St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting – March 20, 2026

The Board of Aldermen convened on March 20, 2026, with 15 members present. The meeting covered the approval of minutes, appointments, and numerous board bills ranging from tax abatements and nuisance reforms to food truck regulations and a moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities. Several resolutions were also adopted, including one opposing state legislation on solid waste districts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from March 13, 2026.
• Approved Mayor Spencer's reappointment of Nick Hartzler to the Hollyheast Special Business District (term ending December 31, 2029).
• Approved Mayor Spencer's appointments of Marlin Codwell and Christy Griffin to the Detention Facility Oversight Board.
• Perfection consent calendar: Board Bills 163 (South Grand Community Improvement District), 149 (honorary street name), 175 (utility easements for Union Electric) were adopted unanimously.

Discussion Items

Board Bill 151 – Nuisance Review Board (Perfection, passed 10-5)

• Sponsored by Alderman Aldrick, the bill would establish a seven-member Nuisance Review Board (three city department representatives, four public members) to hold public hearings on properties deemed nuisances, based on a petition of signatures from within 350 feet. The board would forward recommendations to the City Counselor's office.
• Alderwoman Tyus spoke at length in opposition, arguing that existing nuisance laws are not enforced, especially in North St. Louis, and that the 350-foot petition requirement puts residents at risk. She cited examples of gas stations and stores with repeated gunfire that remained open for years. She opposed giving more power to the City Counselor's office.
• Alderman Phillips questioned the bill's lack of mandatory language and potential insufficient funding. He expressed concern that the bill does not address the root problem of non-enforcement.
• Alderman Aldrick clarified that the petition process is optional and that the board is intended to increase transparency and community input. He acknowledged the 350-foot limit could be revisited.

Board Bill 113 – Tax Abatement Modification (Unanimous)

• Sponsored by Alderwoman Sanyer, the bill modifies real estate tax abatement terms in the 7th Ward to allow two senior housing rehabs and affordable family townhomes, using low-income housing tax credits.

Board Bill 166 – Cass Avenue & I-44 Redevelopment Plan (Unanimous)

• Sponsored by Alderman Aldrick, the bill approves a blighted area redevelopment plan for a site at Cass Avenue and I-44. The developer plans a small convention center, kid zone, and townhomes.

Board Bill 169 – Hotel Abatement Increase (Passed 14-1)

• Sponsored by Alderwoman Keys, the bill increases the tax abatement from 75% to 90% for the Kemper/Staybridge hotel project near Jefferson and Market. The developer cited increased material costs. The project includes a commitment to house homeless families during cold weather and disasters.
• Alderman Cohn opposed, citing over-incentivization and impact on St. Louis Public Schools.

Board Bill 165 (Committee Substitute) – Prepayment Standardization (Placed on Informal Calendar)

• Sponsored by Alderman Aldrick, the bill would allow city departments to issue up to 30% advance payments to contractors, with documentation requirements. The Alderman put it on the informal calendar after receiving late objections from the Comptroller and City Counselor.

Board Bill 152 (Committee Substitute as Amended) – Mobile Food Vendor Operations (Unanimous)

• Sponsored by Alderman Aldrick, the bill streamlines food truck operations by creating designated vending districts (e.g., Cherokee Street, Market Street, McPherson Avenue) and extending operating hours to 1 a.m. It includes a one-year review and a decal/QR code system. The bill was supported by the Restaurant Association and Food Truck Association.

Board Bill 138 – Moratorium on Non-Municipal Detention Facilities (Passed 12-3)

• Sponsored by Alderwoman Sanyer, the bill imposes a moratorium until January 31, 2031, on approvals for private detention facilities in the city. Supporters argued it is a proactive land-use measure to prevent facilities that could be used for involuntary detention of marginalized groups. Opponents (including Alderman Phillips and Alderwoman Tyus) questioned the need, citing no current proposals and the inability to block federal or state facilities. They also noted the bill's lack of definition and potential legal challenges.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 151 (Nuisance Review Board) – Perfected on a vote of 10-5.
• Board Bill 113 (Tax Abatement) – Perfected unanimously.
• Board Bill 166 (Redevelopment Plan) – Perfected unanimously.
• Board Bill 169 (Hotel Abatement) – Perfected 14-1.
• Board Bill 165 (Prepayment Standardization) – Placed on informal calendar.
• Board Bill 152 (Food Truck Operations) – Perfected unanimously.
• Board Bill 138 (Detention Moratorium) – Perfected 12-3.
• Third Reading/Final Passage:
  • Board Bill 66 (Impact Assessment) – Passed 13-2.
  • Board Bill 167 (Smoking Exemption for Convention Center) – Passed 8-6-1.
• Resolutions Adopted: Resolution 197 (Graves Avenue safety improvements), Resolution 266 (opposing MO Senate Bill 1586 on solid waste districts), and courtesy resolutions.
• Mayor's Appointments to Board of Adjustment (Annie Grice, James Dallas, Camelo Desimon) – Approved 12-3, with Alderwoman Tyus and Alderwoman Keys voting no due to lack of North St. Louis representation.
• Adjournment until April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for signing die.