OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

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

Board of AldermenFriday, March 6, 2026
BodySt Louis, Missouri
SessionBoard of Aldermen
DateFriday, March 6, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:18

The board will now come to order.

0:20

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:22

Alder Woman Schweitzer.

0:25

Alderman Oldenberg.

0:28

Alderman Cone.

0:30

Alderman Orion.

0:32

Alderman Devotee.

0:35

Alder Woman Velasquez.

0:38

Alder Woman Sonia.

0:40

Alder Woman Cox Antwee.

0:42

Alderman Browning.

0:45

Alder Woman Clark Hubbard.

0:47

Alder Woman Keys.

0:50

Alder Woman Tyus.

0:52

Present.

0:53

Alder Woman Boyd.

0:56

Present.

0:58

Alderman Aldrick.

1:01

President Green.

1:02

Present.

1:03

Alderman Oldenberg.

1:07

Alder Woman Sonier.

1:11

Alder Woman Keys.

1:14

Twelve present.

1:15

Accorum being present, we will dispense with line item three and take up the courtesy resolution calendar.

1:22

Alder Woman from the tenth, you're recognized on the motion to suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution two fifty-nine and two sixty.

1:35

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

1:37

I move that we suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolutions two fifty-nine and two sixty.

1:54

This is a non-debatable motion.

1:55

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

3:04

One present.

3:09

If you could please place resolutions two fifty-nine and two sixty at the end of the courtesy resolution calendar.

3:15

So noted.

3:16

And at this time, I would like to invite the Alder Woman from the sixth to approach the dais with your honored guests for the presentation of resolution nine.

3:37

Thank you, Madam President.

4:14

With that, can I please have Justina Coronel come to the daisy?

4:34

Surprise.

5:47

I don't need like a drum roll.

5:51

Uh how many minutes do we have?

5:59

I think Mark's I know we need the Mark.

7:13

Do you have your back to the presentation?

7:23

Alderman from the Fourteenth, would you like to make a motion to recess?

7:27

Thank you, Madam President.

7:28

Members of the board, I'd like to make a motion that we go into recess.

7:31

It's been moved by the alderman from the fourteenth, seconded by the Alder Woman from the seventh that we go into recess.

7:35

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

7:38

Aye.

7:39

Opposed motion carries.

7:52

And we are back.

8:00

So today we are uh those claps are for you, yes.

8:05

Uh today, Justina, we have resolution two fifty-nine, and we just want to say thank you.

8:14

Madam Clerk, would you like to read resolution two fifty-nine resolution two fifty-nine honoring Justina Cornell for her distinguished service to the city of St.

8:34

Louis through journalism, community, advocacy, and leadership.

8:39

Whereas Justina Carnell has dedicated seven years of a professional life to serving the people of the city of St.

8:46

Louis as a multi-skilled journalist for KSDK, where she shoots, writes, edits, and reports her own stories with compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth.

8:59

And whereas born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a graduate of Florida State University and University of Miami, Justina chose St.

9:08

Louis in two thousand nineteen as the next step in her career, embracing this community as her own and quickly becoming one of its most trusted storytellers.

9:18

And whereas throughout her tenure in St.

9:20

Louis, Justina Cornell has entered her reporting on the voices of victims and survivors, elevating stories of domestic violence, community resilience, and justice with care and humanity, ensuring that those most affected by the tragedy were heard with dignity and respect.

9:53

Bringing clarity to complex federal policy and contributing to increase public awareness and access to millions of dollars in federal funding for affected residents.

10:04

And whereas Justina Carnell's excellence in journalism has been recognized with numerous honors, including two associate press awards for best multimedia journalists and best continuing coverage.

10:18

The 2024 Regional Edward R.

10:20

Maury Award for Mid-America Emmy Award nominations, the 2023 Reporter of the Year Award from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association.

10:30

Second place for Best Reporter in 2024 from the same organization.

10:36

Introduction into the St.

10:37

Louis Business Journal's 40 under 40 class of 2024, the Hispanic Emerging Leader Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St.

10:48

Louis, the 2023 Safe Connections Impact Award, and KSDK's own Unsunk Hero Award as nominated by her colleagues.

10:57

And whereas beyond her reporting, Justina Cornell has demonstrated extraordinary civic leadership through her service as a board member for St.

11:06

Martha's Hall and the Hispanic Leaders Group as chair of the Safe Connections Young Professionals Board, and as a volunteer crisis worker for Safe Connections since 2019, embodying her belief that journalism must be paired with action and community engagement.

11:24

And whereas in 2024, Justina Caronel Help launched the St.

11:29

Louis chapter of the National Association of Hispanic journalists and served as his founding president, establishing a vital platform to promote fair, accurate, and inclusive coverage of Latino communities to the support, the next generation of journalists in a city with one of the fastest growing Hispanic populations in the nation.

11:50

And whereas through her leadership in the newsroom and in the broader community, Justina Cornell has strengthened public trust and local journalism, uplifted underrepresented voices, and reminded the city of St.

