Public Meetings - St Louis, Missouri

The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis convened on January 9, 2026, to conduct routine business, including the approval of minutes, appointment confirmations, and the introduction of multiple board bills and resolutions. The meeting opened with a civic reflection on cervical cancer awareness by Public Health Nurse Kim Spain and included tributes to the late Firefighter O'Neill and a celebration of record-breaking promotions for African American women in the Fire Department. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from December 17, 20, and January 6, 2026. - Adopted Board Bills 116, 117, and 118 via the consent calendar. Bill 116 and 117 amend retail concession agreements at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Bill 118 authorizes the transfer of $13,727,769 in excess funds from the debt service stabilization fund to the airport revenue fund for fiscal year 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Kim Spain (Public Health Nurse, Show Me Healthy Women Program): Expressed the urgency of cervical cancer prevention, noting that most cases are caused by HPV. She highlighted specific zip codes (63102, 63103, 63106, 63107, 63108, 63111, 63116, 63118) facing barriers such as limited healthcare options, transportation issues, and lack of insurance. She advocated for the use of free screening programs and transportation vouchers provided by the city. - Alder Woman (10th Ward): Called for a moment of silence for Firefighter O'Neill, describing his infectious spirit and affectionate nickname, "Thrill." - Alder Woman (10th Ward): Congratulated the 27 firefighters promoted that day, specifically expressing full support for the historical fact that three of the promotions were African American women, noting this "outnumbers the history" of such promotions in the department. - Alder Woman (7th Ward): Expressed support for the employees of Caldi's Coffee and their "sip in solidarity" event, welcoming them as honored guests. Discussion Items - Mayor's Appointments: The Board deliberated on and approved several mayoral appointments to advisory committees and special business districts without objection. - Airport Arts Advisory Committee: Approved the appointment of David Frey. - Tower Grove South Concerned Citizens Special Business District: Approved the appointment of Sarah Brist. - St. Louis Hills Special Business District: Approved the appointments of Kevin Kaminsky and Charles Kastner. - Dulzburger Place (transcribed as "Deboliver's Place") Special Business District: Approved the appointments of Kelly Witchman, Sarah Edmondson, and Sharon Betty. - Developmental Disabilities Resource Commission: Approved the appointment of Delilah Sullivan. - First Reading of Board Bills: - Board Bill 121 (Clark Hubbard): Introduces an ordinance dissolving the special allocation fund for South Town, the London Man Building, 505 Missouri Tech Electronics, 4200 LaClede, and City Hospitals RPA 2. - Board Bill 126 (Ryan/Green): Introduces an ordinance requiring all short-term rental operators to obtain a business license with a 3% license fee on rent charges, creating an "Affordable Housing License Fee Fund." - Board Bill 127 (Aldridge/Green): Introduces ordinances approving petitions to terminate the Syndicate Trust Community Improvement District and appointing a new board of directors. - Resolutions: The Board suspended rules to introduce Resolutions 212, 213, 214, and 215. Several resolutions (210, 212, 215) were placed on "bank" (delayed) following motion and second. Key Outcomes - Minutes: The minutes from December 17, 2025, December 29, 2025, and January 6, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Appointments: All five mayoral appointments (Airport Arts Advisory Committee, Tower Grove South SBD, St. Louis Hills SBD, Dulzburger Place SBD, Developmental Disabilities Resource Commission) were approved unanimously. - Board Bills: - Board Bills 121, 122, 123, 125, and 127 were referred to the HUDS Committee. - Board Bill 124 was referred to the Health and Human Development Committee. - Board Bill 126 was referred to the Budget Committee. - Resolutions: Resolutions 210, 212, and 215 were placed on bank; the courtesy resolution calendar was adopted. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned until Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers, with specific wards excused for necessary absence.

