Public Meetings - St Louis, Missouri

The Health and Human Development Committee convened on December 11, 2025, to review candidate resumes and receive testimony from two individuals seeking reappointment to the Mayor's Mental Health Board. Following a brief 10-minute recess to distribute digital links for the candidates, the committee heard presentations from Donna Schmidt and Carolyn A. Jackson, deliberated on their qualifications, and voted to recommend both candidates for full board approval. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes from the Thursday, November 13th meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Donna Schmidt: Provided testimony regarding her background as an attorney at Armstrong Teesdale and her 10-year tenure on the Mental Health Board, serving 2 years as Chair. She expressed her position as a resident of St. Louis Hills who is fully supportive of continuing her service to help children and the community, citing her daughter's experience with anxiety and her observation of the city's needs. - Carolyn A. Jackson: Provided testimony from her current location at Confluence (a classroom setting) regarding her over-10-year tenure, originally from Pruitt-Igoe and residing in the 12th Ward (Sharon Tyus' ward). She expressed a strong commitment to remaining on the board to advocate for the mentally ill and under-supported families, emphasizing the need for community-based support and awareness to combat stigma. - Alderwoman Sharon Tyus (12th Ward): Expressed full support for Carolyn Jackson, noting that Jackson is an excellent listener and resident who has been a key constituent contact. Tyus strongly recommended Jackson as a return member, having previously supported her nomination. - Alderwoman Tyus (Stated Position): Expressed support for Donna Schmidt, though she noted she did not have the link to view her online resume at the start of the meeting. Discussion Items - Candidate Donna Schmidt: - Committee members discussed her 10-year service history, including roles as Treasurer and Vice Chair, praising the board's succession plan. - Schmidt described the Mental Health Board's role in managing property tax allocations (approx. $2-3 million for mental health, $10 million for children's services, and $1.5 million for preschool) and their process of issuing RFPs, conducting needs assessments, and partnering with small and large entities. - Schmidt identified key gaps in the system, specifically the lack of trained preschool teachers (preventing facilities from accepting more children) and the challenge of balancing funds between innovative new programs and sustaining existing basic needs. - The chair noted that Alderman Tom Oldenburg supports Schmidt, confirming her ward alignment. - Candidate Carolyn A. Jackson: - Committee members discussed the impact of the recent tornado on her community and her observations of mental health struggles among single mothers and grandparents raising children. - Jackson highlighted the stigma surrounding mental illness in the community and the need for residents to be "anchored" in their neighborhoods to identify and help those in need. - Alderwoman Antwee expressed strong appreciation for Jackson's advocacy regarding community engagement and mental health awareness. Key Outcomes - Donna Schmidt: - Motion to Accept: Adopted by the committee. - Vote Tally: 4 in favor (Thais, Odenberg [via proxy/voice], Sonner, Cox, Boyd). Note: The transcript indicates 4 'Yes' votes were recorded, though 5 members were present. - Directive: The committee will report the recommendation to the full Board of Aldermen for final voting. An oath of office was administered to Schmidt during the meeting. - Carolyn A. Jackson: - Motion to Accept: Adopted by the committee. - Vote Tally: Unanimous (4 'Yes' votes recorded). Note: The transcript confirms the motion passed after the roll call. - Directive: The committee will report the recommendation to the full Board of Aldermen for final voting. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned following the vote on Carolyn A. Jackson, with a note that Alderman Odenberg was absent from the in-person session but present via voice/remote. (Note: Vice Chair Tom Oldenburg was absent in person; however, the chair noted his support for Schmidt and the voting procedure proceeded with the remaining members). Discrepancy Note: The transcript indicates Vice Chair Tom Oldenburg was absent and not physically present to vote, yet the Chair counted his support verbally for Donna Schmidt and the final tally reflected 4 votes. Alderman Odenberg is also noted as absent. The roll call explicitly recorded votes from Alderwoman Thais, Alderman Sonny (Spelled variously as Sonner/Sonies in transcript), Alderwoman Cox, and Chair Boyd. Vice Chair Odenberg is listed as absent in the minutes note, but the Chair refers to him as "Vice Chair Odenberg" during the roll call and later notes he "did not have the link" at the start. The final vote count of 4 appears to exclude the two absent members (Odenberg and potentially one other if Sonny/Sonnes is the same person). The summary reflects the explicit "4 votes" stated by the Chair.