12:05

Louis that storytelling done with compassion can change lives.

12:09

And whereas she turns the page to a new chapter in her career, the impact of her work will continue to resonate in families.

12:16

She has empowered the policy she has helped illuminate the journalists she has mentored and the community she has served with heart and conviction.

12:26

Now, therefore, be resolved by the honorable board of Alderman of the City of St.

12:31

Louis that we pause in our deliberations to recognize, honor, and celebrate Justina Cornell for her distinguished contributions to journalism and to the people of St.

12:40

Louis.

12:41

And be it further resolved that the Board of Alderman extends its sincere gratitude to Justina Cornell for seven years of dedicated service to this city and wishes her continued success in the next chapter of her career.

12:55

Confident that wherever she goes, she will continue to elevate the profession and the community she served.

13:02

And be it further resolved that the clerk of this board be directed to spread a copy of this resolution across the minutes of these proceedings and prepare a commemorative copy to the end that be that it may be presented to Justina Carnell at a time and place deemed appropriate by the sponsor, introduced on this sixth day of March 2026 by the Honorable Daniela Velasquez Auto Person 6 Ward, adopted this sixth day of March 2026.

13:33

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

13:34

Uh so Justina, the whole conversation yesterday was a rude.

13:43

We've got members of the community, and obviously your your husband's here.

13:48

Um and we are just we are sad to see you leaving St.

13:52

Louis, but we are so I am so glad, and I you're gonna hear, I think, from some of my colleagues that you spent you put your heart and your soul and everything to covering the city, and you built up some, I think NAHJ is amazing.

14:04

You you blazed your own trail while you were here, and you did it with pride and love, and we thank you for that.

14:10

And so I hope in your next chapters that you will take a little bit of St.

14:14

Louis wherever you go.

14:15

I'm not covering board no one.

14:22

Oh, uh no, I'm so overwhelmed right now.

14:25

I am so confused.

14:26

I was running around City Hall because I'm pregnant and I'm trying to find the bathroom, and the key wasn't working.

14:31

I was like, what is happening?

14:32

Um, and I thought Don was my photographer was confused on shooting me when I walked in.

14:37

I was like, Why are you grabbing me?

14:40

So um I'm just so overwhelmed right now.

14:43

I'm so grateful.

14:44

Um, moving to St.

14:46

Louis has been the best thing that's ever happened to me.

14:48

Um, not only meeting my husband and and finding my future, but meeting all of you.

14:53

Uh, St.

14:54

Louis is such a special place.

14:56

I absolutely love it.

15:00

I think there's so much movement in the right direction, and I'm so excited to see all that will continue to happen for the city.

15:05

And I'm just a little glimpse of reporting the good, the bad, all of it here.

15:10

Um, but I'm just so excited to see where it goes, and thank you so much.

15:14

I don't feel like I'm worthy at all of this, but I I'm so grateful, and it's been a pleasure working with all of you.

15:26

Any further discussion?

15:28

Alder Woman from the 10th.

15:30

Thank you, Madam President.

15:31

Members of the boy Justin, you are absolutely worth it.

15:34

You are worth it.

15:36

Listen, one of the things that stood out in your resolution was when they said that you chose St.

15:41

Louis.

15:42

And we all choose St.

15:44

Louis and the authentic, uh genuine way that you show up to report in the trenches, may I add.

15:51

I have seen you has made the difference, and what was reflected here today was reflected on the floor, what's reflected in community is the trust for your voice.

16:01

And so while you have to lose you here, we know that's bittersweet.

16:06

We know that the things that you elevated for so many reasons will now be better.

16:11

And just know that if you ever choose to come back, we'll be here.

16:14

If you ever need us a far, we'll be here.

16:17

Congratulations on everything.

16:20

Much success.

16:21

And with that, I would like to ask that we move this resolution in bank.

16:26

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the 9th, that we make resolution 259 and bank.

16:33

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

16:35

Aye.

16:36

Opposed.

16:37

Motion carries.

16:39

Resolution 259 is now in bank, which means every member of the board of aldermen has signed on as a co-sponsor.

16:50

Yes.

16:54

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

16:56

Oh, I'm so sad that you're leaving us, Justina.

16:58

First off, congratulations on the pregnancy.

17:01

Um, I'm wishing great success with that.

17:04

Hey, Hubby.

17:05

Uh, wish you luck as well.

17:07

But uh, you truly gonna be missed.

17:09

You are uh one of those uh reporters that call, and when you call, I'm always excited to pick up because you just come with such positive energy and so much joy.

17:18

And every time that I've been able to do stories with you on whatever it was, I just appreciate how you cover your stories in a very, I think like an Alder Woman from the 10th say it in an authentic way.

17:28

Very um not trying to do a getcha gacha, but really get to the heart of the story, and it's just gonna be so sad uh now that you're leaving, and you're leaving me to be stuck with Mark Maxwell.

