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Record of Proceedings

St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting Summary - November 14, 2025

Board of Aldermen — Friday, November 14, 2025
BodySt Louis, Missouri
SessionBoard of Aldermen
DateFriday, November 14, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:09:20

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:19

The board will now come to order.

0:21

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

0:29

Alderman Cone.

0:41

Other woman Sany Outer Woman Cox Antoine.

0:48

Alderman Browning.

1:01

Present.

1:06

President Green.

1:07

Present.

1:26

We have a leven present.

1:28

According being present, we will be led in an opening reflection by Deputy Mayor of our sister city, New Guard Germany, Dr.

1:35

Clemens Meyer.

10:00

We will dispense with the regular order of business at the courtesy resolution calendar.

10:05

Alderman from the fifth, you're recognized on the motion to the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution 156 and 158.

10:14

Yes, madam president, I would make such a motion as to suspend the rules to introduce resolutions 156 and 158.

10:22

It's been moved by the alderman from the fifth, seconded by the alder woman from the 10th, that we suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution 156 and 157.

10:31

This is a non-debatable motion.

10:33

Madam Clerk, please call the role 156 and 158 156 and 158.

10:42

156 and 158.

10:44

Yes, sorry, I might have said 157.

10:47

Alderman Schweitzer.

10:50

Alder Alder Woman Schweitzer, Alderman Oldenburg, Alderman Cohn.

10:57

No, Alderman Orion.

11:02

Alderman Devote.

11:04

Alder Woman Velasquez.

11:07

Alder Woman Son Ye.

11:14

Alder Woman Cox Antwe.

11:18

Alderman Browning.

11:20

Alder Woman Clark Hubbard.

11:23

Alder Woman Keys.

11:26

Alder Woman Tyus.

11:29

Alder Woman Boyd.

11:32

Aye.

11:33

Alderman Aldrick.

11:35

Aye.

11:37

President Green.

11:38

Aye.

11:40

Alder Woman Schweitzer.

11:42

Alder Woman Velasquez.

11:45

Alder Woman Sany.

11:50

Alder Woman Tyus.

11:53

We have 10 aye votes and one no.

11:57

I think for some reason we cannot hear the Alder Woman from the 7th.

12:08

Think Alder Woman from the 7th, you need to figure out your volume.

12:12

We still can't hear you.

12:15

But regardless, uh, by your vote you sustain the motion, if you could please place resolutions 156 and 158 at the end of the uh courtesy resolution calendar.

12:28

Noted.

12:29

And with that, I would like to invite the Alder Woman from the 11th to approach the dais for the presentation of resolution 155 to recognize the St.

12:44

Louis Stewart.

12:55

Good morning, and thank you, Madam President, and members of the board.

13:00

What a joyous occasion it is to have such esteemed visitors from halfway across the world, maybe more.

13:09

And so I would ask that the clerk would read the resolution 155.

13:19

Resolution number 155, honoring the 65th anniversary of the St.

13:24

Louis Stuttgart City Sister Cities Partnership, whereas this enduring partnership recognized as the oldest sister city organization in St.

13:34

Louis and one of the first German American partnerships post-World War II has demonstratively boosted the culture and business of both cities through vital exchanges.

13:45

And whereas the relationship between the two cities began taking shape earlier, steaming from the Institute for Oslin Bisenhogan, IFA initiative to connect West German and North American cities, recognizing that St.

14:00

Louis and Stuggard shared notable similarities in size, diverse industrial interests, and strong educational systems.

14:09

And whereas the official partnership solidified through the efforts of committed citizens in both locations, including the founding of the organizing committee in St.

14:20

Louis, known as the Thousand Citizens, and the formal establishment of the Partnership Association in Stuttgart on March 11th, 1960.

14:30

And whereas for 65 years, St.

14:32

Louis Stuttgart sister cities has been a crucial part of the City of St.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████26%
Personnel Matters████████████████████████24%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Public Engagement███████7%
Transportation Safety██████6%
International Relations█████5%
Legislative Process████4%
Mental Health Awareness███3%
Community Development███3%
Summary of Proceedings

St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting Summary - November 14, 2025

