Public Meetings - St Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Board chambers. The meeting opened with a prayer and roll call, then proceeded through a full agenda including the introduction of multiple resolutions, honoring of mentoring organizations and a retiring staff member, discussion on amendments to the Prop NS program, debate over a resolution opposing state legislation on solid waste management, and passage of several board bills. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from Friday, January 23, 2026, was approved by voice vote with no discussion. - Third reading and final passage of board bills on consent (Board Bills 120 and 107) passed unanimously (15 aye votes). - Board Bills for Perfection Consent Calendar (Board Bill 87 as amended and Board Bill 25 as amended in committee) were adopted by voice vote, though Board Bill 87 was later removed from consent for separate consideration, and Board Bill 25 was referred back to committee. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items Resolution 227 – Honoring Mentoring Organizations - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (10th Ward) sponsored Resolution 227 to honor eight local mentoring organizations: The Sophia Project, Dream Builders, Gentlemen of Vision, The Village, Black Girls Do STEM, Mentors in Motion, Saturday Boys Academy, and Shera. The resolution recognized National Mentoring Month and the organizations’ impact on youth. Representatives from Saturday Boys Academy noted their 40 years of service. The resolution was embanked (all aldermen co-sponsored) and passed unanimously by voice vote. Resolution 225 – Honoring Retiring Staff Teresa Ernst - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard introduced Resolution 225 honoring Teresa Ernst, Executive Secretary, who retired after 47 years of city service (since 1979). Multiple aldermen expressed gratitude through speeches, highlighting her behind-the-scenes work, patience, and institutional knowledge. The resolution was embanked and passed unanimously by voice vote. Board Bill 87 as amended – Prop NS Program Amendments - Alderman Aldrick (14th Ward) presented amendments to the Prop NS program (land reutilization authority for general obligation bond-funded property rehabilitation). Key changes: (1) shifting from a single/multifamily per‑property calculation to a square footage basis, (2) adjusting bond caps by the Consumer Price Index (tying to inflation), and (3) expanding scope of eligible work to include plumbing, sewer construction, and additional interior demolition. He noted the affected wards (11, 12, 13, 14) and post-tornado needs. - Alderwoman Tyus (12th Ward) spoke in opposition, citing longstanding issues with the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA): lack of investigation after a scandal, failure to demolish dangerous buildings, and properties left vacant for decades. She argued more oversight is needed before expanding funding. She ultimately voted present and called for a full investigation of LRA. - Vote on perfection: Bill 87 passed with 12 aye, 1 no (Alderwoman Tyus), and 2 present (Alderwoman Keys and Alderwoman Boyd). The bill was perfected. Board Bill 25 – Rental Car Operations at Lambert Airport - Alderman from the 3rd Ward moved to refer Board Bill 25 (committee substitute as amended) back to the Transportation and Commerce Committee. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. No further discussion. Resolution 229 – Opposing Missouri House Bill 2761 (Solid Waste Management District Funding and Landfill Regulation) - Alderwoman from the 1st Ward (likely Schweitzer) introduced Resolution 229 opposing HB 2761, which would divert funds from sustainability organizations (e.g., Earth Day 365) and preempt local regulation of landfills, including advanced recycling facilities. She cited the need for speed because the bill had already received a public hearing in the Missouri House Government Efficiency Committee. - Alderwoman Tyus opposed immediate adoption, arguing the resolution had not been vetted in committee, that she had insufficient information, and that rushing could lead to errors. She requested referral to the Health and Human Development Committee. - Alderwoman from the 7th Ward spoke in favor, emphasizing the urgency due to active legislative hearings and the potential to strip millions from local environmental organizations. - Vote on suspension of rules for first reading: 13 aye, 2 no (Tyus and Boyd). Vote to adopt: 12 aye, 2 no (Tyus and Boyd), 1 present. The resolution passed and was adopted. Resolution 202 – Report on Funding Allocations - Alderman Narayan reported that Resolution 202 had passed out of committee with Exhibit A attached (breakdown of funded organizations). No further questions. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 225 and 227 were embanked and adopted unanimously. - Board Bill 87 (Prop NS amendments) was perfected after a roll call vote (12-1-2). It will move to final passage. - Board Bill 25 was referred back to the Transportation and Commerce Committee. - Resolution 229 (opposing HB 2761) was adopted despite objections; the board will transmit its opposition to the Missouri General Assembly. - Committee meetings announced: Budget and Public Employees (Feb 4 at 10 AM), Legislation and Rules (Feb 10 at 2 PM), Health and Human Development (Feb 5 at 9 AM via Zoom), Personnel and Administration (Feb 5 at 11 AM), and the next full board meeting on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10 AM. - Announcements: Flag-raising for African American Flag (Feb 2 at 9 AM), Wesley House welcome back celebration (Feb 1, 10 AM-2 PM), and acknowledgment of a nationwide strike and ICE enforcement concerns.