17:39

So I know it's always fun when um, you know, I'd be like, please you, not him.

17:46

Uh he's a good guy.

17:47

I love Mark, but seriously, we wish you so much love in your in your next endeavors.

17:54

Yeah, yeah.

17:55

He's in the room.

17:56

We will miss you.

17:57

We I I wish you so much love and your next endeavors, like the resolution said, you're your star is bright, like you are destined to do great things.

18:06

Uh, and hopefully one day we'll get you back in St.

18:08

Louis because you are the positive energy that we need in St.

18:12

Louis and the way that you store your you tell your stories about the good of St.

18:16

Louis and even the the troubled things.

18:18

You lead in a loving, passionate way.

18:21

So I'm gonna miss you.

18:22

You got my cell phone, please hit me up.

18:24

Uh, and before you leave, let's definitely get together.

18:26

So good luck with everything.

18:33

Alderman for the fifth.

18:35

Yes, madam president, members of the board.

18:37

Uh Justina, I don't want to talk about the journalism side.

18:40

I'd like to talk about the civic side of this.

18:43

Um, you came onto the board at St.

18:46

Martha's Hall almost at the same time that I was leaving that board.

18:51

Um I think your leadership, your participation in serving the women at St.

18:57

Martha's and their families.

18:59

The the notion of doing the groundwork quietly, behind the scenes, without notice, to not just serve the victims of domestic violence, but also to break that cycle to make a difference moving on.

19:14

The work that you did was integral.

19:17

And so that isn't, I guess, in front of a camera, but it's just the opposite.

19:22

The Ung Sun work that really truly adds to the fabric of this community and changes lives that many of us would never know.

19:32

So thank you.

19:33

We are going to miss you here, and best of luck in in the future endeavors.

19:43

Any further discussion.

19:45

Any further discussion.

19:48

Well, I too just want to thank you for all of your tireless advocacy, especially for survivors of violence.

19:55

It as somebody who is a survivor, it is so powerful to see those stories shared, the stigma broken.

20:03

Um St.

20:04

Louis is not going to be the same without you, so I hope that you do come back and visit.

20:08

Um there also must be something in the water with everybody seeming to get pregnant at the same time.

20:15

So thank you so much for your service.

20:20

Good luck on your next event endeavor, including motherhood.

20:24

Um and with that, I would like to ask all the members of the board to please join us on the steps here so we can all I really like all of our colleagues.

21:07

I don't want to get in eight.

21:12

Um I like to agree.

22:33

That's not essential.

23:01

I think she tried to get it can be moved.

23:25

Darn us.

23:29

I think that they opportunities.

23:32

All right, we got that.

23:33

Okay.

23:39

So bathroom.

23:55

Alder woman from the tenth, we are recognized on the motion to adopt the courtesy resolution calendar.

24:03

I thank you, madam president members of the board.

24:04

I move that we adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar.

24:08

It's been moved by the alder woman from the tenth, seconded by the alderman from the fourteenth that we adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar.

24:15

Is there any discussion?

24:17

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

24:21

Opposed.

24:23

Motion carries.

24:25

Introduction of honored guests.

24:27

Any introduction of honored guests.

24:28

Alder Woman from the tenth.

24:29

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

24:31

In addition to all the amazing honored guests and our amazing colleagues in the community from KSDK here today, I would like to have as my honor guests all of the women in trades in our beloved city of St.

24:44

Louis as we close our women in trades week.

24:47

Thank you, women, for standing not only in the gap, but above and beyond for breaking glass ceilings and for showing little girls like mine.

24:56

That they can be in the trays and thrive and have building careers lasting careers that we know the trades offer.

25:03

So congratulations to all of the women's in trades for women in trades week.

25:12

Alder Woman from the Eighth.

25:14

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

25:17

My honor guest today up in the gallery is El Yazara, who is the eighth ward representative on the council.

25:24

She is here today, observing the board of Alderman Live and understanding how policy gets done live today.

25:29

So I want to give a big round of applause to her for her visit.

25:37

Alderman from the 14th.

25:40

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

25:42

Uh today is Employee Appreciation Day.

25:45

Uh so I want to thank uh Matt Heskamp, who has been rocking with me for like seven years from Jefferson City all the way down to uh City of St.

25:54

Louis.

25:54

He's like my right hand.

25:56

I cannot do it without him.

25:57

Also, I would like to have, as my other employee, Miss Janika Hayden, who is my kind of policy arm as well that helps me out.

26:06

And also Sam, he is also uh one of my employees at Take Great Photos, as well as I would like to have all the women at the Board of Aldermen from our staff and the Alderwomen as we celebrate Women History Month.

26:20

We have so many powerful trailblazers uh here that make our city run and be so successful.

26:26

So, outside of all the employees here, to each alder woman uh and to each staff member, I would like to have you guys as my honor guest.

26:34

And thank you for being a trailblazer in the city of St.

26:36

Louis.

