St. Louis Board of Aldermen Meeting - April 20, 2026

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on April 20, 2026, for its final meeting of the 2025-2026 legislative session. The meeting included a memorial resolution honoring former Assessor Edward L. Bushmeyer Jr., passage of several board bills, and closing remarks by the Board President. Notable actions included the passage of a moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities, creation of a nuisance review board, and a tax abatement modification for a hotel project. A food truck bill was placed on the informal calendar for further work.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from March 20, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Appointments: Multiple appointments were approved without discussion:
  • Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Science Center Subdistrict Advisory Board (Maurice Johnson Malone, John Berglin, Eric Spencer).
  • Appointment of Lila Gerhardt to the Garden Side Subdivision Special Business District.
  • Appointments of Jim Rick and Les Fields to the Sew Lard Special Business District.
• Board Bills on Consent Calendar (Third Reading and Final Passage): Board bills 113, 149, 152 committee substitute as amended (later removed to informal calendar), 163, 166, 168, 175, 59, and 169 were initially on the consent calendar for third reading and final passage. However, board bill 152 was removed to the regular calendar voluntarily, and board bill 169 was later moved to the regular calendar for individual vote. The remaining bills on consent were passed by a roll call vote of 13 ayes. (Note: The minutes are not available; this is based on the transcript.)

Discussion Items

• Resolution 281: Honoring Edward L. Bushmeyer Jr. – A resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Edward L. Bushmeyer Jr., who served as City Assessor for nearly four decades and passed away on March 28, 2026. Introduced by Alderman Matt Devotee (Ward 5) with numerous co-sponsors. Multiple aldermen shared personal tributes, and the resolution was adopted unanimously.
• Board Bill 138: Moratorium on Non-Municipal Detention Facilities – Sponsored by Alderwoman Alicia Sonier (Ward 7) and others. The ordinance declares a moratorium until January 31, 2031, on approvals (building permits, special use permits, etc.) for non-municipal detention facilities within the city. Passed by a roll call vote: 9 ayes, 1 no, 3 present.
• Board Bill 151: Creation of a Nuisance Review Board – Sponsored by Alderman Rasheen Aldridge (Ward 14) and President Megan Green. The ordinance amends the public nuisance ordinance to create a nuisance review board. Alderwoman Pamela Boyd (Ward 12) spoke in strong opposition, arguing the board would weaken enforcement, that the 350-foot petition radius was arbitrary, and that the city counselor would have too much control. She cited examples of nuisance properties in North St. Louis that were difficult to close. The bill passed despite her opposition: 10 ayes, 3 nos.
• Board Bill 169: Tax Abatement Modification for Kemper State Bridge Hotel – Sponsored by Alderwoman Laura Keys (Ward 11). The ordinance modifies the terms of a real estate tax abatement for a hotel project in the 11th ward. Changes include reducing the project from two hotels to one, extending the scope, and increasing the abatement from 75% to 90%. Passed by roll call: 12 ayes, 1 no.
• Board Bill 152 Committee Substitute as Amended (Food Truck Regulation) – Sponsored by Alderman Rasheen Aldridge and President Green. The bill aimed to streamline food truck operations by creating designated zones (e.g., downtown, Cherokee Street, Grand Arts Center) and extending hours from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Alderman Aldridge spoke in favor, noting collaboration with food truck and restaurant associations. However, he acknowledged a technical error regarding the Cardinals' clean zone and moved to place the bill on the informal calendar for further refinement, rather than final passage. The motion was approved, and the bill will be refiled in the new session.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 281 adopted unanimously.
• Board Bill 138 (Moratorium on non-municipal detention facilities) passed: 9 ayes, 1 no, 3 present.
• Board Bill 151 (Nuisance review board) passed: 10 ayes, 3 nos.
• Board Bill 169 (Hotel tax abatement) passed: 12 ayes, 1 no.
• Board Bill 152 (Food trucks) placed on informal calendar; will be refiled for the next session.
• Closed Session: The board voted 14-0 to enter closed session to discuss personnel matters related to hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting employees of the Board of Aldermen.
• Courtesy Resolution Calendar: Initially adopted, then reconsidered to allow additional co-sponsors (Alderman from the 4th moved to reconsider, passed 11 ayes, 1 present). The calendar was then re-adopted.
• End of Session: President Megan Green gave closing remarks, highlighting achievements of the session (e.g., affordable housing, ADUs, earnings tax renewal, charter amendments, tornado relief) and previewing priorities for the next session (budget, police control, water infrastructure, Rams settlement funds).
• Adjournment: The board adjourned sine die until April 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. for the start of the new session.