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee convened on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, with six committee members present. The meeting proceeded with the approval of previous minutes and the review of several Board Bills regarding traffic calmings, street closures, and infrastructure improvements across various St. Louis neighborhoods, including Penrose, Greaterville, Kingsway East/West, and the 13th Ward. A non-member organization, Trailnet, provided public testimony supporting citywide speed limit reductions. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the Wednesday, November 12th meeting was granted unanimously (6 aye votes) upon motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Helmer (Community Planning Manager, Trailnet): Expressed strong support for the proposed speed limit reductions on Kings Highway and other city streets. He cited Missouri Highway State Patrol data indicating speeding accounts for 12% of accidents and 13.5% of fatalities. He referenced evidence from other cities (Seattle, Portland, Boston) showing that reducing speed limits (e.g., from 25 to 20 mph) significantly reduces crash odds. He noted that the City's newly adopted Traffic Mobility Plan (TMP) supports these reductions based on 91% of survey participants who favor slower speeds for safety. - Alderwoman Tice (Speaker): Expressed deep concern regarding dangerous driving behaviors, citing personal history of being hit by a drunk driver and the death of local residents due to speeding on newly repaved streets. She stated she is "opposite of the fund the police" regarding traffic enforcement alone and emphasized the need for engineering solutions like speed humps until police staffing can be improved. She argued that the current street design encourages dangerous speeds and that slowing traffic is essential for community safety. Discussion Items - Board Bill 76 (Alderwoman Tice): Proposed installation of speed humps on residential streets in the Penrose, Greaterville, and Vanderventor neighborhoods (specifically blocks on Farlane, Margaret, Casuth, Evans, and Pendleton). The sponsor explained this is a continuation of a comprehensive plan to install humps on all permissible residential streets, driven by pedestrian petitions and the need to counteract speeding caused by nearby arterial changes (e.g., on Natural Bridge). - Board Bill 59 (Alderwoman Tice): Addressed Rankin Technical School's "Amicus STL" project to build a new manufacturing facility and an overpass connecting two buildings across Finney Avenue. The sponsor highlighted the inclusion of small manufacturing to bring jobs back to the city and noted the extensive community engagement process required to address previous neighborhood concerns regarding racial history and facility impact. Committee inquiries clarified the project structure (one large building connected to an existing one) and the design of the overpass. - Board Bill 77 (Alderwoman Tice): Proposed reducing the speed limit on Kings Highway Memorial Boulevard from Dr. Martin Luther King Drive to Birchard Boulevard from 35 mph to 25 mph to slow traffic in the Kingsway East/West, Penrose, and Penrose Industrial neighborhoods. Alderwoman Tice explained that the 2002 street paving and median installation inadvertently increased speeds, leading to fatalities and near-misses. She clarified that the area requires two lanes for hospital access (Barnes Hospital) and emphasized that while a road diet (lane reduction) occurred in the 5th Ward, this area remains residential and essential for medical transport. She cited support from neighborhood organizations and the Traffic Commissioner regarding the need for caution. - Board Bill 92 (Alderwoman Tice): Proposed the temporary closure (initially for a six-month trial) of Weeda Avenue and Pope Avenue segments between Clarence and Posse to deter drug activity and loitering by youth near Love's and Mobile gas stations. The sponsor noted that the gas station owners offered to fund barriers and described the area as a non-functional street used for illicit activities. Committee members discussed the implementation of Jersey barriers or concrete stacks if vehicle access is bypassed. - Board Bill 109 (Alderwoman Velasquez): Recommended a conditional vacation of surface and subsurface rights for Parker Avenue adjacent to the Shaker Ford dealership. The sponsor emphasized that the business owner is a long-term steward and that the process is supported by the Board of Public Service and Planning. Inquiries confirmed coordination with neighboring businesses (G&W Meat and Bavarian Sausage).

This meeting of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen featured the ceremonial recognition of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for their Delta Day, the adoption of numerous resolutions and board bills, a protest vote regarding the earnings tax renewal process, and a moment of silence honoring two deceased community members. Consent Calendar - Resolution 196: Adopted unanimously to recognize Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and their Delta Day celebration. The sponsor, Alderman Jamie Clemons (8th Ward), and co-sponsors expressed honor and gratitude for the sorority's century of service. - Courtesy Resolution: Adopted unanimously. - Board Bill 112 (Perfection Calendar): Adopted via floor substitute to provide a $350,000 supplemental appropriation to "Heat Up St. Louis" for utility assistance. - Board Bills 59, 76, 77, 101, 102, 104, 105, 109: Moved from second reading to the perfection consent calendar and adopted, addressing traffic calming measures (speed humps), airspace vacancies, and street vacatures for safety improvements. - Board Bills 103, 88, 100, 108: Reconsidered and placed on the third reading final passage consent calendar for adoption. - Mayor's Appointment (Senior Citizen Service Fund): Council voted to send the reappointment of Cynthia Graham (7th Ward) to the Health and Human Development Committee. Public Comments & Testimony - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Representatives: Spoke on the foundation's history since 1913, their commitment to social action, and their ongoing advocacy. They expressed gratitude for the city's recognition. - Alderwoman Clemons (8th Ward): Expressed personal pride as a member of the sorority and honor in presenting the resolution. - Alderwoman Keys (10th Ward): Expressed gratitude for the sorority's service and emphasized the need for continued community uplift. - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (10th Ward): Expressed gratitude for the work of "Heat Up St. Louis," highlighting their rapid response to recent tornado devastation and their role in preventing utility disconnections. - Alderwoman Boyd (13th Ward): Expressed gratitude for the program "Heat Up St. Louis" and noted it serves many of her constituents. - Alderwoman Sweizer (12th Ward): Expressed a dissenting vote but not opposition to the concept of the earnings tax; she stated she is "100% against the way that the city does the earnings tax" due to unfair exemptions for wealthy developers and individuals, calling for a fairer system. - Alderwoman Clemons (Closing): Acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated the necessity of the earnings tax for city operations. - Alderman Browning: Expressed appreciation for the clarification and updating of the election code in Board Bill 88. - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (88th Ward): Expressed support for the election code update, noting the code had not been thoroughly updated since the 1950s. Discussion Items - Resolution 196 (Delta Day): Discussed the historical significance of Delta Sigma Theta's 1913 suffrage march participation and their continuous public service. The resolution was amended to include additional co-sponsors (Aldermen and Alderewoman) and passed unanimously. - Board Bill 112 (Heat Up St. Louis Appropriation): Discussion focused on the $350,000 allocation to prevent utility disconnections following the May 16th tornado. Speakers detailed the organization's impact, serving over 44 counties and assisting thousands during the tornado recovery. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax Renewal): The board debated the renewal of the city's earnings tax. While recognizing the necessity of the tax for essential services, Alderwoman Sweizer argued against current exemption loopholes for developers and wealthy individuals, casting the sole "No" vote as a protest for legislative fairness. She requested an annual report on exemptions. - Board Bill 88 (Election Code Update): Discussion centered on cleaning up outdated language from the 1950s election code to ensure consistent voting methods approved by voters in 2020. - Board Bill 108 (HUD Grants): Authorization for the mayor to submit the 2026 annual action plan and execute agreements for various HUD funds, including CDBG and disaster recovery. - Resolution 198 (Voting Rights): Discussion regarding the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The resolution was amended to add the 11th Ward Alderwoman and adopted unanimously. - Honored Guests: Various aldermen introduced guests representing local organizations (Turkey Lux, Scouts, STL Works) and individuals (Chris Carter, Keena Carter, Adam Triester). Key Outcomes - Resolution 196 Adopted: Recognized Delta Saga Theta Sorority's Delta Day (Dec 12, 2025). - Board Bills Perfection Calendar: 8 bills (59, 76, 77, 101, 102, 104, 105, 109) moved to and adopted from perfection calendar. - Board Bill 112 Adopted: $350,000 appropriation to Heat Up St. Louis adopted via floor substitute. - Board Bill 100 Passed (Third Reading): Passed 14-1 to place the earnings tax renewal question on the April 2026 ballot. - Board Bill 88 Passed (Third Reading): Passed 12-3 to update the Municipal Election Code. - Board Bill 108 Passed (Third Reading): Passed 14-0 (1 present) to authorize HUD agreements. - Resolution 198 Adopted: Unanimously adopted to support federal voting rights legislation. - Committee Referrals: Appointments for the Senior Citizen Service Fund referred to the Health and Human Development Committee; Resolution 202 referred to Public Safety. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned until Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. - Discrepancy Note: The transcript initially lists the meeting date as December 11, 2025, in the header, but the resolution text and several verbal references indicate the meeting date as December 12, 2025 (Resolution 196 is dated "Introduced this 12th day of December 2025"). The summary title reflects the date provided in the prompt's metadata (Dec 11), but the internal dates (Dec 12) are preserved as stated in the source text. - Discrepancy Note: The roll call log initially listed 12 present, later updated to 14, then 15, then 14 for specific votes. The summary reflects the final tallies provided for each specific motion.

The Board of Alders convened to address a World AIDS Day reflection, affirm the human right to food, and vote on multiple legislative items including earnings tax renewal and election code modernization. The meeting included a special presentation on food insecurity led by Food City St. Louis, followed by routine consent calendar actions, the introduction of resolutions regarding the Sheriff's vacancy, and a motion to enter a closed session. Consent Calendar - The Board unanimously adopted the courtesy resolution consent calendar. - The minutes from November 21, 2025, were approved. - Board Bills 83, 103, and 108 were passed on the perfection consent calendar (with Bill 108 moved to the regular perfection calendar upon request). - Board Bills 79, 86, 96, and 97 received third reading and final passage on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Braxton (Pride St. Louis): Delivered an opening reflection for World AIDS Day, calling on the City of St. Louis to allocate more city revenue for HIV testing, treatment, and services, and to develop citywide programs for the African American community who account for 62% of new infections. - Darren Jackson (Food City St. Louis): Expressed gratitude for the Board's partnership and highlighted that one in three children in the city lack food access. He emphasized that food insecurity stems from inequitable systems rather than scarcity and described the city itself as a "food desert" for most residents. He called for the Board to be servants rather than saviors to ensure communities are fed. - Alderwoman Velasquez (6th Ward): Expressed support for Food City's work, noting their effective response during the recent tornado. - Alderwoman Keys (1st Ward): Echoed support for Food City and encouraged colleagues to meet with the organization. - Alderwoman Boyd (12th Ward): While acknowledging the need for the earnings tax, expressed strong opposition to the proposed tax structure due to existing loopholes and exceptions for the wealthy and developers. She stated she will vote "no" as a protest vote until the tax is applied fairly to everyone. - Alderwoman Boyd (12th Ward): Expressed opposition to Board Bill 88 regarding election code modernization, characterizing it as an attempt to "backdoor" fixes to the messy Prop D implementation rather than a genuine cleanup, and arguing it concentrates power. - Alderwoman Keys (1st Ward): Expressed support for the earnings tax renewal, emphasizing its critical role in funding police and fire services. - Alderwoman Sanye (7th Ward): Expressed support for Board Bill 88, disagreeing that it creates a mess, and highlighted the need to clarify outdated language and filing fees in the election code. - Alderwomen Clark Hubbard (10th Ward) and Tyus (9th Ward): Expressed support for Board Bill 108 regarding HUD funding but requested clarification on ARPA funding distribution concerns. Discussion Items - Resolution 166 (Right to Food): The Board adopted a resolution affirming access to adequate affordable, nourishing, and culturally meaningful food as a basic human right. The resolution commits the city to investing in equitable policies and collaborating with community organizations. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax Renewal): Discussion centered on whether to renew the city's 1% earnings tax, which constitutes over one-third of the general revenue fund. Supporters argued it is essential for basic services like police, fire, and streets. The proposal faces procedural hurdles regarding exceptions and loopholes, leading to a protest vote from Alderman Boyd. - Board Bill 88 (Election Code Update): The Board debated modernizing the municipal election code to remove outdated statutes, adjust filing fees, and align with nonpartisan approval voting. Critics argued the bill fails to address the root causes of issues created by Prop D, while supporters maintained it is a necessary cleanup to restore faith in democracy. - Resolution 193 (Sheriff's Vacancy): The Board debated a resolution declaring the need for the Board of Alders to participate in any litigation regarding the replacement of the Sheriff. Discussions highlighted a potential conflict of interest if the City Counselor, who represents the Mayor, also represents the Board. An amendment was introduced and passed to formally state the Board's intention to intervene in the pending case with independent counsel. Key Outcomes - Resolution 166: Adopted unanimously. The Board affirmed the right to food and committed to coordinating across departments to advance food security. - Board Bill 100: Perfected by a vote of 14 ayes to 1 no. The measure is now scheduled for a vote by the qualified voters in 2026 to renew the earnings tax. - Board Bill 88: Perfected by a vote of 12 ayes, 2 noes, and 1 present. The election code updates were approved. - Board Bill 108: Perfected by a vote of 13 ayes and 3 present (Alderman Boyd, Alderman Aldrich, and Alderman Cohn). The authorization for the 2026 HUD action plan and CDBG funds was approved. - Resolution 193: Adopted as amended by a vote of 14 ayes to 1 no. The Board affirmed its right to be included in the process for filling a Sheriff vacancy and intends to intervene in the ongoing litigation with independent counsel. - Board Bill 112: Introduced on first reading for a supplemental appropriation of $350,000. - Closed Session: The Board voted 14-0 to go into closed session to discuss matters related to the hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting of employees. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned until Friday, December 12, 2025.

