St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting – March 6, 2026

On March 6, 2026, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened with 12 members present. The meeting featured the adoption of a resolution honoring a local journalist, introduction of several board bills, and final passage of multiple ordinances. Key actions included raising the minor purchase order threshold, referring a resolution to committee, and setting the next meeting date.

Consent Calendar

• The courtesy resolution calendar was adopted, which included Resolutions 259 and 260. Resolution 259 honored Justina Cornell for her seven years of service as a journalist at KSDK, her community advocacy, and leadership. The resolution was adopted en banc (unanimous co-sponsorship by all board members).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded in the transcript.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of Resolution 259 (Honoring Justina Cornell): Aldermen spoke in support of the resolution, praising Ms. Cornell's authentic reporting, civic work with St. Martha's Hall and Safe Connections, and her role in founding the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Multiple aldermen expressed sadness at her departure and gratitude for her contributions.
• Introduction of Honored Guests: Alderman from the 10th Ward honored all women in trades during Women in Trades Week. Alderman from the 8th Ward recognized her ward representative. Other aldermen honored staff members and employees, celebrating Women's History Month and Employee Appreciation Day.
• Board Bill 171 (Purchase Order Threshold Increase): Alderman from the 7th Ward moved to perfect the floor substitute, which raises the minor purchase order limit from $500 to $2,500. The bill aims to streamline city procurement, reducing processing time from up to two months to approximately three days. It has support from the President of the Board, the Mayor's Office, the Comptroller's Office, and the Supply Commissioner. The floor substitute was adopted without debate, and the bill was perfected unanimously.
• Other Board Bills: Several bills were introduced or advanced, including Board Bill 66 (impact assessments for redevelopment), Board Bill 155 (downtown sports and entertainment community improvement district), Board Bill 161 (water infrastructure appropriation of $5,464,157.84), and bills for street vacations (110, 111, 136), opioid settlement fund appropriation ($1,363,875.78 for Department of Health), traffic calming on Washington Avenue, forestry regulations, a stormwater grant for a flood wall project, and a stop sign at Forest and Glades.
• Resolution 258: Referred to the Public Safety Committee for a meeting on March 12, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 259 was adopted en banc (unanimous co-sponsorship).
• Board Bill 171 (floor substitute) was perfected and moved to final passage.
• Board Bills 131, 132, 157 (as amended), 158 (floor substitute), and 160 received final passage by a roll call vote of 14 ayes (unanimous).
• Resolution 258 was referred to the Public Safety Committee.
• The minutes from February 27, 2026, were approved.
• Mayor Spencer's appointment of Josh Cuffy to the Grand Center Community Improvement District was approved.
• The board adjourned until March 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Announcements

• Upcoming meetings: Poet Lorette Task Force (March 9), HUDS Committee (March 12), Public Safety Committee (March 12), next board meeting (March 13).
• Gravois Corridor Town Hall on March 7 at the International Institute.
• City special tax sale – aldermen asked to submit vacant properties for consideration.
• Women in Trades career expo and city job fair on March 6.