26:41

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

26:47

Seeing none, alder woman from the 10th, you are recognized on the approval of the minutes from Friday, February 27, 2026.

26:55

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

26:57

I move that we approve from Friday, February 27th, 2026.

27:02

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 7th.

27:06

We approve the minutes from Friday, February 27, 2026.

27:09

Is there any discussion?

27:11

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

27:19

Opposed.

27:20

No.

27:21

Motion carries.

27:23

Report of city officials.

27:24

Report of city officials can't be found in A, B, C, and D of the agenda, and has been placed.

27:29

The copy has been placed in the Google Drive for your review.

27:33

Dear members of the board.

27:46

I respectfully request your approval of these appointments.

27:49

Sincerely, Cara Spencer, Mayor.

27:52

Alder Woman from the 11th, you are recognized to Mayor Spencer's appointment to the 2019 Grand Center Community Improvement.

28:00

Good morning, and thank you.

28:01

Um, Madam President, members of the board.

28:04

I move that we accept the mayor's nomination of Josh Cuffy to the Grand Center.

28:10

Thank you.

28:10

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 11th, seconded by the Alderman from the 14th.

28:14

We approve Mayor Spencer's appointment to the 2019 Grand Center Community Improvement District.

28:20

Is there any discussion?

28:22

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

28:26

Aye.

28:26

Opposed.

28:28

Motion carries.

28:29

That is the report of city officials.

28:31

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

28:37

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

28:42

Seeing none, first reading aboard bills.

28:49

We have none.

28:50

We can dispense with line item 12, reference to committee aboard bills.

28:54

We have none.

28:54

Can dispense with line item 13, second reading report of standing committees.

28:58

The following board bills were reported out of the Transportation and Commerce Committee with a due pass recommendation.

29:05

Board bill number 167, introduced by Alderman Aldrick and Alder Woman Cox and Tweet, an ordinance amending ordinance number 68481 to create a limited exemption from convention facilities within the city of St.

29:19

Louis for certain private events or trade shows.

29:22

The exemption applies only under specified circumstances and is intended to allow flexibility for the convention-related activities while maintaining the overall purpose and enforceability of existing regulations, including the cerebrality clause.

29:39

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

29:44

Board bill number 66 committee sub introduced by Alderman Cohn, President Green, Alder Woman Sanye, and Alderman Aldrick in the ordinance amending chapter 3.160 of the revised code of the city of St.

30:00

Louis by establishing definitions and criteria for the impact assessment of the redevelopment projects as required by Section 3.160.030, including a cerebrality clause.

30:09

Board Bill 155 introduced by Alder Woman Cox and Twee, Alderman Aldrich's Alder Woman Keys, Alderman Browning, Alderman Cohn, and Alder Woman Clark Hubbard, an ordinance approving the petition to establish a community improvement district establishing the downtown St.

30:25

Louis Sports and Entertainment Community Improvement District, finding a public purpose for the establishment of the downtown St.

30:32

Louis Sports and Entertainment Community Improvement District and containing a cerebrality clause.

30:37

Board Bill No.

30:38

161 Committee Substitute introduced by Alder Woman Sweisser, Alder Woman Keys, Alderman Cohn, Alderman Browning, Alder Woman Clark Hubbard, Alder Woman and Alderman Devotee, and Ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, amending certain ordinance by reappropriating certain amounts specified herein and an aggregate amount of 5 million four hundred and sixty-four thousand one hundred fifty-seven dollars eighty-four cent for the water infrastructure replacement and repair and with an emergency clause.

31:08

That is the extent of second reading and report of standing committees.

31:11

Reported special committees.

31:13

We have none.

31:17

Board bill number one tenuced by Alder Woman Tyus.

31:23

Board bill number one eleven, introduced by Alder Woman TIE.

31:31

I'm sorry, Board Bill 110, introduced by TIS.

31:34

The overall purpose for this bill is to conditionally vacate the following street, the northern 109.965.035 feet of the 20-foot wide north south alley in the eastern approximately 219 feet of the 15-foot wide East West Alley and City Block 3708 and bonded by St.

31:58

Louis Avenue, Newstead Avenue, Maffitt Avenue, and Taylor Avenue, petitioned by Care STL Health.

32:04

The vacated areas will be used to consolidate property to provide parking for commercial development.

32:14

Board Bill, introduced by Alder Woman Tyus.

32:19

The overall purpose for this bill is to conditionally vacate the following street, East Taylor Avenue from Broadway to Keto Avenue, petitioned by Hopkins Property of St.

32:31

Louis LLC.

32:32

The vacated areas will be used to consolidate property to provide parking for commercial development.

32:38

Board Bill No.

32:39

136, introduced by Alderman Aldrich, an ordinance recommended by the Board of Public Service to conditionally vacate the following street in a portion of Elliott Avenue from St.

32:50

Louis Avenue to Montgomery Avenue, Montgomery Street from Jefferson Avenue to Elliott Avenue, and the 20 foot wide East West Alley beginning at Elliott Avenue and extending eastwardly 259.99 feet to a point in city block, 2365 as bounded by St.