Introduction The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on January 29, 2026, at an unspecified time. Chair Browning presided, with six members present (a quorum of four required). The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and advanced two traffic-calming board bills to the full Board of Aldermen. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from January 21, 2026 were approved unanimously (6 aye votes). Motion by Alderwoman Boyd, seconded by Alderman Clark-Hubbard. Discussion Items - Board Bill 99 (Alderwoman Sonye): Proposed a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Shenandoah and Virginia Avenue in the Tower Grove East neighborhood. The bill was introduced due to repeated traffic calming requests from residents, and the intersection is near a restaurant, community garden, and book nook. All committee members expressed support without questions. - Board Bill 130 (Chair Browning): Proposed installation of speed humps on the last blocks of Cleed and West Pine in the ward (between Sarah and Vandeventer). These blocks are wide and experience high speeds. Two to three speed humps are planned per street. No questions or opposition were raised. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony or written comments were submitted. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 99: Passed out of committee with a due pass recommendation (motion by Alderwoman Boyd, second by Alderman Devoty, unanimous on previous roll call). - Board Bill 130: Passed out of committee with a due pass recommendation (motion by Alderwoman Cox-Antwi, second by Alderwoman Boyd, unanimous on previous roll call). - Adjournment: Motion by Alderwoman Boyd, second by Alderman Sonye, passed without objection.

The Housing Urban Development and Zoning (HUDZ) Committee met on January 28, 2026, in a virtual format due to icy road conditions. The committee heard a comprehensive presentation from the Community Builders Network (CBN), a coalition of Community Development Corporations (CDCs), detailing their work, impact, and challenges in St. Louis. The presentation highlighted CDCs' roles in affordable housing development, neighborhood revitalization, disaster response (specifically the May 16, 2025 tornado), and the urgent need for stable operating support. Committee members expressed strong support for CDCs and committed to exploring funding solutions. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments from individuals outside the presentation were received. Discussion Items - Community Builders Network Presentation: Linda (Executive Director of CBN) introduced the coalition of over 70 organizations. Constance (North Newstead Association) defined CDCs as place-based nonprofits serving low-to-moderate income residents, with board representation from the community. She noted that CDCs cover about two-thirds of St. Louis (40+ neighborhoods, 12 of 14 wards). In 2023, CBN members supported 197 small businesses, maintained 104 vacant lots, and repaired 198 homes. CDCs leverage $1 of public funding into $12–$13 nationally. - Park Central Development (Abdul): Serves 15 neighborhoods, focusing on commercial corridor development, residential rehab, and anti-displacement. From 2020–2025, invested $2 million in anti-displacement assistance, provided over $200,000 in home repairs to 143 homes, assisted 450+ businesses, and had a $240 million economic impact in 2024. Noted a senior maintenance program (grass cutting, snow removal) lost funding, leaving over 100 seniors without service. - North Newstead Association (Constance): Celebrating 33 years, oversees 138 units of affordable housing across 23 neighborhoods. Provided details on home repair programs, senior weatherization training, and board leadership from residents. After the May 16 tornado, 100% of their portfolio was damaged with an estimated $4.5 million in damages; insurance payout likely $2.2 million. They spent over 300 staff overtime hours and $13,000 in reserves on immediate response, and mobilized nearly 200 volunteers for over 1,000 hours. - DeSales Community Development (Becky Reinhart): Celebrating 50 years, developed 250 affordable housing units and manages property through Fox Grove Management. Highlighted a 78-unit mixed-use development in Carondelet (Third Ward) addressing vacant properties. Emphasized that rising construction costs and decreased investor appetite are slowing the pipeline; DeSales has 500 units in pre-development at risk. - Northside Community Housing (Michael Burns): Developed/rehabbed over 300 homes, stabilized five blocks east of North Sarah. Reported 48 units damaged by tornado, 25 totally destroyed, and commercial space at Dick Gregory development damaged. Noted they received no assistance from