The Board of Aldermen convened on January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in a special session to address urgent legal matters. The meeting began with a motion to enter a closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes to discuss litigation and confidential communications, which passed unanimously. Following the closed session, the Board proceeded to public business, including the reconsideration of Resolution 205 and various administrative announcements. No routine consent items, major public comments, or new discussion propositions occurred outside of the reconsideration process. Consent Calendar - Line Items Dispensed: Numerous routine agenda items (including line items 3, 6-11, 12-20, 22-24) were dispensed upon determination that there were no reports, bills, or items to address for those specific categories. Public Comments & Testimony - Moment of Silence: Alder Woman from the 13th requested a moment of silence to honor the death of Sergeant Christopher Peterson of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; this was granted unanimously. Discussion Items - Reconsideration of Resolution 205: - Motion: The Alderman from the 4th moved to reconsider Resolution 205, having voted on the prevailing side during the original vote. - Outcome: The motion to reconsider was adopted with 12 aye votes (Aldermen Aldenberg, Cone, O'Ryan, DeVote, Velasquez, Sonny/Sanye, Cox-Twee, Browning, Clark Hubbard, Keys, Boy, Aldrich, and President Green voted aye; Aldwoman Sweit, Alderman Cone, Alder Woman Tyes, and others noted as present but roll call indicated 12 votes). - Disposition: Upon sustaining the motion, the Alderman from the 4th moved to place Resolution 205 on the informal calendar; this was noted by the Clerk. Key Outcomes - Closed Session Approval: The Board sustained the motion to enter closed session pursuant to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.0211 and 610.022 to discuss legal actions and privileged communications. All 13 present board members voted "Aye," sustaining the motion from the Alder Woman from the 6th. - Excuses Granted: The Board granted excuses for necessary absence to the Alder Woman from the 3rd and the Alder Woman from the 12th. - Adjournment: The Board adjourned until Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the Board of Alderman Chambers. - Upcoming Schedule: - Wednesday, January 7, 2026: No meetings scheduled. - Thursday, January 8, 2026: Budget and public employees hearing at 6:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Room. Note: The meeting transcript states the meeting was called to order for January 6, while the prompt metadata references a meeting on January 8. The summary reflects the transcript's date of January 6.

The City Council convened on December 29, 2025, with a quorum of 11 members present. The meeting proceeded with the dispensation of numerous routine agenda items, including the consent calendar, reports, and other resolutions, due to the absence of corresponding business. The primary focus of the session was the first reading and adoption of Resolution 205 regarding the Office of the Sheriff, followed by announcements for upcoming holidays, committee hearings, and a special meeting. Consent Calendar - All routine items (Line Items 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25) were dispensed with by unanimous consent due to having no report or business to present. - Approval of the meeting minutes was specifically waived (Line Item 6). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment or testimony from members of the public was recorded during this session. Discussion Items - Resolution 205 (Special Election for Sheriff): Sponsored by Alderman O'Ryan and Alderman Cone, this resolution orders a special election for the Office of the Sheriff. Several members moved and were added as co-sponsors during the reading of the resolution: - Alderman O'Ryan (4th Ward) and Alderman Cone (14th Ward) introduced the resolution. - Alderman Devotee (11th Ward/identified as '14th' in motion) moved to add themselves as a co-sponsor (transcript notes ambiguity on ward numbers). - Alderwoman Keys (6th Ward) moved to be added as a co-sponsor. - Alderwoman Thais (7th Ward) echoed the motion to be added as a co-sponsor. - Alderwoman Cox Antway (10th Ward) was added as a co-sponsor. - A motion to "make the resolution in bank" was moved by Alderwoman Keys and seconded by Alderwoman Thais; the motion carried unanimously. - The resolution was subsequently adopted via a voice vote. - Announcements and Adjournment: - The office is closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year holiday. - A public safety committee hearing is scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Room. - President Green clarified an announcement regarding a special meeting called for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. The purpose is to review candidates for Sheriff to meet the state mandate's 14-day deadline for appointment. - A motion to excuse Alderpersons from the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 12th Wards for necessary absence was moved by Alderwoman Cox Antway and seconded by Alderwoman Clarks Hubbard (11th Ward), based on a correction made during the roll call. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Resolution 205: The Council unanimously adopted Resolution 205, ordering a special election for the Office of the Sheriff. The motion passed with all present members voting "Aye." - Quorum and Attendance: 11 members were present. The following were excused for necessary absence: 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 12th Ward Alderpersons. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned until Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. This date was confirmed to align with the 14-day legal requirement for Sheriff appointments.