33:10

Louis Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Montgomery Street, and Elliott Avenue.

33:16

Board Bill 148, introduced by Auder Woman Boyd, Auderwoman Sanye, Auter Woman Cox and Twee, and the ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment appropriates to the Department of Health.

33:28

1,363,875 and 78 cents in funds received by the City of St.

33:35

Louis pursuant to the National Opioid Settlement Agreements, authorizing the expenditure of such funds to extent received and contains an emergency clause.

33:44

Board bill number 150 introduced by Alder Woman Clark Hubbard, pursuant to ordinance number 7033 as submitted by ordinance number 71394 to calm the flow of traffic on the 60 Wander Block of Washington Avenue.

33:59

Board Bill No.

34:00

156 introduced by Alderman Browning, an ordinance updating the forestry division regulations for the planting maintenance, preservation, and management of trees, shrubs, and plants in the city of St.

34:12

Louis, containing definitions, administrative regulatory penalty, and cerebrality.

34:18

Board Bill No.

34:19

159, introduced by Alderman Browning, an ordinance providing for the execution and delivery of a municipal stormwater grant, participation agreement by and between the City of St.

34:31

Louis and the Metropolitan St.

34:33

Louis Sewer District, authorizing and directing the Director of Streets, Department, and the Director of the Planning and Urban Design Agency to apply for and expend funds under such agreement for the purposes of a flood wall project and containing an emergency clause.

34:51

Board Bill No.

35:00

Board bill number 170, introduced by Alderman Narayan, an ordinance establishing a two-way stop site at the intersection of Forest and Glades Avenue regulating all traffic traveling north and southbound on Forest Avenue at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Glaze Avenue containing an emergency clause that is distinct board bills for perfection consent.

35:15

Alder Woman from the 10th, you're recognized to the motion to adopt the board bills for the perfection consent calendar.

35:20

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

35:22

I move adopt the board bills for perfection consent calendar.

35:26

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the 14th, that we adopt the board bills for the perfection consent calendar.

35:32

Is there any discussion?

35:35

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

35:38

Aye.

35:39

Opposed.

35:41

Motion carries.

35:42

Board bills for perfection.

35:44

Board bill number 171.

35:46

Introduced by Alder Woman Sanier.

35:48

President Green, Alderman O'Ryan, Audder Woman Velasquez, Alder Woman Keys, Alder Woman Clark Hubbard, and ordinance amending section two of ordinance 47423.

35:59

Approved March 2nd, 1955, regulating, I'm sorry, relating to requisitions for supplies not under contract for the purpose of updating departmental minor purchase orders, thresholds, and procurement procedures and containing a serverity clause and an emergency clause.

36:16

Alder Woman from the 7th, you are recognized on the perfection of board bill 171.

36:21

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

36:23

I would like to make a motion to perfect board bill 171.

36:28

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 7th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 8th, that we perfect board bill 171.

36:35

Alder Woman, you may proceed.

36:36

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

36:39

I would like to make a motion to adopt the floor substitute for bill 171.

36:45

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 7th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 8th that we adopt the floor substitute for board bill 171.

36:53

Is there any discussion on the floor substitute?

36:57

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

37:01

Aye.

37:02

Opposed.

37:03

Motion carries.

37:04

Alder Woman from the 7th, you are now recognized on the perfection of board bill 171 floor substitute.

37:10

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

37:12

Um board bill 171 is a bill that is probably quite boring to Alder Woman.

37:17

You need to ask for perfection.

37:19

I would like to make a motion to perfect board bill 171 floor substitute.

37:23

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 7th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 8th, that we perfect board bill 171 floor substitute woman.

37:31

You may now proceed.

37:32

Thank you, Madam President.

37:35

Board Bill 171 is that might seem a lot of folks, but it's actually quite important to operations here in our city.

37:42

And so essentially what this bill does is move the minor purchase order from 500 to 2500.

37:49

Right now, when our city departments want to order supplies for a number of things, whether it's for a chemical treatment, whether it's a pump or a motor, if it's anything over 500, they have to go through a very tedious process that includes um sale builds and other things of that nature.

38:05

So what this bill does is allow us to move that threshold to 2500.

38:09

Um, the way that that will impact us operationally is that this will be submitted by departments in the Oracle, um, and it will help the process go from what can be up to two months or longer to three days to simplify it.

38:21

And so as alders, I know we have many things in our wards, whether that's something malfunctioning at a park, a barricade that needs to go up.

38:27

These things take a long time, usually in part because of this.

38:31

Um, this legislation was worked on and has the support of the president of the board of Alderman, the mayor's office, the competler's office, and our supply commissioner.

38:40

Any further discussion?

38:43

Any further discussion?

38:45

Seeing none, then it's been moved by the alder woman from the seventh, seconded by the alder woman from the eighth.

38:50

That we perfect board bill one seventy one floor substitute.