The Board of Aldermen convened on November 14, 2025, to recognize the 65th anniversary of the St. Louis-Stuttgart sister city partnership and to honor three departing legislative staff members. The meeting featured the presentation of resolutions 155, 156, 157, and 158, alongside unanimous votes on the consent calendar for routine board bills and committee appointments, including the confirmation of Mayor Spencer's appointee to the Mental Health Board. Deputy Mayor Dr. Clemens Meyer of Stuttgart attended as an honored guest.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 155: Unanimously adopted to recognize the 65th anniversary of the St. Louis-Stuttgart sister city partnership.
  • Resolution 156: Unanimously adopted to honor Thora Pearson for her legislative work in the 5th Ward and career achievements.
  • Resolution 158: Unanimously adopted to honor Caitlin Smith for her contributions as a legislative assistant in the 9th Ward.
  • Board Bills: Passed on the perfection consent calendar (Bills 79, 86, 96, 97) and the third reading final passage consent calendar (Bills 84, 13, 75, 85, 93, 94, 95).
  • Budget Committee: Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax election) referred to committee.
  • Infrastructure Committee: Board Bill 99 (Three-way stop installation) referred to committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dr. Clemens Meyer (Deputy Mayor, Stuttgart): Expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the enduring partnership, highlighting the shared cultural and economic history between the cities.
  • Alderman Keys: Expressed pride in the sister city connection, noting that her daughter lives in Oberkirch (Stuttgart) and that the partnership brings families together through shared culture and cuisine.
  • Alderwoman Velasquez: Expressed deep gratitude for the insight and foresight of the sponsor in recognizing sister cities, emphasizing the importance of global connections.
  • Alderman Devotee (5th Ward): Expressed high praise for Thora Pearson, calling her a "perfect teammate" and noting her indispensable role in constituent services and research; jokingly requested that she not move into the 5th Ward upon her return.
  • Alderwoman Velasquez (10th Ward): Expressed admiration for Thora Pearson's policy grasp and public service spirit, wishing her success in Washington, DC.
  • Alderwoman Tyus (8th Ward): Expressed missing of the colleague, praising her brilliance, fashion, and positive energy, while noting that DC "needs" her contribution.
  • Alderman Browning: Expressed pride in seeing young talents incubated at the board and succeeding, noting the continuity of service as Caitlin Smith moves just 50 feet away to the Mayor's office.
  • Alderman Cone: Expressed hope for future visits to Germany and appreciation for the direct flight connection.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 155 (Stuttgart Anniversary): Sponsored by Alderwoman Velasquez and others, the resolution detailed the 65-year history of the partnership, noting its origins in 1960, shared cultural assets (architecture, literature, automotive/beer industries), and the transition of leadership from Suzanne Evans to Robert Case. The sponsor noted the upcoming gala on November 14, 2025, featuring Deputy Mayor Dr. Clemens Meyer.
  • Motion to Suspend Rules: A motion was made to suspend rules to introduce Resolutions 156 and 158. The vote resulted in 10 Aye and 1 No; the motion was sustained. A minor discrepancy was noted in the transcript where the roll call mentioned "158" but the motion referred to "157"; the Chair clarified to place resolutions 156 and 158 on the calendar.
  • Resolution 156 (Thora Pearson): Introduced by Alderman Devotee, this resolution honored Thora Pearson's work as 5th Ward legislative assistant, her background at American Bridge and Rising Success, and her promotion to the U.S. House of Representatives. Alderman Devotee emphasized her role in organizing tornado relief efforts and managing constituent requests.
  • Resolution 158 (Caitlin Smith): Introduced by Alderman Browning, this resolution honored Caitlin Smith's graduation from SLU Law, her work on the Department of Transportation legislation (approved with 88.51% of the vote), and the monthly craft nights she organized for staff. Remarks noted she is moving to the Mayor's office.
  • Mental Health Board Appointment: The Health and Human Development Committee recommended the appointment of Mr. Brian Phillips. The committee highlighted his 30+ years of service in the city, his passion for mental health, and his dedication to living in and serving the northwest end of the city.
  • Honored Guests and Announcements:
    • Alderwoman Keys announced celebrating two centenarians (Miss LG Day and Miss Queen Maisie Austin) and acknowledged the inaugural Citizens Academy graduates.
    • Alderwoman Tyus acknowledged the "Staying Power" award recipients and the MCU Gala regarding post-tornado recovery.
    • Alderwoman Keyes announced the "Mill Creek Valley" exhibit at the Missouri History Museum and a community food drive.
    • Alderwoman Velasquez announced food resources at the Urban League and the "Share the Warmth" fundraiser.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimous Adoption: Resolution 155 (Stuttgart Anniversary), Resolution 156 (Thora Pearson), and Resolution 158 (Caitlin Smith) were all adopted by voice vote (Aye Aye).
  • Motion Sustained: The motion to suspend the rules for the introduction of Resolutions 156 and 158 passed with a tally of 10 Aye, 1 No.
  • Committee Appointments: The Board approved Mayor Spencer's appointment of Brian Phillips to the Mental Health Board (Aye Aye).
  • Board Bills Passed: All items on the perfection and third reading consent calendars were adopted by voice vote (Aye Aye).
  • Excuses: Aldermen from the 1st, 6th, and 12th Wards were excused for necessary absence.
  • Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with the next full board meeting scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Meeting Transcript

The board will now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the role. Alderman Cone. Other woman Sany Outer Woman Cox Antoine. Alderman Browning. Present. President Green. Present. We have a leven present. According being present, we will be led in an opening reflection by Deputy Mayor of our sister city, New Guard Germany, Dr. Clemens Meyer. We will dispense with the regular order of business at the courtesy resolution calendar. Alderman from the fifth, you're recognized on the motion to the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution 156 and 158. Yes, madam president, I would make such a motion as to suspend the rules to introduce resolutions 156 and 158. It's been moved by the alderman from the fifth, seconded by the alder woman from the 10th, that we suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution 156 and 157. This is a non-debatable motion. Madam Clerk, please call the role 156 and 158 156 and 158. 156 and 158. Yes, sorry, I might have said 157. Alderman Schweitzer. Alder Alder Woman Schweitzer, Alderman Oldenburg, Alderman Cohn. No, Alderman Orion. Alderman Devote. Alder Woman Velasquez. Alder Woman Son Ye. Alder Woman Cox Antwe. Alderman Browning. Alder Woman Clark Hubbard. Alder Woman Keys. Alder Woman Tyus. Alder Woman Boyd. Aye. Alderman Aldrick. Aye. President Green. Aye. Alder Woman Schweitzer. Alder Woman Velasquez. Alder Woman Sany. Alder Woman Tyus. We have 10 aye votes and one no. I think for some reason we cannot hear the Alder Woman from the 7th. Think Alder Woman from the 7th, you need to figure out your volume. We still can't hear you. But regardless, uh, by your vote you sustain the motion, if you could please place resolutions 156 and 158 at the end of the uh courtesy resolution calendar. Noted. And with that, I would like to invite the Alder Woman from the 11th to approach the dais for the presentation of resolution 155 to recognize the St. Louis Stewart. Good morning, and thank you, Madam President, and members of the board. What a joyous occasion it is to have such esteemed visitors from halfway across the world, maybe more.

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