St. Louis Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee Meeting Summary

Date: September 30, 2026

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. Chair Browning presided, and Vice Chair Sweitzer took the gavel for Board Bill 85. Six members were present, constituting a quorum. The committee reviewed two board bills, heard public testimony, and discussed ongoing infrastructure issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 23rd, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously with a 6-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tommy O'Shaughnessy (Public Comment on BB85): Expressed frustration that the committee was prioritizing a land donation and street closure over urgently addressing the train horn issue affecting residents across multiple wards. He asked the committee to cut red tape and expedite train crossing repairs. Chair Browning stated the comment period was specific to Board Bill 85 but offered to discuss the matter privately after the meeting.
• Written Testimony (BB64): A letter from President Levin of the Fox Park Neighborhood Association was read into the record by the bill's sponsor. The letter detailed years of safety issues on the 2600 block of Oregon Avenue, including illegal traffic, criminal activity, and dangerous driving conditions near a QuikTrip and Gravois Avenue, expressing strong support for the permanent street closure.

Discussion Items

Board Bill 85 (Donation of Land – St. Louis Water Division to MODOT)

• Presenter: Patrick Patterson, Attorney, City Counselor's Office.
• Topic: The bill authorizes a donation and quick claim deed of approximately 250 square feet of useable land (1,300 square feet total) from the city's water division to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) for sidewalk accessibility improvements on the northeast corner of Stacy Park in St. Louis County.
• Discussion: Members generally supported the proposal. Chair Browning raised a concern about the City Charter (Article 27) regarding the sale or transfer of park land, questioning if a city-wide vote is required since the property is located in a park (Stacy Park, leased to Olivette) but owned by the city. Mr. Patterson stated he would verify the charter implications.
• Outcome: The bill was held in committee pending a legal review of the charter requirements regarding the transfer of city-owned park land. No vote was taken.

Board Bill 64 (Street Closure – Oregon Avenue)

• Sponsor: Alderwoman Sarnier (10th Ward).
• Topic: An ordinance to permanently close the 2600 block of Oregon Avenue at Pestalozzi Street to block illegal northbound cut-through traffic from Gravois Avenue and a nearby QuikTrip.
• Discussion: The sponsor stated the closure would involve planters (painted by community artists) and signage, coordinated with the Streets Department. The Fire Department reviewed and had no concerns. Alderman Devotee raised concerns about the timing in relation to the Gravois Avenue plan and asked if SLMPD had been formally consulted; the sponsor confirmed she would follow up with the local police captain. Alderwoman Cox asked for clarification on the barrier's location; the sponsor explained it was recommended by the Streets Department. Chair Browning expressed strong support for the closure as a safety measure for neighborhood streets adjacent to the dangerous Gravois Avenue corridor.
• Outcome: The bill was voted out of committee with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 85: Held in committee for further legal review of City Charter Article 27 regarding the transfer of park land.
• Board Bill 64: Approved by the committee (6-0) and recommended to the full Board of Aldermen.
• Future Agenda Item: Chair Browning announced that the Streets Department will be invited to the October 7, 2026, committee meeting to provide updates on the ongoing train horn issue, non-compliant crossings, and the city's website for public information.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.