38:53

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

38:55

Aye, opposed motion carries.

39:01

That is the extent of board bills for perfection.

39:03

Report of engrossment.

39:04

Board bill number 131, 132, 157 as amended, 158, floor substitute, and 160.

39:13

That is the third reading and final passage of board bills consent.

39:17

Board bill number 131 introduced by board bill number 131.

39:23

Board bill 132, board bill number 157 as amended, board bill 158 floor substitute, board bill number 160.

39:35

That is the extent of third reading and final passes or board bills consent.

39:39

Alder Woman from the 10th, you're recognized on the motion to adopt the third reading and final passage of board bills on the consent calendar.

39:45

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

39:47

I move that we adopt the third reading, finding passage of board bills on the thing calendar.

39:51

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alder Woman from the 7th.

39:55

That we adopt the third reading and final passage of board bills on the consent calendar.

39:59

Is there any discussion?

40:00

Is there any discussion?

40:01

Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

40:04

Alder Woman Schweitzer.

40:06

Alderman Aldenberg.

40:09

Alderman Cone.

40:11

All right.

40:11

Alderman Ryan.

40:14

I'm sorry, Alderman Ryan.

40:17

Alderman Devoty.

40:19

Alder Woman Velasquez.

40:21

Hi.

40:21

Alder Woman Sanyer.

40:23

Alder Woman Cox An Tweet.

40:25

Alderman Browning.

40:27

Alder Woman Clark Hubbard.

40:29

Alder Woman Keys.

40:31

Aye.

40:31

Alder Woman Tyus.

40:35

Alder Woman Boyd.

40:39

Alderman.

40:42

Alderman Aldrick.

40:44

Aye.

40:45

President Green.

40:46

Aye.

40:47

Alder Woman Tyus.

40:51

14 aye votes.

40:53

By your vote, you sustain the motion from the Alder Woman from the 10th to pass the aforementioned bills.

40:59

Third reading, final passage of board bills.

41:01

We have none.

41:02

We can dispense with line item 20.

41:03

Reported the finally passed and signed by the president.

41:06

Board bill number 131, 132, 157 as amended, 158 floor substitute, and 160.

41:14

All other business being suspended.

41:16

The president shall in open session affix her signature here too.

41:19

And that these may become law.

42:56

Thank you, Madam President.

42:57

Members of the board.

42:58

I would like to resolution 258 to the public safety committee.

43:02

So noted.

43:03

I'm sorry.

43:04

There is second.

43:18

Alder Woman from the 6th.

43:19

Thank you, Madam President.

43:20

I would like to be added as a co-sponsor.

43:23

Madam Clerk, please make note of that.

43:25

And I would also like to be added as a co-sponsor.

43:27

So noted.

43:29

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the or Alderman from the 14th.

43:33

Seconded by the Alder Woman from the 7th.

43:34

That we send resolution 8 to the public safety committee.

43:38

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

43:41

Aye.

43:42

Opposed.

43:43

Motion carries.

43:46

Second reading resolutions, committee reports, and adoptions.

43:49

We have none.

43:50

We can dispense with line item 23.

43:52

Miscellaneous and unfinished business.

43:54

We have none.

43:55

We can dispense with line item 25.

43:57

Announcement.

43:59

Monday, March 9th, 2026.

44:02

Poet Lorette Task Force meeting, 4 p.m.

44:05

webinar.

44:07

Tuesday, we have none.

44:08

Wednesday, we have none.

44:10

Thursday, March 12th, HUD's meeting, 11 a.m.

44:13

in the Kennedy Room.

44:14

Friday, March 13th, 2026, 4 board meeting, 10 a.m.

44:18

in the chambers.

44:20

Any further announcements?

44:23

Any further announcements?

44:24

Alderman from the 4th.

44:26

Thank you, Madam President.

44:27

Members of the board.

44:28

The public safety committee will meet Thursday, March 12th at 2 p.m.

44:32

in the Kennedy room to take up resolution 258 and board bill 15.

44:38

Any further announcement.

44:40

Alder Woman from the 7th.

44:42

Thank you, Madam President.

44:43

Members of the board.

44:44

I just want to announce the Gravoy Corridor Town Hall that we will be having tomorrow at the International Institute.

44:50

If you have any parking tickets or questions about uh immigration, we will have folks from the Treasurer's Office doing parking amnesty and the mica project present.

45:00

And then the actual town hall will begin at 11 a.m.

45:02

We will be having several alder folks, including Alder Woman Schweitzer, Alderman Oldenburg, Alder Woman, Jamie Cox Antwi, myself and Alderwomen of Lasquez, as well as um some folks from ODAT.

45:16

We know that there are a lot of questions that residents have for them, so come bring your questions.

45:20

And then we will also have Mr.

45:22

Kyle Nelson from our streets department to talk about some quick builds or emergency traffic common measures that we're hoping to put in place along the grave corridor, but then perhaps expand beyond that.