The City Board convened on December 24, 2025, with 11 members present to conduct routine business and address a special order. The majority of the agenda items, including routine reports and board bills, were dispensed with due to the absence of business. The primary focus of the meeting was the adoption of Resolution 205 regarding a special election for the Sheriff's office, followed by the scheduling of a future special meeting to meet statutory deadlines. Consent Calendar - The following items were dispensed with via unanimous consent due to having no business: Line items 3, 4 (introductions), 5 (honored guests), 6 (minutes approval), 7-11 (city officials report), 12 (first reading of Board Bills), 13 (reference to committee of Board Bills), 14-16 (various committee reports and perfection of Board Bills), 17-21 (engrossment reports, third reading, and signed bills), 22 (second reading resolutions), 23 (committee reports), 24 (curtises resolutions), and 25 (miscellaneous unfinished business). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this session. Discussion Items - Resolution 205 (Special Election for Sheriff): - Sponsorship: Initially sponsored by Alderman O'Ryan and Alderman Cone. The speaker from the 4th Ward (Alderman O'Ryan) requested unanimous consent for the first reading. - Co-sponsorship Additions: Multiple Alderwomen expressed support by requesting to be added as co-sponsors: the 6th Ward, 7th Ward, and 10th Ward. The 7th Ward and 10th Ward members explicitly echoed their colleagues to add their names to the resolution. - Debate: The speaker from the 6th Ward moved to make the resolution "in bank" (referencing a committee review or similar process) and was seconded by the 7th Ward member. The President noted the resolution cited clear statutes. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Resolution 205: The Board voted to adopt Resolution 205, ordering a special election for the office of the Sheriff. The motion was seconded by the 14th Ward Alderman (Alderwoman Velasquez, as per roll call context, though transcript says 14th Ward in second) and carried unanimously (Aye: 11, Opposed: 0). - Excuse of Members: A motion was moved by the 10th Ward and seconded by the 11th Ward to excuse the Alderwomen/Aldermen from the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 12th Wards for necessary absence. The motion carried unanimously. - Adjournment and Next Steps: - The Board adjourned until Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. - Rationale for Special Meeting: President Green announced that state law requires a 14-day deadline for the appointment of the Sheriff. The Public Safety Committee is currently reviewing candidates. The goal is to approve any candidate(s) by January 6, 2026, to meet this statutory deadline. - New Year Observation: The office will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and Friday, January 2, 2026, for the New Year holiday. A Public Safety committee hearing is scheduled for the Kennedy Room at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026.

