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

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on March 20, 2026, to consider several board bills, resolutions, and appointments. The meeting featured extensive debate on nuisance property reform, a moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities, and a proposed smoking exemption at the convention center. Key votes included the perfection of a new nuisance review board (10-5), passage of a moratorium on private detention facilities (12-3), and final passage of a limited smoking exemption (8-6, 1 abstention).

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes from March 13, 2026.
• Mayor Cara Spencer's reappointment of Nick Hartzler to the High Hill Special Business District (term through Dec. 31, 2029) was approved.
• The appointments of Marlin Cadwell and Christy Griffin to the Detention Facility Oversight Board were approved.
• Board bills for perfection consent (138, 163, 149, and 175) were moved from the consent calendar after a roll-call vote (13-2). Later, BB 138 was removed from the consent calendar by request.
• The board adopted the courtesy resolution consent calendar (including resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts and community leaders).

Public Comments & Testimony

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

Discussion Items

• Honored Guests: Alderwoman from the 11th introduced Mike McMillan (President/CEO of Urban League) and Brooks Geddecker (St. Louis University). Alderwoman from the 14th introduced Miss Kendrick (intern from Harris-Stowe), State Representative Marty Joe Murray, and Chelsea Murder (former legislative assistant).

• Board Bill 151 – Nuisance Review Board: Alderman Aldrick (14th) presented BB 151, which would create a seven-member board (three city department representatives and four community members) to hold public hearings on nuisance properties. It requires residents within a 350-foot radius to collect signatures to trigger a hearing. Alderwoman Tyus (12th) voiced strong opposition, arguing current nuisance laws are not enforced in North St. Louis and that the board lacks mandatory action language. Alderman Browning (5th) raised concerns about a lack of definitions for “convention facility” in related legislation (BB 167). The bill was perfected 10-5.

• Board Bill 113 – Real Estate Tax Abatement (Gate District): Alderwoman Sanyer (7th) presented BB 113, which narrows the blanket abatement in the Gate District to focus on low-income housing tax credits and affordable housing. The bill was perfected unanimously.

• Board Bill 166 – Redevelopment Plan (Cass Avenue and I-44): Presented by Alderman Aldrick (14th), this bill approves a blight designation and redevelopment plan for the Cass Avenue and I-44 area, aiming to create a smaller convention center, a kid zone, and townhomes. It was perfected unanimously.

• Board Bill 169 – Tax Abatement Increase (Kempton/Staybridge Hotel): Alderwoman Keys (11th) presented BB 169, increasing the abatement from 75% to 90% for a stalled hotel project at Jefferson and Market. Alderman Cohn (4th) opposed, calling it “over incentivizing.” Alderwoman Tyus (12th) expressed concerns about area gentrification but ultimately voted in favor. The bill was perfected 14-1.

• Board Bill 165 – Prepayment Standards: Alderman Aldrick (14th) presented BB 165, which would standardize city prepayments up to 30% for contractors with proper documentation. Citing concerns from the Comptroller and City Counselor, he moved the bill to the informal calendar.

• Board Bill 152 – Mobile Food Vendor Operations: Presented by Alderman Aldrick (14th), BB 152 creates designated food truck vending districts (e.g., Cherokee Street, Market Street, McPherson Avenue) and extends hours from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The bill includes a QR-code decal system and a complaint process. It was perfected unanimously with support from the Restaurant Association and Food Truck Association.

• Board Bill 138 – Moratorium on Non-Municipal Detention Facilities: Alderwoman Sanyer (7th) presented BB 138, imposing a moratorium until Jan. 31, 2031, on permits for non-municipal detention facilities. Alderwoman Tyus (12th) opposed, saying the city already lacks authority over federal/state facilities. Alderman Browning (5th) questioned the need for a “proactive” bill. Alderwoman Sanyer cited examples in Kansas City and a desire to protect immigrant residents. The bill was perfected 12-3.

• Board Bill 66 – Impact Assessment (Third Reading/Final Passage): BB 66, establishing definitions and criteria for redevelopment impact assessments, was finally passed 13-2.

• Board Bill 167 – Convention Center Smoking Exemption (Third Reading/Final Passage): Alderman Aldrick (14th) presented BB 167, which would allow a limited, time-limited smoking exemption at the convention center for up to a three-day event (e.g., a cigar convention) every 3-5 years. The bill requires ventilation systems and allows workers to opt out. Alderwoman Tyus (12th) and Alderman Narayan (9th) strongly opposed, citing public health risks and poor drafting. Alderman Cohn (3rd) noted the lack of a definition for “convention facility.” The bill passed 8-6 with one abstention (Alderman Devotee).

• Resolution 197 – Quick Build Safety Improvements (Gravois Avenue): Alderwoman Sanyer (7th) introduced a resolution supporting temporary traffic calming measures on Gravois Avenue. It was adopted unanimously.

• Resolution 266 – Opposing SB 1586 (Solid Waste Districts): Alderwoman Schweitzer (1st) introduced a resolution opposing Missouri Senate Bill 1586, which would dissolve local solid waste districts. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• BB 151 (Nuisance Review Board): Perfected (10-5).
• BB 113 (Gate District Abatement): Perfected (unanimous).
• BB 166 (Cass Ave I-44 Redevelopment): Perfected (unanimous).
• BB 169 (Hotel Abatement Increase): Perfected (14-1).
• BB 165 (Prepayment Standards): Moved to informal calendar.
• BB 152 (Food Truck Vending): Perfected (unanimous).
• BB 138 (Detention Moratorium): Perfected (12-3).
• BB 66 (Impact Assessment): Finally passed (13-2).
• BB 167 (Smoking Exemption): Finally passed (8-6, 1 abstention).
• Resolution 197 (Gravois Safety): Adopted (unanimous).
• Resolution 266 (Solid Waste): Adopted (unanimous).
• Board of Adjustment Appointments (Annie Grice, James Dallas, Carmelo Desimone): Approved (12-3). Alderwoman Tyus (12th) vocally opposed, citing a lack of representatives from north of Page Boulevard.
• Next Meeting: The board adjourned until April 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers for signing dy.