45:33

So we'd love to see you tomorrow.

45:34

That'll be at the International Institute with the resource fair from 10 to 11 a.m.

45:39

in the town hall from 11 a.m.

45:41

to 12:30.

45:43

Uh Alder Woman from the first.

45:45

Thank you, Madam President, and members of the board.

45:48

Uh soon, colleagues, I just want to let you know that you'll be receiving an email from me that is regarding uh the special tax sale in the city of St.

45:56

Louis.

45:56

Alderwoman Boyd and I have been sitting in on the working group meetings with several city departments around the special tax sale.

46:04

So this is an opportunity if you do have vacant buildings in your award that have building fees and fines, forestry fees and fines, or are tax delinquent for at least one year and are vacant.

46:15

Uh one of those things, but it definitely vacant to have them for consideration for the special tax sale.

46:21

This is a great tool that we can use to move properties uh away from uh absentee or problematic or sometimes deceased owners.

46:30

Uh so please look out for that email.

46:32

They've asked us to fill out a spreadsheet to submit uh these properties for consideration by the end of next week.

46:39

So please look out for that spreadsheet in your inboxes today.

46:42

So thank you.

46:45

Alderman from the 14th.

46:47

Thank you, madam president, members of the board.

46:49

Uh also we have a special uh birthday uh that is happening, uh I believe it's today.

46:56

Sam from your office, but also kind of my office, right?

47:00

Uh is having a birthday today.

47:03

He's turned 27.

47:04

So when we all see him, please uh wish him a very happy birthday.

47:08

He is gonna be very shocked uh when people give him a uh happy birthday wish.

47:12

So please wish Sam a happy birthday today, everybody.

47:15

Thank you.

47:21

Any further announcements?

47:23

Any further announcements?

47:26

Alder Woman from the 10th.

47:28

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board.

47:30

Um we do need to clear up something for the hoods meeting.

47:33

I want to make sure we get it on the record today.

47:34

So Alderman, Aldridge and Alderwoman Keys, if you can check and see when your bills um were requested to be on the hood, so I can follow up and make sure we get that meeting scheduled this week because I know yours had some public notifications that went with it.

47:51

Um, but in the middle of that, let's make sure as I announced today um was Friday, the end of Women in Trades Week, but for women is every day.

48:00

Women in trades, the women in trade construction career expo is going on today from one to four at Glaciers Architectural Metal and Glass Workers Local Union 513 at the pension fund building at 5916 Wilson Avenue.

48:16

The theme is level up and build strong.

48:19

Of course, when it comes to women, that's all we can do.

48:22

So if you are a woman watching this or you know a woman that might be interested in the trades, there is the career expo going on today from one to four, or if you're just watching and you're looking for employment period, the city is having a job fair as we speak right now for all city departments.

48:40

You can get hired.

48:41

All you need is your ID, and that is at 1520 market.

48:45

Thank you.

48:46

Alder Woman from the first.

48:48

Uh, thank you, Madam President.

48:49

I just want to give us another opportunity to say happy birthday to Sam, who just walked back in the room.

48:55

You've missed it before, so we'll embarrass you again now.

48:58

Happy birthday, Sam.

49:02

Any further announcements?

49:04

Any further announcements?

49:06

Alder Woman from the 10th, you're recognized on the motion to excuse.

49:11

Thank you, Madam President.

49:12

All members were present this morning.

49:14

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

49:22

Thank you, Madam President.

49:24

Members of the board, I move that we adjourn until Friday, March 13th, 2026 in the Board of Ottoman Chambers at 10 a.m.

49:32

It's been moved by the Alder Woman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the third that we adjourn until Friday, March 13th, 2026.

49:39

The Board of Alderman chamber at 10 a.m.

49:41

Is there any discussion?

49:43

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

49:46

Aye.

49:47

Opposed.

49:48

Motion carries.

49:50

We are adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████████████████████44%
Community Engagement███████████████████████████████31%
Public Health███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Personnel Matters███3%
Summary of Proceedings

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

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on March 6, 2026, with 12 members present. The meeting featured a resolution honoring journalist Justina Coronel, numerous board bills, committee reports, and announcements about community events and city operations. Votes were conducted by roll call where needed, and the meeting adjourned to March 13, 2026.