The St. Louis Board of Alderman convened on December 18, 2025, with technical difficulties regarding virtual attendees resolved early in the session. The meeting proceeded to honor city staff, approve a series of mayoral appointments to various boards and districts, and deliberate on street closures and holiday celebrations before adjourning. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from Friday, December 12, 2025, were unanimously approved. - Board Bill 92: The ordinance temporarily closing Weeder Avenue (between East Clarence and Pope) and Pope Avenue (100 feet north of Broadway) surrounding gas stations on North Broadway was perfected and passed. - Consent Bills: Third reading and final passage of Board Bills 76, 77, 101, 102, 104, 105, 109, and 112 (Floor Sub) were adopted with 15 aye votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Alderman from 14th Ward (Rashine Aldrich): Expressed support for the holiday spirit and the internal morale of the Board. Alderman Aldrich clarified that his ward's decoration featured sand, not "imaginary use of sand" as initially written in the draft resolution, and noted the presence of a gingerbread display. He declined an extension of the amendment to include references to the election process, stating he wished to keep the resolution focused on the contest. - Alderman from 10th Ward: Echoed sentiments regarding the importance of the holiday door decorating contest for lifting spirits and building morale during challenging times. The Alderman praised the judges from the Collector of Revenue's office and expressed gratitude for the camaraderie displayed during the contest. Discussion Items - Mayor's Appointments to Community Improvement Districts: - Grand Center (2019): The Board accepted the appointments of Chris Hagan, David Belski, Leslie Davis, and David Tanner. Speaker Alderman from 11th Ward expressed full support. - Seward: The Board accepted the appointments of Stephen Edel, Laura Lister, and Nancy Lambert. Speaker Alderman from 8th Ward expressed full support. - Mayor's Appointment to Mental Health Board: - The Board referred the reappointment of Andrea Blaylock to the Health and Human Development Committee. Speaker Alderman from 10th Ward expressed full support for the referral. - Mayor's Appointment to Senior Citizen Service Fund Board: - The Board unanimously approved the appointment to the Senior Citizen Service Fund Board (transcript mentions "Citizens Service Senior Citizen Service Fund" and later corrects to "Senior Citizen Service Fund Board"). - Resolution 204 (Holiday Door Decorating Contest): - Alderman from 10th Ward (Sany): Proposed and moved to adopt Amendment 1, adding Assistant Clerk Sharita Rogers to the honorable mention section to recognize her efforts. Speaker expressed support for including Rogers. - Alderman from 14th Ward (Aldrich): Offered a friendly amendment to change the description of the third-place winner's display from "imaginary use of sand" to "imaginative use of sand" (correcting a phonetic transcription error) and declined a non-related amendment about election rigging. Speaker requested to be added as a co-sponsor. - Closed Session: The Board moved to enter a closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes to discuss matters related to hiring, firing, disciplining, promoting, and legal action. Speaker Alderman from 14th Ward moved for the closed session. Key Outcomes - Approved Appointments: Chris Hagan, David Belski, Leslie Davis, David Tanner (Grand Center); Stephen Edel, Laura Lister, Nancy Lambert (Seward); and the appointment to the Senior Citizen Service Fund Board were approved. - Referrals: Andrea Blaylock's appointment to the Mental Health Board was sent to the Health and Human Development Committee. - Legislation: Board Bill 92 (street closures) was perfected and passed. Board Bills 76, 77, 101, 102, 104, 105, 109, and 112 were passed on Third Reading. - Resolution Passed: Resolution 204, honoring the 2025 Holiday Door Decorating Contest winners (Chanel White, 1st; Aura Higgs, 2nd; Rashine Aldrich, 3rd; Janice Mohammed Key, Honorable Mention) and adding Sharita Rogers (Honorable Mention), was adopted as amended. - Adjournment: The Board adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The Transportation and Commerce Committee convened virtually on Tuesday, December 16th (noted in transcript as the meeting date, though header indicates December 18) to address three agenda items related to airport concessions and debt management. While the physical agenda folder contained outdated documents from November 25th, the Committee Chair confirmed the meeting was properly noticed on the website. The meeting proceeded with the approval of past minutes, discussion of three board bills regarding the airport's concession agreements and debt stabilization, and a concluding adjournment with a proposal for future facility tours. Consent Calendar - Approval of the meeting minutes from Tuesday, November 25th was unanimously approved by Roll Call vote (3 votes: Alderman Oldenburg, Alderman O'Ryan, Alderwoman Sweitzer, Chair Cone, Alderwoman Cox Antoine; transcript notes "Three I votes" but lists five attendees voting 'Aye' in the roll call sequence, resolving to "sustain the motion"). