns of the 5th or expressed hesitation, though the vote tallies showed 3 absent/present). Correction based on vote: Alderman Keys voted Present, citing frustration that the activists' group does not also advocate against local violence in North St. Louis.
• Board Bill 93 (RAM Settlement - Impact Tenants): Discussion focused on appropriating $1 million from RAM settlement interest to the Impacted Tenant Fund. Alderman Aldrich explained the fund is for relocation assistance and will be operational in two weeks. He acknowledged delays caused by the presence of FEMA and the desire not to duplicate services.
• Board Bill 94 (RAM Settlement - Winter Shelters): Discussion centered on appropriating $3,365,535.05 from the RAM settlement to support winter shelters for unhoused residents. Alderwoman Singh (7th Ward) expressed concern about the timeline of delivery, fearing the funds would not reach the street before winter. She noted the emergency procurement process is intended to speed up RFPs upon the Mayor's signature.
• Board Bill 95 (Tornado Relief - Operating Reserve): Discussion focused on appropriating $9,350,000 from one-time unreserved general operating reserves to support winter shelters and tornado relief for May 16, 2025 tornado victims. Alderwoman Keys (10th Ward) clarified that these funds are distinct from the RAM settlement, derived from last year's surplus, and are intended to support rehousing and home repair rather than a "mass shelter" narrative, utilizing existing eligible contractors.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 149: Adopted unanimously (12-0) as a courtesy resolution honoring Percy Green II. All members signed on as co-sponsors.
• Board Bill 93: Adopted with perfection (12-0). Appropriates $1,000,000 from RAM settlement interest to the Impacted Tenant Fund.
• Board Bill 94: Adopted with perfection (12-0). Appropriates $3,365,535.05 from the RAM settlement for winter shelter needs.
• Board Bill 95: Adopted with perfection (12-0). Appropriates $9,350,000 from operating reserves for tornado and winter relief.
• Resolution 136: Adopted (10 Aye, 1 No, 3 Present). The Board passed the resolution directing the Retirement Board to stop investing in the specified 17 companies, despite concerns regarding feasibility raised by Board members.
• Resolution 147: Adopted (12-0) after being "banked" (signed by all members). Supports the right of Caldies Coffee employees to unionize and negotiate in good faith.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned to Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
• Administrative: The Board will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Board bills must be filed by noon on the preceding Monday.