The Board of Aldermen convened on December 5, 2025, to address World AIDS Day observations, affirm the right to food in St. Louis, and legislate critical city matters including earnings tax renewal and election code updates. The meeting featured presentations from community partners regarding food insecurity and HIV services, followed by debates on municipal funding, legal authority regarding the Sheriff's office vacancy, and administrative updates. The session concluded with holiday announcements and a moment of silence for former Mayor James F. Conway. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions included the Adoption of Board Bills 83 and 103 (airport Wi-Fi) and the adoption of the consent calendar for perfection. Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Braxton (Pride St. Louis): Delivered an opening reflection on World AIDS Day emphasizing the need for the City to allocate revenue for HIV testing and treatment. The speaker expressed a call to action for increased city funding, noting that African Americans account for 62% of new HIV infections in St. Louis. - Darren Jackson (Food City Co-founder): Spoke on the crisis of child hunger (1 in 3 children in the city lack access) and the 27-year life expectancy gap between Fairground Park and Webster Groves. He expressed full support for Resolution 166 as a path forward to transition from viewing communities as "needy" to "needed," urging the Board to act as servants rather than saviors. - Alderwoman Keys (11th Ward): Expressed strong support for Food City and their work during the tornado response, advocating for the adoption of the resolution. - Alderwoman Boyd (1st Ward): Expressed a protest position against the earnings tax renewal (Board Bill 100) while acknowledging its necessity. She stated she will vote "No" because the tax system allows exceptions for the wealthy and large corporations, calling the administration of the tax unfair and a failure to hold all payers accountable. - Alderwoman Keys (1st Ward): Expressed strong opposition to Board Bill 88 (election code), characterizing it as a "backdoor" attempt to clean up poorly written Propositions D and S. She argued the bill does not address the root causes of the election mess and threatens to reduce representation. - Alderwoman Velasquez (6th Ward): Expressed support for clean up of outdated election code language but criticized the Board of Elections for being "often political" and wrong, citing historical grievances. - Alderwoman Clark Hubbard (10th Ward): Stated she would vote "Present" on Board Bill 108 (HUD funds) because she wished to have a chance to vote "Present" rather than being forced to the consent calendar where she assumed a "Yes" vote was being made without full deliberation on the urgency of the situation. - Alderwoman Boyd (1st Ward): Expressed a "Present" vote on Resolution 193 regarding the Sheriff's appointment, stating she requires more information and wishes to hire outside counsel for the Board rather than rely on the City Counselor who represents the Mayor. Discussion Items - Resolution 166 (Right to Food): Sponsored by Alderwoman Velasquez, this resolution affirms food access as a human right and commits the city to coordinating across departments. It was adopted unanimously after discussions on food waste (667,000 tons annually) and systemic inequality. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax Renewal): Proposed to renew the 1% earnings tax for a five-year term. The Alderman from the 2nd Ward and Alderwoman from the 8th Ward argued the tax provides over one-third of the general revenue fund supporting police, fire, and infrastructure. The debate focused on the fairness of the tax structure versus the need for stability. - Board Bill 88 (Election Code Updates): A non-debatable motion was made to perfect the bill, which clarifies filing fees, removes references to non-existent state statutes, and aligns the code with nonpartisan approval voting. Alderman from the 4th Ward and Alderman from the 14th Ward expressed strong opposition, labeling the legislation a mistake that protects a "dictatorship" and fails to hold sponsors of Proposition D accountable. - Board Bill 108 (HUD CDBG Funds): Approved to authorize the mayor to execute agreements for 2026 Community Development Block Grants and related funds. Discussions highlighted the critical need for housing funds following the tornado and inflation, though concerns were raised about the speed of fund distribution to landlords. - Resolution 193 (Sheriff's Office Vacancy): Introduced to direct the Board of Aldermen to participate in the process of filling a permanent Sheriff vacancy. It was amended to explicitly state the Board's intention to intervene in the ongoing legal case and hire independent counsel. The debate centered on the legal authority of the Board versus the Mayor and potential conflicts of interest with the City Counselor's office. Key Outcomes - Resolution 166: Adopted unanimously. The Board commits to advancing citywide food and nutrition security and coordinates across departments. - Board Bill 100: Perfecting motion sustained (14 Aye, 1 No). The earnings tax renewal question will be placed on the 2026 ballot. Alderwoman Keys voted No as a protest against tax loopholes. - Board Bill 88: Perfecting motion sustained (12 Aye, 2 No, 1 Present). The election code updates were approved, with Alderwoman Boyd and Alderwoman Keys voting No. - Board Bill 108: Perfecting motion sustained (13 Aye, 2 Present). The HUD funding authorization is secured. - Resolution 193: Adopted as amended (14 Aye, 1 No). The Board affirmed its right to intervene in the Sheriff vacancy litigation and intends to hire independent counsel. - Adjournment: The Board adjourned until Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. - Moment of Silence: Observed for former Mayor James F. Conway.