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to testify on Board Bill 116. - No members of the public signed up to testify on Board Bill 117. - No members of the public signed up to testify on Board Bill 118. Discussion Items - Board Bill 116 (News and Gift Specialty Retail Concession): Robert Solerano, Airport Properties Division Manager, presented an amendment to the agreement with HG St. Louis Joint Venture due to the proposed terminal redevelopment. The amendment extends the term from 2013 to 2031, eliminates current premises as the new terminal construction nears, and requires the contractor to invest approximately $3.5 million in new construction (including an "Evolve Marketplace" in Terminal 2 and a refurbished "Lafayette Square Marketplace"). The Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG) will decrease from $4 million to $3 million annually once C and D concourse premises close. - Alderwoman Sweitzer: Expressed a strong desire to see visual renderings of the proposed neighborhood-themed retail spaces; she requested them be emailed to her to better visualize the "St. Louis Highlights." She sought clarification on the MAG reduction, which was explained as contingent on the closure of specific concourse premises. - Alderwoman Cox Antoine: Expressed full support and excitement for the project, specifically noting appreciation for the "Lafayette Square Market" highlighting the eighth ward and the trend of other airports incorporating local identity. - Board Bill 117 (Electronics Retail Concession): Roberts presented a second amendment to the electronics retail concession with a separate entity of the same partners. The amendment addresses the immediate loss of the largest Terminal 2 location and anticipated closures of Concourse A (approx. 2027) and Concourse C (approx. 2029). Consequently, the MAG will eventually drop to zero as the physical locations are eliminated, though percentage fees will remain collectible. - Alderwoman Sweitzer: Expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension regarding the timeline of concourse closures, noting the proximity of the 2027 and 2029 dates. She clarified the impact of the MAG reduction on the airport's revenue stream. - Alderwoman Cox Antoine: Did not voice opposition or specific concerns regarding the financial impact of the MAG reduction to zero, accepting the explanation regarding the terminal development timeline. - Board Bill 118 (Debt Service Stabilization Fund): Antonio Strong, Deputy Director of Finance Administration, presented the annual $13.7 million transfer from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund to the Revenue Fund. He explained this transfer is mandated by bond indentures to maintain a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 or better, avoiding the need to charge airlines higher rates to meet coverage. - Alderwoman Sweitzer: Expressed enthusiasm for the airport's financial health, citing increased revenues, employment growth matching 2019 levels, and new routes like British Airways. She voiced personal excitement for the new flights to England. - Alderwoman Cox Antoine: Expressed a need for clarification on why this fund is "unique" to St. Louis compared to other airports. Upon explanation that the transfer prevents rate hikes necessary to attract new airlines, she expressed full support for maintaining the airport's competitiveness. - Chair Cone: Proposed organizing facility tours for new committee and board members in the spring and suggested an educational presentation on airport finance structures early in the new year. He noted these are standard procedures for understanding the city's unique airport structure. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 116: Passed out of committee with a "due pass" recommendation on a roll call vote. (Transcript indicates 4 "I votes" in the final count, though the roll call listed multiple "Ayes"). - Board Bill 117: Passed out of committee with a "due pass" recommendation via Previous Motion. - Board Bill 118: Passed out of committee with a "due pass" recommendation via Previous Motion. - Administrative Actions: - Alderman from the second ward excused for necessary absence was noted by the Clerk. - The Committee voted to adjourn the meeting. - A tentative plan was established for a facility tour of the airport and the Port Authority in the spring. Note: The transcript explicitly states the meeting date is "Tuesday, December 16th," while the prompt instruction dates the meeting to "2025-12-18." The agenda header in the transcript also references November 25th, which was corrected by the Chair as a clerical error in the physical folder, not the website.

