Board of Aldermen

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024 SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 647 BIG BEND ROAD CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mike Clement called the Public Hearing of the Board of Aldermen to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. PUBLIC HEARING The following notice of the public hearing was then read: “The City of Manchester Board of Aldermen shall hold a livestreamed public hearing on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Manchester Justice Center, 200 Highlands Boulevard Dr, to consider the following: CASE NUMBER - PC-24-SUP-001, a Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow 647 Big Bend Road located in the C-2 Commercial Zoning District to be used for a restaurant.” There were no proponents. COMMENTS FROM OPPONENTS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no opponents. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clement closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. REOPEN PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Mike Clement reopened the Public Hearing of the Board of Aldermen to order at 7:13 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING Speaking as a proponent, Bruce Ji, owner of business at 647 Big Bend Road, presented the proposed restaurant on the property. He explained that he recently purchased the restaurant and that he wanted to change the name of the business but would offer a similar style fare as the previous business. Mr. Ji answered the Board’s questions and explained there would not be an addition of indoor seating. COMMENTS FROM OPPONENTS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public Hearing 2/20/24 Special Use Permit for 647 Big Bend Rd for a Restaurant Page 1 There were no opponents. Mayor Clement reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation for approval of the special use permit. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clement closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. Public Hearing 2/20/24 Special Use Permit for 647 Big Bend Rd for a Restaurant Page 2  MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024 SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 14248A MANCHESTER ROAD CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mike Clement called the Public Hearing of the Board of Aldermen to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. PUBLIC HEARING The following notice of the public hearing was then read: “The City of Manchester Board of Aldermen shall hold a livestreamed public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Manchester Justice Center, 200 Highlands Boulevard Dr, to consider the following: CASE #24-SUP-002 – a Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow 14248A Manchester Road in the C-1 Commercial Zoning District to be used as a restaurant.” Speaking as a proponent, Bin Chen, owner of business at 14248A Manchester Road, presented the proposed restaurant on the property. He explained that they currently offer bubble tea only but would like to begin to offer mochi donuts and Korean corn dogs. COMMENTS FROM OPPONENTS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no opponents. Mayor Clement reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation for approval of the special use permit. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clement closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Public Hearing 02/20/24 Special Use Permit 14248A Manchester Road Page 1  MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024 SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 901 HOWARD GEORGE DRIVE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Mike Clement called the Public Hearing of the Board of Aldermen to order at 7:08 p.m. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. PUBLIC HEARING The following notice of the public hearing was then read: “The City of Manchester Board of Aldermen shall hold a livestreamed public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Manchester Justice Center, 200 Highlands Boulevard Dr, to consider the following: CASE #24-SUP-003, a Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow outdoor storage at 901 Howard George Drive in the C-1 Commercial Zoning District.” Speaking as a proponent, Michael McGowan, representative of Autotrim Restyling and Window Tinting, explained that they were seeking outdoor storage to hold camper shells as part of a large order with a local dealership. He continued that there was no space inside of the building for storage. He answered the Board’s questions explaining the units were roughly 70”x60” and that they would house twenty-five shells total stacked three high. He continued that they would not go higher than eight feet on the racking and it would not be visible from Howard George Drive. COMMENTS FROM OPPONENTS, QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no opponents. Mayor Clement reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation for approval of the special use permit. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Clement closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. Public Hearing 02/20/24 Special Use Permit 901 Howard George Drive Page 1  MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024 AT 200 HIGHLANDS BOULEVARD DRIVE CALL TO ORDER Mayor Clement called the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. ROLL CALL AND STATEMENT OF QUORUM Roll call showed those present were Alderman Dodge, Alderman Ottenad, Alderman Huether, Alderman Toben, Alderman Baumann, and Mayor Clement. A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES February 5, 2024 Public Hearing – Site Plan for 14577 Manchester Road Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, February 5, 2024, Public Hearing regarding a Site Plan for 14577 Manchester Road. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. February 5, 2024 Public Hearing – Special Use Permit for 647 Big Bend Road Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, February 5, 2024, Public Hearing for the Special Use Permit at 647 Big Bend Road. The motion was seconded by Alderman Baumann and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. February 5, 2024 Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting Alderman Ottenad made the motion to approve the minutes of the Monday, February 5, 2024, Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER OF ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Alderman Toben requested the postponement of Bill No. 24-2526 to allow for additional conversation. After discussion, it was decided that the bill would be read for the first time to allow for consideration by the Board and could be postponed at the second reading if necessary. Alderman Toben made the motion to approve the Order of Items on the Agenda, as presented. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS Comments from the Public Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 1 Maxwell Mayo, resident of 513 Audubon Place Court, explained that he was a student at Parkway Southwest Middle School and expressed concern about the proposed early childhood development center. He explained that the middle schoolers use the current space for in-school and after school activities and practices. He expressed concern that the early childhood center would take away the space for these activities. He continued that there would also be destruction of wildlife space and cause the displacement of a memorial for a young man from the area who had died. Mr. Mayo also expressed concern with the current traffic conditions, explaining that his friend had been hit riding his bike to school and that he had also experienced dangerous situations when he would walk or ride his bike to school. Kristin Mayo, owner of 513 Audubon Place Court, explained that she was a resident of Manchester and lived near Wren Hollow Elementary School and Southwest Middle School and was a Parkway elementary school teacher. She explained that her children attended Parkway schools and walked or rode their bikes. She expressed concern for the safety of her children, and other neighborhood children, when they walk to and from school. She continued that the district called her when the child was hit because they thought it was her son. Ms. Mayo stated that it was not her son who was hit, and she was happy that the child was okay, but that they were lucky he had been paying attention or it could have been worse than just a damaged bike. She continued that the school did not file a police report for the incident. She stated that this drew concern about whether there had been similar incidents that were never reported. Ms. Mayo explained that there used to be a crossing guard at the intersection, but he had quit and now the Assistant Principal stood at the crosswalk in the morning and afternoon for the elementary school, but not for the middle school. Ms. Mayo agreed that Parkway needed a new early childhood center, but worried that the traffic increase would be bad if it was placed where it was currently proposed. She asked the Board and Parkway to take the safety of the children seriously, and that they should be the priority in this decision. Kendall Mayo, resident of 513 Audubon Place Court, explained that she was a student at Wren Hollow Elementary. She stated that she did not believe they should build the early childhood center because of the amount of traffic. She continued that children were already scared enough with the current amount of traffic and that the early childhood center would have traffic going all day. She explained that she, and her siblings, walked to school and it had gotten more dangerous. Ms. Mayo also explained that they used the field every day and that they would not be able to do that if the early childhood center was built. She also worried about the influence of the middle schoolers on the preschoolers if they were to be outside at the same time. Tom Welker, owner of 507 Audubon Place Ct, stated he had questions for the Board including if there were any updates that could be provided to residents about the development and if there was anything that could be communicated to them that they may not already know. Mayor Clement explained that there was a representative from Parkway present at the meeting who would speak. He explained that Parkway would host a meeting, but he was not aware of any updates, but there may be some at the meeting. Mr. Welker stated he would like to submit a list of questions to each member of the Board of Aldermen, so they could take it to Parkway to receive a response. Mayor Clement explained that the Board would take the questions, but Mr. Welker should ask these questions to Parkway. In response, Mr. Welker expressed concern that Parkway would not respond. Alderman Ottenad and Mayor Clement Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 2 stated that Mr. Welker should try and present these questions directly to Parkway, too, and that the representative present should receive a copy of the questions. Discussion about answers to be given at the Parkway meeting would hopefully clear up some confusion and frustration about the project. Chris Lawrence, owner of 668 Canary Estates Dr and trustee of the Canary Estates subdivision, stated that most people in surrounding subdivisions opposed the location of the early childhood center. He continued that they were not opposed to the building of an early childhood center, but the location and size of it. Mr. Lawrence asked if any Board member had had any direct discussion with Parkway that would influence the proposed location and if any Board member had a conflict of interest in the approval process. Mayor Clement explained that he and City Staff had seen very preliminary plans, but no final plans for the project. Alderman Toben explained that conversations have been had with both residents of the area and Parkway, but Parkway was still in discovery process, and it takes time. He continued that they had not had influence in this and were doing their due diligence to understand the situation from all aspects while digesting the information from constituents and Parkway. Mayor Clement emphasized that the