FEMA, SBA, or SEMA. SBA denied a loan due to insufficient income (after an application process from August to January). - Disaster Response: All CDCs described pivoting programs for COVID-19 and tornado response. Park Central allocated $20,000 for meals, providing 20,000 meals (3,000 in first 48 hours) via Grace Meat + Three. The CBN network coordinated tarps, volunteers, and rehousing. - Funding Challenges: Prior to 2014, CDCs received CDBG operating dollars; now they rely on revenue-generating activities (development, property management). Increased costs and stagnant revenue threaten their ability to maintain affordable housing and respond to crises. - Committee Q&A: Alderman Browning asked about FEMA/SBA denial. Michael Burns explained FEMA is for individual homeowners, and SBA denied Northside due to insufficient income. Alderman Aldridge noted the value of CDC community roots. Vice Chair Sonier stressed the need to prioritize CDCs in the budget, noting that losing them would be devastating, especially in tornado-affected areas. - Alderman Boyd (via chat): Asked about specific asks. Linda and Constance responded that there is no immediate ask but urged the committee to consider the role CDCs can play in rebuilding and revitalization, given their community governance and unique capacity. Key Outcomes - Committee members unanimously expressed gratitude and strong support for CDCs, recognizing their critical role in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and disaster recovery. - Vice Chair Sonier and others committed to exploring innovative funding solutions, including restoring operating support akin to previous CDBG allocations. - The presentation will be recorded and shared widely to educate the public about CDCs. - Alderman Aldrich announced that the January 29, 2026 budget hearing (on Rams interest money) will also be virtual due to weather, with details on the Board of Aldermen website. - A motion to excuse Alderman Cohn for necessary absence was approved. - The meeting adjourned with thanks to staff for enabling the virtual format.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on January 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers. The meeting featured two special resolutions honoring photojournalist Wiley Price and the staff of SLTV (St. Louis City's government access channel) for their decades of service. Several board bills were introduced, moved through committees, and passed. The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time after a series of announcements. Consent Calendar - Courtesy Resolutions Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously, including resolutions 220 (honoring Wiley Price) and 223 (honoring SLTV for National Videographer Day). - Board Bills for Perfection Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously, including Board Bill 120 (sales tax reimbursement for a project at 3942 LaCleet Avenue) and Board Bill 124 (accepting FY 2024 State Crisis Intervention Program funds). - Third Reading and Final Passage of Board Bills Consent Calendar: Adopted unanimously (14 aye votes), passing Board Bill 118 and Board Bill 124. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were heard during the formal session; however, multiple aldermen acknowledged community outreach workers and volunteers assisting individuals experiencing homelessness during cold weather. Alderman from the 7th thanked the Continuum of Care and outreach workers for their efforts during sub-25-degree temperatures. Discussion Items - Honoring Wiley Price (Resolution 220): Alderman from the 7th presented a resolution honoring Wiley Price for over 45 years of photojournalism with the St. Louis American. Multiple aldermen spoke about his impact on documenting Black life, historic moments, and community dignity. Price's work is in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Price accepted the honor, expressing gratitude and noting his pride in working for the St. Louis American. The resolution was embanked (signed by all members). - Honoring SLTV (Resolution 223): Alderman from the 10th presented a resolution recognizing SLTV's 35 years of service, including broadcasting board meetings, producing community programs, and providing technical support during COVID (over 800 Zoom meetings). SLTV Manager Andre noted the staff has won over 700 awards and that their pay was recently recognized as grossly underpaid compared to other Midwest government channels. The resolution was embanked. - Board Bill 107 (Washington Avenue Community Improvement District): Sponsored by Alderman from the 14th, this bill expands the existing CID on the 1100 block of Washington Avenue to fund infrastructure and beautification. The bill was perfected (advanced) without