The Development Committee convened on December 16, 2025, at 9:43 a.m. with a quorum present. The primary agenda item was the review and recommendation of a reappointment for Ms. Cynthia Krim to the Senior Citizen Service Fund Board. The committee reviewed her qualifications, heard testimony from the nominee, and voted to unanimously forward her nomination to the full board. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the December 11, 2025, meeting: Passed unanimously (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Cynthia Krim (Nominee): Expressed strong support for her continued service and dedication to St. Louis seniors. She detailed her background, including her role as Vice Chair of the board, her work with the Norman J. Stubb Foundation (managing a $25 million asset fund distributing approximately $1 million in grants citywide and regionally), and her alignment with her day job in charitable contributions at Commerce Bank. She stated a firm position that seniors require sufficient resources and services to make St. Louis a great place to grow old. Discussion Items - Reappointment of Ms. Cynthia Krim: Alderwoman Sonner presented Krim's resume and qualifications, highlighting her Master's in Public Administration, Bachelor's in Political Science, grant writing experience, and leadership at Commerce Bank. - Committee Sentiment: - Alderwoman Cox Antwerp: Expressed full satisfaction with Krim's qualification after Krim's initial statement, thanking her for seeking reappointment. - Vice Chair Odenberg: Expressed appreciation for Krim's history of service and stated a position of looking forward to her reappointment. - Alderwoman Sonner: Expressed joy that Krim is a

The Board of Estimate Apportionment convened on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 06:00:00 UTC to review eight items presented for the first time. The meeting focused primarily on administrative contract approvals, airport concession amendments, and a significant governance restructuring for the St. Louis Police Department. Budget Director Paul Payne provided an advisory clarification on the police governance item, detailing specific personnel transfers and budget reallocations. The Board proceeded to approve all items unanimously without objection before adjourning. Consent Calendar - Approval of contracts and leases from various city departments (Exhibit A). - Approval of intra-departmental and inter-departmental transfer requests (Exhibit B). - Approval of transfers between capital improvement projects (Exhibit C). - Approval of the city's assessment maintenance plan for the fiscal period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. - Approval of Board Bill No. 2 (to be determined) amending a news gift specialty concession agreement (AL212) with H.G. St. Louis, JV II (Hudson Group/HG Retail) to extend the term through January 31, 2031. - Approval of Board Bill No. 2 (to be determined) amending an electronics retail concession agreement (AL214) with H.G. St. Louis, JV II (Hudson Group/HG Retail) to extend the term through January 31, 2031. - Approval of Board Bill No. 1112 floor substitute making a supplemental appropriation of $350,000 with an emergency clause to the Department of Health for fiscal year FY 2025-2026. Discussion Items - Police Department Governance Structure: - Budget Director Paul Payne clarified the St. Louis Police Department's request for a new governance structure, noting the original 40-page submission was condensed into four key budget items for Board approval. - Payne stated the Board would be approving: (1) adding a secretary and a purchasing agent position within the Board's personnel schedule without external fund movement; (2) deleting five units from the Department of Personnel and creating similar positions directly within the Police Department, shifting funding from the internal service bond to direct departmental funding; (3) eliminating 13 City Councilor units and creating seven positions directly within the Police Department previously funded via the internal service fund; and (4) executing four specific budget transfers (168, 169, 170, 171) to cover salaries and benefits related to these personnel changes, split into four transfers due to a $250,000 per transfer limit. - Mayor Spencer and the Board requested discussion on the presented items; no additional questions or comments were raised by Board members regarding the police proposal or other items. Key Outcomes - The Board approved all eight items presented for the first time via a roll call vote (Mayor Spencer, Comptroller Barrington, President Green all voted 'Aye' or 'Approve') with no dissenting voices recorded. - No motions for further discussion were entertained. - The meeting was adjourned immediately following the unanimous approval of the agenda items.