The Board of Alders convened on December 5, 2025, for a meeting characterized by community advocacy, legislative action on housing and election codes, and procedural motions regarding the Sheriff's office vacancy. The session opened with a reflection on World AIDS Day, followed by the unanimous adoption of Resolution 166 affirming food access as a human right. The Board also engaged in significant debate and voting on Board Bill 100 to renew the earnings tax and Board Bill 88 to update the municipal election code. A contentious discussion ensued regarding Resolution 193, which sought the Board's participation in the appointment process for a permanent Sheriff vacancy following a permanent vacancy. Consent Calendar - Resolution 166 (Affirming the right to food) was introduced and adopted unanimously with 14 ayes after testimony from Food City Co-founders and alder members. The resolution commits the city to coordinating across departments to advance food security. - The Courtesy Resolutions consent calendar was moved and seconded, then adopted by voice vote. - The minutes from November 21, 2025, were approved by a voice vote. - Board Bill 83 (Sales tax reimbursement account) and Board Bill 103 (Airport Wi-Fi amendment) were adopted on the perfection consent calendar with 14 ayes. - The Board bills for perfection were adopted, with Board Bill 83 and 103 moving forward. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings tax renewal question for voters) was perfected with 14 ayes and 1 no (Alderwoman Boyd). The motion to perfect was renewed after a roll call vote. - Board Bill 88 (Election code cleanup) was perfected with 12 ayes, 2 nays (Alderwoman Boyd and Alderman Browning), and 1 President (Green voted aye). - Board Bill 108 (2026 CDBG/Grant funding) was perfected with 13 ayes and 1 present vote (Alderwoman Boyd, who requested the option to vote present). - Third reading and final passage of Board Bills 79, 86, 96, and 97 was adopted with 15 ayes. Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Braxton (Pride St. Louis): Expressed strong support for allocating more city revenue for HIV testing, treatment, and services. Highlighted that 62% of new HIV infections in St. Louis occur in the African American community and advocated for citywide programs specifically for this demographic. Honored the 6,852 people living with HIV in the St. Louis City care region. - Darren Jackson (Food City Co-founder): Expressed full support for Resolution 166, noting that food insecurity is driven by systemic inequities rather than scarcity. Stated that 1 in 3 children lacks access to food and that the life expectancy gap between Fairground Park and Webster Groves is 27 years. Argued that communities are "needed, not needy" and emphasized the resilience of community farmers in vacant lots. - Alderwoman Keys (11th Ward): Expressed full support and gratitude for Food City's work, particularly during the tornado response. Noted that other cities maintain dedicated food access offices and encouraged colleagues to engage with the organization. - Alderwoman Boyd (10th Ward): Expressed support for Food City and the City's first responders. Directed residents needing salt for ice to go directly to the Urban League rather than calling her office. - Alderwoman Sanye (7th Ward): Expressed full support for the earnings tax renewal, echoing the sponsor's points about its critical role in funding emergency services. - Alderwoman Boyd (12th Ward): Expressed strong opposition to the current administration of the earnings tax due to perceived unfair exceptions and lack of transparency. Stated that while the tax revenue is needed, the administration is flawed, particularly regarding wealthy developers and the Ralston Purina exception. Announced she would cast a protest vote (no) despite supporting the tax conceptually. - Alderman Cohn (2nd Ward): Expressed support for the earnings tax, urging the public campaign to focus on police, fire, and infrastructure needs. Noted the tax previously passed by 70-80% margins. - Alderwoman Boyd (12th Ward - Election Code): Expressed strong opposition to Board Bill 88. Argued that the bill attempts to "backdoor" clean up mistakes made by Proposition D without addressing the root issues. Stated the Board of Elections is "often wrong" and frequently political, citing past legal battles. Expressed that the consolidation to 14 wards has led to a lack of representation and that the bill fails to address the "mess" of previous propositions. - Alderman Browning (4th Ward): Expressed strong opposition to Board Bill 88. Characterized the bill as a continuation of the error of Proposition D and stated it will make the election process "messier." Noted the Democratic Party and organized labor are opposed. Expressed concern that lowering filing fees (from $700 to a regionally aligned amount) provides a personal financial benefit to aldermen running for re-election. - Alderwoman Boyd (10th Ward): Expressed support for cleaning up outdated election code language but noted frustration that she was placed on the perfection consent calendar, which prevented her from voting present on Board Bill 108. - Alderwoman Tyus (13th Ward): Expressed concern regarding the distribution of CDBG funds, noting that organizations and landlords are not receiving money quickly enough to address the tornado recovery and housing crisis. Urged the Board to ensure these funds actually reach the street. - Alderwoman Sanye (7th Ward): Expressed full support for Board Bill 108 (CDBG funds), emphasizing the critical need for housing initiatives and recovery assistance. - Alderwoman Sanye (7th Ward - Election Code): Expressed full support for Board Bill 88, arguing that the legislature's duty is to fix flawed codes and that the Board of Elections is the appropriate expert body to consult. Stated that the bill does not change Proposition D but clarifies code inconsistencies. - Alderman Devotee (5th Ward): Expressed full support for Board Bill 88, acknowledging the complexity of the work and the need to modernize the code. Agreed that the bill is not about Prop D but about making the code readable and consistent for voters. - Alderman Devotee (14th Ward): Expressed support for Board Bill 88, clarifying that the bill targets general cleanup (85-90%) and does not address Prop D specifics. Stated the goal is to restore faith in democracy by making the code clear. - Alderwoman Boyd (12th Ward - Sheriff Resolution): Expressed concern regarding the conflict of interest if the City Counselor represents both the Mayor and the Board. Stated that if the City Counselor cannot ethically represent the Board due to the Mayor's representation, the Board should hire its own lawyer. Announced she would vote present on Resolution 193 due to lack of sufficient information and potential legal conflicts. - Alderman Devotee (3rd Ward - Sheriff Resolution): Expressed concern that the Board was not notified of the Mayor's lawsuit before it was filed. Stated that the Board must be a party to the proceedings to protect its institutional interests. Supported the motion to intervene. Discussion Items - Resolution 166 (Right to Food): Discussion centered on the disparity in access to fresh, culturally relevant food. Darren Jackson noted that 1 in 3 children in the city lack reliable access and highlighted the life expectancy gap between neighborhoods. The Board affirmed that food insecurity is a result of systemic distribution inequities rather than scarcity. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings Tax Renewal): Alderman from the 8th explained that the earnings tax provides 36% of the general revenue fund, crucial for police, fire, and infrastructure. Alderwoman Boyd from the 12th argued against the current tax administration due to exceptions for wealthy developers and lack of transparency, vowing a protest vote despite needing the revenue. Alderman from the 2nd urged continued public advocacy. - Board Bill 88 (Election Code Cleanup): Alderman from the 9th explained the bill removes outdated references to state statutes, aligns filing fees with regional standards ($700 to $500 range), and clarifies tie-breaking procedures. Alderman Browning (4th) and Alderwoman Boyd (12th) argued the bill fails to address the fundamental flaws of Proposition D and represents a "backdoor" fix for a mess created by previous propositions. Alderman Devotee (14th) and others clarified the bill is 85% general cleanup unrelated to Prop D. - Resolution 193 (Sheriff Vacancy): Alderman from the 4th introduced the resolution to assert the Board's right to be a party in litigation regarding the permanent Sheriff vacancy, citing historical precedent and the State ex rel. Jones case. Alderwoman Boyd (12th) raised concerns about the City Counselor representing both the Mayor and the Board. Alderman Devotee (14th) offered an amendment to explicitly state the Board's intention to intervene in the filed lawsuit and engage independent counsel. The amendment was adopted, and the resolution passed as amended. Key Outcomes - Resolution 166 was adopted unanimously (14 ayes). The Board committed to advancing food security through inter-departmental coordination and equitable policies. - Board Bill 100 (Earnings tax renewal question) was perfected and moved to the ballot for the 2026 election. Vote tally: 14 ayes, 1 no (Alderwoman Boyd). - Board Bill 88 (Election code cleanup) was perfected. Vote tally: 12 ayes, 2 nays (Alderwoman Boyd, Alderman Browning), 1 President aye. - Board Bill 108 (2026 CDBG funding) was perfected. Vote tally: 13 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present (Alderwoman Boyd). - Resolution 193 was adopted as amended with an amendment added to formally state the Board's intent to intervene in the pending litigation and engage independent counsel. Vote tally: 14 ayes, 1 no (Alderwoman Boyd). - Motion to Enter Closed Session was passed for personnel matters (hiring, firing, disciplining). Vote tally: 14 ayes. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned to December 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Special Announcements - A moment of silence was held for former Mayor James F. Conway. - Community events announced included the Fairground Park tree lighting, "Christmas on the Hill" (5th Ward), Cherokee Print Bazaar, and holiday parlor tours (8th Ward). - A toy drive for St. Louis Crisis Nursery was initiated at City Hall through December 12. - Free soft soap for ice removal programs was promoted with contact information provided by the Mayor's office and Urban League.

A committee meeting was held with eight members present, including Chair Cone, to address the approval of prior minutes and the review of a lease amendment regarding Wi-Fi access at the airport. The meeting proceeded without public testimony or major debate, concluding with the unanimous recommendation to pass the board bill and subsequent adjournment. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes from Tuesday, November 18th was moved by Alderwoman Switzer (8th Ward) and seconded by Alderman Oldenberg (2nd Ward). - The motion passed with all four voting members (Oldenberg, Narayan, Switzer, Cox/Twee) voting "Aye". Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded in the transcript for this session. Discussion Items - Board Bill 103 (Wi-Fi/Cellular Coverage Amendment): - Mr. Solerano testified, providing the following details on the proposal: - Project Description: The amendment concerns Wi-Fi access and distributed antenna systems for cellular coverage at the airport for carriers. - Financials: Includes a minimum annual revenue guarantee of $65,000. An additional $20,000 was mentioned for "gas carrier" (likely a transcription error for a carrier name, but noted as stated). Three carriers are currently signed on. - Terms: The original agreement began March 1st, 2015. The amendment includes a one-year option term until December 31st, 2007 (noting a date discrepancy in the source text vs. the 2015 start date), which is proposed to be extended to March due to the Air Force Airport Development Project. - Investment: A capital investment of $50,000 is required, to be covered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with Conference Communications making the investment. - Committee Deliberation: - Aldermen Oldenberg, Narayan, Cox, and Twee, along with Chair Cone, confirmed they had no questions regarding the measure. - The committee approved the request made by the Board of Alderman Committee. Key Outcomes - Board Bill 103: Passed out of committee with a "due pass recommendation." The motion was moved by the Alderman from the 4th Ward and seconded by the Alderwoman from the 8th Ward, with no objections to the previous roll call. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by a motion from the Alderman from the 4th Ward, seconded by the Alderman from the 8th Ward. - The Chair extended holiday wishes, noting it was near Thanksgiving. Note on Discrepancy: The transcript cites an original agreement start date of March 1st, 2015, but a subsequent option term ending on December 31st, 2007. This chronological inconsistency has been recorded as stated by the speaker.