debate. - Board Bill 124 (Crisis Intervention Funds): Sponsored by Alderman from the 7th, this bill accepts $255,115.69 in federal grant funds to hire three social workers for the Problem Properties Division to connect individuals in problem properties with case management and referrals. The bill was suspended from the perfection calendar and moved to final passage, passing unanimously (14 aye votes). - Mayoral Appointments: Approved unanimously: Alex Wright to the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict Advisory Board; Stephen Hunt to the Loughborough Community Commons Improvement District. - Introduction of Board Bill 129: Alderman from the 5th introduced Board Bill 129 (purpose not specified); the rules were suspended (14 aye votes) and the bill was assigned to the HUD committee. - Introduction of Honored Guests: Alderman from the 10th introduced Captain JD McCloskey and others for their work on housing issues; Alderman from the 14th introduced intern Faith Townsell (former youth advisor in Chicago); Alderman from the 6th introduced intern Madeline Keebe from SLU. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 220 and 223: Both embanked (unanimously co-sponsored by all board members) – honors Wiley Price and SLTV. - Board Bill 124: Passed final reading (14 aye votes) – accepts $255,115.69 for three social workers in Problem Properties. - Board Bill 107: Perfected (unanimous) – expands Washington Avenue CID. - Board Bill 118: Passed final reading (14 aye votes) – ordinance directing installation of speed humps in the 9th ward. - Board Bill 129: Introduced and assigned to HUD committee. - Mayoral Appointments: Both approved unanimously. - Minutes of January 16, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Adjournment: The next full board meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers. Announcements - Committee meetings announced: HUDS (Jan. 27, 11 a.m.), Public/Public Employees (Jan. 28, 6 p.m.), Personnel & Administration (Jan. 29, 11 a.m.), Public Safety (Jan. 29, 2 p.m.) – all in the Kennedy Room. - Moment of silence observed for former committeewoman Ida Ford, mother of former Alderwoman April Ford Griffin. - Alderman from the 2nd excused for necessary absence (unanimous, but noted as close).

The Board of Aldermen convened on January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM with 12 members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting focused on the introduction and adoption of courtesy resolutions honoring Wiley Price and SLTV, routine appointments, and the advancement of several board bills, including a crisis intervention grant for social workers in problem properties. Consent Calendar - The courtesy resolutions consent calendar was adopted unanimously. - The board bills for perfection consent calendar was adopted unanimously. - The third reading and final passage of board bills consent calendar was adopted with 14 aye votes. Discussion Items Resolution 220 – Honoring Wiley Price - Sponsored by Alderwoman Sunier (7th Ward) and co-sponsored by several members. The resolution honored Wiley Price for over 45 years of photojournalism with the St. Louis American, documenting black life, historic moments, and civic events. Price’s work is in the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. - Several aldermen spoke, praising Price’s dedication, the trust he built in the community, and his role in preserving the city’s history. Alderwoman Clark Hubbard noted that Price had never been honored by the city before. Price himself spoke, thanking the board and reflecting on his career. - The resolution was embanked (all members co-sponsoring) and adopted unanimously. Resolution 223 – Honoring SLTV for National Videography Day - Sponsored by Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (10th Ward). The resolution recognized SLTV’s 35 years of broadcasting board meetings, producing community programs, and providing transparency. SLTV has won over 700 awards and produces more content than any other Midwest government channel. - Andre (SLTV manager) spoke, thanking the board and noting that staff are paid below market rates but were recently recognized in a compensation study. Alderwoman from the 12th recounted the history of SLTV and fights to keep it funded. - The resolution was embanked and adopted unanimously. Introductions of Honored Guests - Alderwoman from the 10th introduced several city employees (police, streets, NIS) for their work during cold weather housing crises. - Alderman from the 14th introduced intern Faith Townsell, a young leader from Chicago with experience in mayoral administrations and the Obama-Chesky Voyager Public Service Foundation. - Alderwoman from the 6th introduced intern Madeline Keeb from