The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis convened on December 12, 2025, to begin with the recognition of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for "Delta Day," followed by the suspension of rules to introduce and approve several resolutions and board bills. The meeting focused heavily on utility assistance funding for tornado victims, the renewal of the city's earnings tax (including a protest vote regarding exemptions), and election code updates. The session concluded with a moment of silence for deceased city employees and a resource fair announcement. Consent Calendar - Resolution 196 (Delta Day): Unanimously adopted (12-0) to recognize the St. Louis Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Alderwoman Cox Antwi moved and Alderwoman Tyus seconded the motion; all board members signed on as co-sponsors. - Minutes: The minutes from the December 5, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously. The courtesy resolution consent calendar was adopted unanimously. - Mental Health Board Appointments: Mayor Spencer's appointments of Caroline Jackson and Donna Schmidt to the Mental Health Board were approved unanimously. - Resolution 198: The resolution supporting the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act was adopted unanimously. Alderwoman Clark Hubbard and Alderwoman Keys added their names as co-sponsors. Public Comments & Testimony - Alderwoman Cox Antwi: Expressed full support for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (her own sorority), thanking them for their 100-year legacy of service and advocacy in St. Louis. - Alderwoman Tyus: Expressed gratitude to the Delta members, referencing her own sister's membership and honoring her mother, a Delta, for their continued service. - Alderwoman Antwi (12th Ward): Expressed support for the city's need for earnings tax but stated a position of opposition to the current implementation. She argued that development exemptions are unfair, noting that the city incentivizes wealthy developers while working-class citizens pay the tax. She announced a protest vote against the renewal, demanding a yearly report on exemptions before future support. - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard: Expressed full support for the "Heat Up St. Louis" program, citing its efficacy in serving 1.5 million dollars in funding during the summer and its critical role post-tornado. - Alderwoman Brown (11th Ward): Expressed full support for the "Heat Up/Down St. Louis" program, calling it a "port in the storm" for constituents. - Alderman Aldrich: Expressed strong support for the utility assistance bill, highlighting the organization's ability to prevent immediate disconnections on the same day calls are received. Discussion Items - Resolution 202 (Proposed Introduction): The Board suspended the rules to introduce Resolution 202, subsequently referring it to the Public Safety Committee. - Board Bill 112 (Utility Assistance): A floor substitute was adopted to direct $350,000 to "Heat Up St. Louis" for utility assistance, specifically for tornado victims and inflation relief. The motion clarified that the city would pay 50% ($175,000) as an advanced payment, allowing the organization to tap into the remainder as funds dwindled. The legislation included an emergency clause. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax Renewal): Board Bill 100 seeks to place the renewal of the city's earnings tax on the ballot for 2026. The bill funds a third of the general revenue fund, essential for emergency services and street maintenance. - Board Bill 88 (Election Code): An ordinance to update Title II of the Municipal Code regarding elections, removing outdated language from the 1950s regarding filing fees and tie procedures. - Board Bill 108 (Housing Grants): Authorization for the Mayor and Comptroller to execute agreements with HUD for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other housing funds. Key Outcomes - Resolution 196 Adopted: Recognized Delta Day; a commemorative copy was directed to the clerk for presentation to the honorees. (Vote: 12-0) - Rules Suspended: Rules were suspended to introduce Board Bills 116, 117, 118, and Resolutions 200, 201, 203. (Vote: 14-0) - Board Bill 112 Perfecting: The floor substitute for Board Bill 112 was perfected and adopted, directing $350,000 to Heat Up St. Louis. (Vote: 14-0) - Board Bill 100 Passage: Board Bill 100 was passed on third reading and final passage. Alderwoman Cox Antwi cast a vote of no as a protest against development tax exemptions, while 14 members voted yes. (Vote: 14-1) - Board Bill 88 Passage: Board Bill 88 was passed on third reading and final passage to update the election code. (Vote: 12-3) - Board Bill 108 Passage: Board Bill 108 was passed on third reading and final passage to authorize HUD agreements. (Vote: 14-0, 1 Present) - Resolutions 198 & 202: Resolution 198 was adopted in full; Resolution 202 was referred to the Public Safety Committee. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned until December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. - Memoriam: A moment of silence was observed for Robert Saunders (city custodial employee) and Hank Thompson (local radio personality). - Community Events: Announcements were made for a Christmas event in the 14th Ward, a "77th District Christmas Extravaganza" in the 11th Ward, a collaborative resource fair (hosted by 8th and 7th Wards) for December 13th, and a Kwanzaa Holiday Expo.