The Board of Aldermen convened for a special meeting focused on honoring departing Community Development Administration (CDA) Director Noel Pfeiffer, advocating for janitorial workers' rights, and advancing various legislative items including a sales tax referendum. The session featured emotional tributes to Pfeiffer's decade of service, public testimonies from union representatives, and discussions on structural city reforms proposed by the outgoing director. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the regular meeting on Friday, November 14, 2025, were unanimously approved. - Courtesy Resolutions: Resolution 161 (introduction motion passed) and Resolution 162 (Honoring Noel Pfeiffer) were adopted via unanimous consent with the entire board signing as co-sponsors. - Board Bills (First Reading): Board Bills 101, 102, 104, and 107 (speed humps); Bill 103 (Airport Wi-Fi); Bill 105 (missed from roll call but implied in list); Bill 106 (Sales Tax referendum); and Bill 108 (HUD grants) were introduced for first reading and referred to appropriate committees. - Referral Reports: Board Bills 83 (Sales tax reimbursement for 3942 The Cleed Ave), 100 (Earnings tax referendum), and 88 (Election code updates) were reported out of committee with a "due pass" recommendation. - Perfection Consent Calendar: Board Bills 79, 86, and 96 were adopted unanimously. - Final Passage: Board Bills 55, 58, 43, and 74 were passed on third reading with 12 aye votes (Alderman Cone and Alderwoman Boyd initially voted present but corrected to aye). Public Comments & Testimony - Pastor Robert White (Martin's Temple Church of God in Christ): Led the opening prayer, expressing a position advocating for spiritual revival in the city following the tornado. He expressed a position of supplication that the Board vote in the "manner that will be effective" and align with God's will, specifically asking for resources to restore schools, churches, and safety for children after the storm. - Eugene Hubbard (Janitor, Clean Tech): Representing the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local One, he expressed a position seeking a living wage, health benefits, and retirement security, noting that despite 18 years of service, the company treats long-term workers as entry-level without benefits. - SEIU Representatives (Shante, Stanley, Kente): Expressed positions of solidarity with the union's fight for livable wages, framing the struggle as a fight for human rights and family survival, specifically highlighting the risks faced by workers speaking out against corporate exploitation. - Alderwoman Keith (11th Ward): While not a direct speaker for a cause in this section, she expressed support for SEIU, highlighting their role as a voice for "forgotten" service workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities who are essential to institutional survival. - Alderwoman Keith (11th Ward): Reiterated a position that SEIU is a vital ally in advocating for children and families, particularly given Missouri's poor standing in childcare services. Discussion Items - Honoring Noel Pfeiffer (Resolution 162): Alderwoman Mahfany moved to honor Pfeiffer for 10 years of service across three mayoral administrations. Alderwoman Keith expressed full support for Pfeiffer's dedication and responsiveness to community needs. - Pfeiffer's Farewell Remarks: Noel Pfeiffer expressed his continued investment in St. Louis success. He articulated three specific positions for future policy: 1. Consolidation of Agencies: He argued for the integration of fractured development agencies (CDA, SLDC, Planning, Affordable Housing Commission) into a single "Department of Housing and Community Development" to eliminate competing priorities and administrative overhead. 2. Tornado Recovery Funding: He expressed an urgent position that the city must appropriate tornado recovery funds immediately with a specific focus on housing, citing an immediate need of $150 million and a total need exceeding $500 million. He warned that failure to invest in rebuilding risks repeating historical patterns of neighborhood clearance. 3. Charter Reform: He expressed a strong position that the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (BEA) is broken and must be abolished, arguing that the current system's excessive checks and balances prevent energetic leadership necessary for disaster response and renaissance. - Resolution 150 (SEIU Janitors): Alderman Browning introduced the resolution with the support of Alderman Aldridge and Alderwoman Boyd. They expressed unwavering support for the SEIU's demand for a living wage and benefits, describing the janitorial work as vital and deserving of dignity. Multiple members expressed a position of total alignment with the union's broader Fight for $15 movement. Key Outcomes - Resolution 162 Adopted: The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 162 honoring Noel Pfeiffer, with all members signing as co-sponsors. - Resolution 150 Adopted: The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 150 supporting the SEIU Local One's appeal for a living wage and retirement benefits for janitorial workers in City of St. Louis buildings. The resolution directs the Clerk to present the formal copy to building owners (4M, HES Facilities Management, SBM, Woodley Building Maintenance, and ABM). - Appointments Approved: The Board unanimously approved the Mayor's appointments of Leslie Yancy, Susan Knowles, Mark Buron, Madison Drobosclavy, and Ryan Kroger to the 4101 LeCleud Community Improvement District. - Legislative Referrals: - Speed hump ordinances (Bills 101, 102, 104, 107) referred to Public Infrastructure and Utilities. - Airport Wi-Fi agreement (Bill 103) referred to Transportation and Commerce. - Sales tax referendum (Bill 106) referred to Budget. - HUD grant authorizations (Bill 108) referred to HUDS. - Consent Calendar Actions: - Board Bills 100 (Earnings tax referendum), 83, 88, 79, 86, 96, 55, 58, 43, and 74 were all adopted with a motion to suspend rules or direct adoption. - Next Meeting: The Board adjourned with the next scheduled meeting set for Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM. - Tornado Context Note: The transcript contains a recurring reference to a "tornado that has ravaged our communities" and discussions regarding "tornado recovery funds." This appears in the context of the December 1, 2025, meeting, though the transcript mentions a tornado event in the prayer and Pfeiffer's remarks. - Attendance Discrepancy: The roll call listed various members with names like "Alder Woman Velasquez," "Alder Woman Tith," and "Alder Woman Keith" appearing in multiple variations (e.g., "Tith," "Tyus," "Tith"), and the clerk's call had inconsistencies between members present and named. The summary notes members by their final identified titles as they appeared in votes. - Holiday Announcements: Multiple Aldermen announced local turkey and food giveaways for Thanksgiving, with Alderwoman Keith (11th) and Alderwoman Keys (10th) coordinating to ensure the Urban League turkey giveaway was correctly identified as occurring on Tuesday, not Saturday or Sunday, based on corrections made during the session.