Saint Louis University. - Alderwoman from the 7th recognized the Continuum of Care volunteers and outreach workers for their efforts during cold weather. Board Bill 124 – Crisis Intervention Program - Sponsored by Alderwoman Sunier, President Green, and others. The bill authorizes acceptance of $255,115.69 in state funds for the FY2024 State Crisis Intervention Program. The funds will be used to hire three social workers within the Problem Properties Department to provide case management and referrals. - The bill was moved from perfection consent to third reading and passed with 14 aye votes. Board Bill 107 – Washington Avenue Community Improvement District - Sponsored by Alderman from the 14th. The bill amends an existing CID to expand boundaries along Washington Avenue for infrastructure and beautification projects. The expansion is tied to a planned food hall development similar to The Foundry. - The bill was perfected unanimously. Other Board Bills - Board Bill 128 (Kingsbury Place HOA CID for tornado recovery) assigned to HUD committee. - Board Bill 129 (La Colina Square PUD) assigned to HUD committee. - Board Bill 130 (speed humps in 9th ward) introduced. - Appointments to the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict Advisory Board (Alexis Wright) and to the Loughborough Commons Community Improvement District (Stephen Hunt) were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 220 and 223 were adopted unanimously and embanked (all members co-sponsoring). - Board Bill 124 passed third reading and final passage with 14 aye votes. - Board Bill 107 was perfected. - Appointments of Alexis Wright and Stephen Hunt approved. - Moment of silence observed for former committee woman Ida Ford, mother of former Alderwoman April Ford Griffin. - Next meeting scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Board of Aldermen Chambers.

The Board of Aldermen convened on January 23, 2026, with 12 members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting featured the suspension of rules to introduce resolutions, the adoption of courtesy resolutions honoring photojournalist Wiley Price and SLTV, the introduction of honored guests, and the perfection and final passage of several board bills, including one for a grant to hire social workers for problem properties. Consent Calendar - The courtesy resolution consent calendar was adopted, including resolutions 220 and 223 (see below). Note: The motion to suspend rules introduced resolutions 222 and 223, but only Resolution 220 (for Wiley Price) and Resolution 223 (for SLTV) were presented and read. The discrepancy between the introduced and presented resolution numbers is unaddressed in the transcript. - Board bills for perfection consent calendar (BB120 and BB124) were adopted. - Third reading and final passage consent calendar (BB118 and BB124) was adopted with 14 aye votes. Discussion Items - Resolution 220 – Honoring Wiley Price: Presented by Alderwoman Sonier (7th Ward), this resolution honored Wiley Price for over 45 years of photojournalism with the St. Louis American. Multiple aldermen spoke, praising his work documenting Black life and history in St. Louis. Price himself expressed gratitude, recounting his father's connection to City Hall. The resolution was embanked (co-sponsored by all members). - Resolution 223 – Honoring SLTV for 35 Years: Presented by Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (10th Ward), this resolution honored SLTV, the city’s government access channel, for its work in transparency, community programming, and for producing over 700 awards since 1991. SLTV manager Andre spoke about the staff’s dedication and noted that videographers are paid less than refuse workers, calling for compensation reform. Multiple aldermen voiced support for pay equity and acknowledged the channel's role in democracy. The resolution was embanked. - Honored Guests: Alderwoman Clark Hubbard introduced district staff (police, streets, NIS) and thanked them for responding to a housing emergency during cold weather, stating "programs we fight for...are flawed." Alderman from the 14th introduced intern Faith Townsell (from Chicago, recognized by the Obama Foundation). Alderwoman from the 6th introduced intern Madeline Keeb (from SLU). Alderwoman Sonier thanked outreach workers and volunteers activating shelters during sub-25°F temperatures. - Board Bill 124: Sponsored by Alderwoman Sonier, authorizing acceptance of a FY2024 State Crisis Intervention Program grant of up to $255,115.69 from the Department of Health. The funds will hire three social workers for the Problem Property Division to provide case management and referrals for individuals in problem properties. The bill was moved from perfection to final passage and