Consent Calendar

  • Courtesy Resolution Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously. Included resolutions 259 and 260.
  • Board Bills for Perfection Consent: Adopted unanimously, covering multiple street vacation and funding ordinances.
  • Board Bills for Third Reading and Final Passage (Consent Calendar): Passed with 14 aye votes. Bills included board bills 131, 132, 157 as amended, 158 floor substitute, and 160.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Justina Coronel (Honoree): Expressed surprise and gratitude for the resolution, describing her move to St. Louis as “the best thing that’s ever happened to me” and stating she loves the city. Noted she is pregnant.
  • Alderwoman from the 10th Ward: Praised Coronel for her authentic reporting and community trust. Moved the resolution “in bank” (co-sponsorship by all board members).
  • Alderman from the 9th Ward: Seconded the motion for the resolution to be placed in bank.
  • Alderman from the 4th Ward: Thanked Coronel for her civic work with St. Martha’s Hall and domestic violence survivors, noting she did “unglamorous work behind the scenes.”
  • Alderwoman from the 8th Ward: Thanked Coronel for breaking stigma around survivor stories.
  • Alderwoman from the 10th Ward (closing): Recognized all women in trades to close Women in Trades Week, and encouraged attendance at a construction career expo and a city job fair.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution 259: Honoring Justina Coronel for seven years of distinguished journalism at KSDK, community advocacy, and leadership (including founding the St. Louis chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists). The resolution listed numerous awards (e.g., two Associated Press awards, a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, Emmy nominations, 2023 Reporter of the Year). It also noted her service on boards (St. Martha’s Hall, Hispanic Leaders Group) and as a volunteer crisis worker. The resolution was moved “in bank” (all 14 members as co-sponsors) and adopted.
  • Board Bill 171 – Floor Substitute: Introduced by Alderwoman from the 7th Ward. Raises the minor purchase order threshold from $500 to $2,500 for city departments, aiming to streamline procurement from a process that can take up to two months to about three days. Supported by the Board of Aldermen President, Mayor’s Office, Comptroller’s Office, and Supply Commissioner. Passed unanimously.
  • Board Bill 167 (Transportation and Commerce Committee): Creates a limited exemption from convention facility regulations for certain private events/trade shows, with a severability clause.
  • Board Bill 66 – Committee Substitute (HUDS Committee): Amends city code to define criteria for impact assessments of redevelopment projects, with a severability clause.
  • Board Bill 155 (HUDS): Approves the establishment of the Downtown St. Louis Sports and Entertainment Community Improvement District.
  • Board Bill 161 – Committee Substitute (HUDS): Reappropriates $5,464,157.84 for water infrastructure replacement and repair, with an emergency clause.
  • Street Vacation Bills (Board Bills 110, 111, 136): Conditional street vacations for commercial development/parking, petitioned by Care STL Health, Hopkins Property of St. Louis LLC, and others.
  • Board Bill 148: Appropriates $1,363,875.78 from National Opioid Settlement funds to the Department of Health, with an emergency clause.
  • Board Bill 150: Calms traffic on the 600 block of Washington Avenue.
  • Board Bill 156: Updates forestry division regulations for tree planting, maintenance, preservation, and management.
  • Board Bill 159: Authorizes a municipal stormwater grant agreement with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for a flood wall project, with an emergency clause.
  • Board Bill 170: Establishes a two-way stop at Forest Avenue and Glades Avenue, with an emergency clause.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 259 (honoring Justina Coronel) was adopted after being placed “in bank” by unanimous consent.
  • Board Bill 171 (purchase order threshold increase) was perfected and passed unanimously.
  • Fourteen board bills on the consent calendar passed third reading and final passage with 14 aye votes.
  • Resolution 258 was referred to the Public Safety Committee (meeting March 12 at 2 p.m.).
  • Announcements included: a Gravoy Corridor Town Hall on March 7 (resource fair 10-11 a.m., town hall 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), a special tax sale property submission deadline by end of next week, a women in trades career expo on March 6 (1-4 p.m.), and a city job fair on March 6.
  • The meeting adjourned to March 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Meeting Transcript

The board will now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Alder Woman Schweitzer. Alderman Oldenberg. Alderman Cone. Alderman Orion. Alderman Devotee. Alder Woman Velasquez. Alder Woman Sonia. Alder Woman Cox Antwee. Alderman Browning. Alder Woman Clark Hubbard. Alder Woman Keys. Alder Woman Tyus. Present. Alder Woman Boyd. Present. Alderman Aldrick. President Green. Present. Alderman Oldenberg. Alder Woman Sonier. Alder Woman Keys. Twelve present. Accorum being present, we will dispense with line item three and take up the courtesy resolution calendar. Alder Woman from the tenth, you're recognized on the motion to suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolution two fifty-nine and two sixty. Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I move that we suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing resolutions two fifty-nine and two sixty. This is a non-debatable motion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. One present. If you could please place resolutions two fifty-nine and two sixty at the end of the courtesy resolution calendar. So noted. And at this time, I would like to invite the Alder Woman from the sixth to approach the dais with your honored guests for the presentation of resolution nine. Thank you, Madam President. With that, can I please have Justina Coronel come to the daisy? Surprise. I don't need like a drum roll. Uh how many minutes do we have? I think Mark's I know we need the Mark. Do you have your back to the presentation? Alderman from the Fourteenth, would you like to make a motion to recess? Thank you, Madam President. Members of the board, I'd like to make a motion that we go into recess. It's been moved by the alderman from the fourteenth, seconded by the Alder Woman from the seventh that we go into recess. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed motion carries. And we are back. So today we are uh those claps are for you, yes.

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