The Special Committee on Red Tape convened on November 19, 2025, to review Board Bill 88 regarding the revision of the City of St. Louis election code. The meeting included the approval of minutes from January 29, 2025, followed by a detailed presentation by the bill's sponsor, discussions with the Board of Election Commissioners, public testimony from stakeholders with opposing views, and a committee vote. The committee ultimately voted to pass the bill with a "do pass" recommendation despite concerns raised by Democratic Party representatives regarding vacancy procedures. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting held on Monday, January 29, 2025, following a motion by Alderman Ryan and a second by Alderman Aldridge (4-0 vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Sean Faust (Chair, St. Louis Democratic Party): Expressed opposition to Bill 88. He stated that the Democratic Party was not consulted during the bill's creation and argued that the bill conflicts with the City Charter (Article IV, Section 5) regarding vacancy procedures. He also raised concerns about potential conflict with Missouri's Amendment 7 (Protecting Fair and Free Elections Act) regarding voting methods and opposed the reduction of filing fees. - Wally Price: Expressed opposition specifically to the portion of the bill concerning the Democratic Central Committee's role in vacancies. He argued the bill circumvents the current body and potentially conflicts with state law regarding state entities. - Kathleen Farrell (On behalf of the League of Women Voters): Expressed full support for the bill. She highlighted the necessity of the cleanup, the introduction of gender-neutral language, the justification for reducing filing fees to match Senate-level costs, and the clarity provided regarding tie-breaking procedures. She clarified that Missouri's Amendment 7 includes an exception for St. Louis City, negating the conflict concerns. - Anthony Bell (Committee Man, 14th Ward): Expressed opposition to the bill's provisions regarding vacancies. He argued that the power to appoint or replace a candidate should remain with the city election officials rather than being shifted, believing the community and voters would benefit from city control. - Lucinda Farrar (Committee Woman, 14th Ward): Expressed strong opposition to the bill. She argued that the Democratic City Citizens Committee was elected by the people to decide on candidates for special elections and that the bill unjustly removes this responsibility and role from committee members. Discussion Items - Alderman Michael Browning (Sponsor): Presented Board Bill 88 as a comprehensive cleanup of the election code, which has not been significantly rewritten since 1948. Key proposed changes included: cleaning up language regarding political parties to align with the 2020 adoption of approval voting; reordering the code chronologically for readability; clarifying tie-breaking procedures (shifting from Board of Alderman decision to signature counts); allowing signatures on multiple petitions; strengthening tax compliance checks for candidates; reducing filing fees to a flat rate comparable to other offices; and clarifying that special elections with two or fewer candidates will not hold primaries. He noted the bill codifies current Board of Election Commission (BOE) policies and does not conflict with the Charter unless a future Charter amendment occurs. - Director Michael Borgmeyer (Board of Election Commissioners): Stated support for the bill, noting it removes outdated references (including state statutes from the 1970s) and codifies processes from the last five years. He clarified that the bill provides clarity on the relationship between the City and the BOE but does not change the fundamental vacancy process; under current law/charter, parties would still nominate candidates for special elections until a Charter change occurs. He confirmed the BOE would continue to run special elections consistent with the recent 8th Ward vacancy process. - Alderman Ryan: Expressed concern that the bill was rushed and that the concerns raised by the Democratic Central Committee and other groups regarding Charter conflicts and party roles were not adequately addressed. He requested more time for engagement and review before moving the bill forward. - Alderman Aldridge: Asked for clarification on whether the bill changes the vacancy process or aligns the code with current Charter language. He specifically inquired about the role of political parties in nominations and the timeline for potential Charter changes regarding vacancies. - Alderman Cox Antry: Expressed support for the bill's alignment of the election code with the nonpartisan approval voting system mandated by Proposition D. She emphasized the importance of making the process clear for voters and ensuring consistency with how other aldermanic elections are conducted. - Alderman Ryan (Follow-up): Asked about the timeline and process for candidates paying taxes after receiving initial clearance. Director Borgmeyer clarified the current process involves the collector of revenue checking the list the day after filing closes; candidates are generally responsible for maintaining compliance, though the BOE may offer notice to correct issues before a candidate is barred from the ballot. Key Outcomes - Vote on Board Bill 88: The committee voted to pass Board Bill 88 with a "do pass" recommendation. The tally was 4 Ayes (Alderman Browning, Velasquez, Aldridge, Cox Antry) and 1 Nay (Alderman Ryan). - Next Steps: The bill is forwarded to the full Board of Alderman with a recommendation for passage. - Clarifications Made: It was confirmed that the reduction in filing fees aligns fees with other offices; that special elections with two or fewer candidates will not hold primaries; and that the vacancy nomination process remains unchanged until a future Charter amendment is passed by the voters.