passed unanimously. - Board Bill 107: Sponsored by the Alderman from the 14th, amending an existing special improvement district (SID) on the 1100 block of Washington Avenue to expand further down Washington for infrastructure and beautification. The bill was perfected unanimously. - Board Bills 128 and 129: Introduced. BB128 (Kingsbury Place HOA Tornado Recovery Community Improvement District) and BB129 (La Cullina Square Plan Unit Development District) were assigned to the HUDS committee. Key Outcomes - Resolution 220 (Honoring Wiley Price) and Resolution 223 (Honoring SLTV) were embanked and adopted as part of the courtesy resolution consent calendar. - Board Bill 124 (grant for social workers in problem properties) passed final passage unanimously (14-0). - Board Bill 107 (Washington Avenue SID expansion) perfected unanimously (voice vote). - Appointments Approved: Alex Wright to the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict Advisory Board and Stephen Hunt to the Loughborough Community Commons Improvement District (both voice votes). - Minutes of January 16, 2026, approved (voice vote). - Adjournment until Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Board of Aldermen Chambers.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened on January 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Board of Aldermen Chambers. The meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Anthony L. Riley of Central Baptist Church, who also serves on the St. Louis City Charter Commission. The board passed several resolutions and bills, including honoring Central Baptist Church on its 180th anniversary, approving an assessment maintenance plan, and passing multiple board bills by consent. Consent Calendar - The board suspended rules to introduce resolutions 217, 218, and 219; they were placed at the end of the courtesy resolutions calendar. - The courtesy resolution consent calendar was adopted unanimously. - Minutes from January 9, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Third reading and final passage of board bills 116, 117, and 118 on the consent calendar passed with 12 aye votes. - Board bills 116 and 117 were reported as finally passed and signed by the president. Discussion Items - Resolution 218 – Honoring Central Baptist Church: Alderwoman Keys introduced the resolution recognizing Central Baptist Church's 180-year legacy of faith, leadership, resilience, and service. The resolution detailed the church's founding in 1846 by 23 free-born and enslaved Africans, its role in the Underground Railroad, its support of Harriet and Dred Scott, its hosting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957, and its ongoing community work including a Black Buyout initiative and disaster relief after the May 16, 2025 tornado. Pastor Riley spoke, urging the board to turn Dr. King's economic agenda into action and to address ongoing segregation, citing that houses north of Delmar remain worth less than those south. Multiple alderwomen expressed support. - Resolution 194 Committee Substitute – 2026-2027 Assessment Maintenance Plan: Alderwoman Sweitzer presented the plan, required by the state, detailing how the assessor's office will maintain and conduct property assessments every two years. The assessor appeared before the Budget and Public Employees Committee earlier that week to answer questions. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - Board Bill 107: Introduced by Alderman Aldridge, approving a petition to amend and reinstate the 1100 Washington Avenue Community Improvement District, altering boundaries and clarifying the project. Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. - Board Bill 120: Introduced by Alderman Browning, establishing a sales tax reimbursement account for a project at 3942 Laclede Avenue. Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. - Board Bill 115: Introduced by Alderman Browning, appropriating $5 million from the city's capital fund for maintenance and improvements to the city's flood wall. Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. - Board Bill 4: Introduced by Alderwoman Sanya, authorizing acceptance of up to $255,169 in federal funds from the State Crisis Intervention Program for the Department of Health. Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. Key Outcomes - Resolution 218 was moved "in bank" (co-sponsored by all board members) and adopted unanimously. - Resolution 194 Committee Substitute was adopted unanimously. - Board bills 116, 117, and 118 passed on the consent calendar with 12 aye votes. - The board excused aldermen from the 12th and 13th wards for necessary absence. - The meeting adjourned until Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Board of Aldermen Chambers.

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on January 15, 2026 (though the transcript indicates Wednesday, January 14; see note at end) to approve minutes, consider Board Bill 115 for flood wall repairs, and receive a presentation from the Water Division on its financial condition and infrastructure needs. The committee approved the minutes of December 10, 2025, and passed Board Bill 115 with a do-pass recommendation. The Water Division’s presentation highlighted a projected depletion of its contingent fund, rising costs, aging infrastructure, and the need for rate adjustments. Sandra Padgett of the Consumers Council of Missouri urged the adoption of a transparent rate review process. Committee members expressed support for the Water Division’s efforts and emphasized the urgency of investing in infrastructure and exploring long-term financial strategies. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from December 10, 2025, passed unanimously (6 ayes). Public Comments & Testimony - Sandra Padgett (Executive Director, Consumers Council of Missouri): Urged the committee to adopt a clear, formal, and transparent rate review process before considering any rate increases. She noted that past rate increases were passed with limited public participation and that residents deserve an open and accountable process. She also highlighted the availability of a customer assistance program and expressed willingness to work with the water division and the board. Discussion Items - Board Bill 115 – Flood Wall Repair Funding: Chair Browning (sponsor) introduced the bill to allocate $5 million from the city to match state funds for repairing the Mississippi River flood wall. The work includes pump tests, debris clearing, well testing, valve replacements, and condition assessments. The Streets Department is responsible for maintenance and will contract out the work. Committee members asked about preventive maintenance schedules and the scope of work. The bill was advanced with a do-pass recommendation. - Water Division Financial Presentation: Director Patel (Director of Public Utilities) and his staff presented an update on the financial state of the water division. Key points included: - The division serves a system designed for 1 million people with a population under 300,000, placing a burden on ratepayers. - The contingent fund (reserve) is projected to be depleted by end of fiscal year. - Seven consecutive years of deficits due to rising costs (main breaks, staffing, chemicals, inflation) and lagging revenue. - 399 main breaks in 2025, the highest in seven years, costing an average of $13,000 per repair. - Chemical costs increased 73% since 2018. - The division has identified 63 critical main replacement projects (16.5 miles) at an estimated cost of $28 million, plus pump replacements at $10.4 million. - The division has a very low debt load ($5 million) compared to peers. - Current water rates are $2.62 per CCF (hundred cubic feet), far below St. Louis County ($7.76), Kansas City ($6+), and others. - Over 16,000 accounts are delinquent, owing a total of $14 million. - A rate sufficiency study is underway, expected to complete in March 2026. - The division is resuming shutoffs but offers assistance programs (over $840,000 remaining in a $1 million ARPA-funded pot). - The division is investing in capital projects and staffing to address leaks and breaks, reducing water loss and chemical usage. - Committee Response: - Members (Clark Hubbard, Devoty, Cox Antoine, Schweitzer, Browning) thanked the director for the presentation and his team’s responsiveness. - Several members stressed the need for significant infrastructure investment, higher rates to cover costs, and greater transparency in rate-setting. - Alderwoman Schweitzer argued that the water division should take on more debt to fund long-term capital needs, noting that its current debt ($5 million) is far too low compared to the scale of the system. - Chair Browning noted the inefficiency of delaying investment, as costs rise over time. - Alderman Devoty agreed that revenues are not covering costs and that residents benefit from an exceptionally low rate that is unsustainable. - Members committed to working with the water division and administration to secure funding and improve processes. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes of December 10, 2025, were approved unanimously. - Board Bill 115 Passed: The committee moved a do-pass recommendation for Board Bill 115 (funding for flood wall repair). The bill was embanked and passed on a unanimous voice vote. - Water Division Presentation Received: The committee acknowledged the presentation and discussed next steps, including the need for a transparent rate review process and potential capital funding. - Ongoing Rate Study: Director Patel committed to presenting the results of the upcoming rate sufficiency study to the committee. - Call for Transparency: Sandra Padgett’s request for a formal rate review process received support from committee members, who stated their commitment to open and accountable processes. Note on Date Discrepancy: The source transcript states that the meeting occurred on Wednesday, January 14, but the provided meeting date for this summary is January 15, 2026, per instruction. The discrepancy is noted.

The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning (HUDS) Committee met on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM (approximate start time) with six members present, establishing a quorum. The committee considered two main agenda items: an amendment to an existing Community Improvement District (CID) on Washington Avenue and a sales tax diversion incentive for a furniture company relocating from the county. Both bills received favorable recommendations to the full Board of Aldermen. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting by a vote of 6 ayes (moved by Alderman Aldridge, seconded by Alderman Browning). Public Comments & Testimony - Board Bill 107 (CID extension): Mr. Connolly testified that he was undecided on the bill. He raised concerns about the lack of city representation on the CID board, the absence of a new blighting study to verify continued blight after 17 years, and the lack of mandated annual budget submission to the Board of Aldermen for approval. - Board Bill 120 (CI Select incentive): Dan Pate asked for clarification on which taxes are diverted (confirmed as only city sales tax), the passive approval process for reimbursements (concern about automatic approval after 30 days), and whether Cortex is contributing any of its TIFF revenue. Mr. Connolly reiterated Mr. Pate's concerns and argued the incentive is unnecessary given the company's high average salaries; he also noted that the agenda for the meeting improperly omitted Board Bill 120, suggesting the bill should be held for proper notice. Discussion Items - Board Bill 107 – 1100 Washington Avenue CID Amendment: Alderman Aldridge introduced the bill to expand the existing CID (originally created in 2009) by adding eight parcels, extending the term from 2049 to 2053, and adding a $500,000 project over five years for economic development and marketing. Robert Clark (attorney) and Craig Heller (Oliver Properties) presented. Mr. Heller stated Oliver Properties has invested $120 million in the area over two years and that the CID funds would support joint marketing, events, and streetscape improvements — not building improvements. In response to questions, they confirmed the one-percent sales tax currently generates $60,000–$70,000 annually and that the new project would focus on activating vacant storefronts. Alderman Browning asked about maintenance of streetscape improvements, noting a 2014 audit that rated the related TDD as poor; Mr. Heller acknowledged past issues and said they are using limited TDD resources for tree planting and sidewalk repairs. The committee expressed support, with President Green speaking in favor. - Board Bill 120 – CI Select Sales Tax Incentive: Alderman Browning reintroduced the bill (identical to Board Bill 83 from November 2025) to clarify the funding mechanism. CI Select, an office furniture company, plans to relocate from the county to the old Carriage Works building (vacant 12+ years) in the Cortex district, bringing 40+ jobs. The bill diverts half of the city’s sales tax generated by the business into a Comptroller-controlled fund for reimbursing build-out costs up to $1 million. The city retains the other half of the sales tax plus all earnings tax. The clawback provision requires maintaining at least 40 jobs; if not, the incentive stops. SLDC attorney Mark Spikerman and CEO Claire Erker answered questions. Ms. Erker stated salaries range from $45,000 to $350,000 (commission-based), averaging $85,000. The reimbursement requires invoices and is subject to a 30-day review window with deemed approval if no objection. The incentive is expected to be paid off in 6–8 years. Committee members asked about the company’s long-term commitment (no immediate plans to leave) and the potential for the Cortex TIFF to later claim a portion of sales tax; Alderman Browning noted that until Cortex submits a detailed project plan, that half of the sales tax is surplus to the city. The vote was unanimous in favor. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 107 passed with a due pass recommendation (6 ayes, 1 present) from Vice Chair Sonier? (Note: one member voted “present” but not identified). - Board Bill 120 passed with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 7 ayes. - No resolutions, committee discussions, or written testimony were considered. - The meeting adjourned after a motion by Vice Chair Sonier, seconded by Alderman Cone.