public should speak these concerns to Parkway. Melissa Jones Copeland, owner of 610 Wren Ave, expressed concern that no actions had been taken by Manchester or Parkway regarding traffic concerns. She continued that all traffic on Sulphur Spring and school parking should be on Parkway property. Ms. Copeland also suggested that stop signs be added for traffic leaving Parkway’s property, that traffic lights should be installed at Wren and Canary, and that an ordinance be passed prohibiting street parking on the cul-de-sac. She expressed concern with traffic congestion during events such as fires or active shooters. Ms. Copeland handed out questions to the Board and stated she would provide them to Parkway as well. Mayor Clement assured Ms. Copeland that the police have been in her neighborhood after her previous public comments to address the traffic concerns and had been active in enforcing traffic laws. Rendi Welker, resident of 507 Audubon Place Ct, expressed frustration in the lack of transparency regarding the new Parkway building. She continued that there had been no communication regarding meetings for residents to discuss these issues with Parkway. Ms. Welker read a quote from a local newspaper that stated Parkway anticipated beginning the permitting process in Spring of 2024 with hope of construction beginning in August of the same year. Mayor Clement stated that he believed they were further out from the permitting process than the quote led them to believe. He continued that the Parkway representative would speak next and address some of these questions and when the next meeting would be. Elisa Tomich, Parkway School District Chief Communications Officer, thanked everyone who had engaged in discussion of the project and came to speak to the Board. She thanked Mayor Clement for bringing up the Parkway Board of Education meetings and stated that no one had come to these monthly meetings and spoke regarding the early childhood center topic. She Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 3 notified the Board and those present that their next meeting would be on February 21st at 7pm at the Welcome Center and they could express their concerns and ideas. She explained they could sign up to speak and would be given the floor in the order of their signing up. Ms. Tomich continued that there would be another community meeting specifically regarding the early childhood center on March 26th from 6pm-7:30pm at Southwest Middle School. She continued that this meeting would be published in West Newsmagazine, school newsletters, yard signs, and information given to the City. She expressed the need for early learning and shared statistics supporting early learning in overall academic success. She continued that at their meeting they would discuss why this site was chosen over other sites and would discuss the traffic study that was underway. Melissa Jones Copeland, owner of 610 Wren Avenue, asked if this meeting would be before or after plans were submitted for the project and was it informational or would people’s concerns be heard. Mayor Clement said there had been no application, so he expected that this was still preliminary. Alderman Baumann expressed concern on the lack of communication regarding the location of the early childhood center with the surrounding residents. He continued that all parents in the adjacent schools should be notified of this change and given a chance to express their opinions and concerns. Alderman Baumann inquired on the use of the practice soccer field at Parkway South High for the early childhood center. Ms. Tomich explained that the facilities director would be at the meeting to talk through more specifics, but there was an access issue with that location. Alderman Baumann encouraged them to look again at their other properties for use for this project. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Clement thanked everyone who came out to speak to the Board. Mayoral Reports Mayor Clement acknowledged the Public Works Department and the Police Department for their work during the recent weather event. Mayor Clement notified the Board that he had been invited to nominate a representative to the St. Louis County Council for the University of Missouri Extension. He stated that the previous representative’s term was expiring. He asked the Board if they had any recommendations for this position, please let him know. Mayor Clement highlighted upcoming events including Tree Trimming 101 on February 24th, the conclusion of the Snowman Contest on February 29th, and the Small Works Exhibition and Short Sets by the Community Band Cabaret on March 1st at 6pm. REPORTS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR List of Paid Bills (Warrant dates of 02-05-2024 to 02-19-2024) There were no questions. Reports from the Committees Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 4 Planning and Zoning Commission Mayor Clement reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission did not meet. Veterans Commission Alderman Huether reported that the next Veterans Commission would be February 22nd at 5:00pm via Zoom. Audit and Finance Committee Alderman Toben stated that the next Audit and Finance Committee meeting would be rescheduled due to a lack of quorum. Tree Advisory Board Alderman Dodge stated there was no report for the Tree Advisory Board report. OLD LEGISLATION BILL NO. 24-2524 Site Plan Approval for 14577 Manchester Road Alderman Baumann read for the second time Bill No. 24-2524 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR 14577 MANCHESTER ROAD IN THE C-1 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.820(C) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER,” by title only. Alderman Baumann made the motion that Bill No. 24-2524, become Ordinance No. 24-2408. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 5 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. BILL NO. 25-2525 Special Use Permit for 647 Big Bend Road Alderman Toben read for the second time Bill No. 24-2525 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO BRUCE JI AND BEYOND WOK EXPRESS LLC TO OPERATE A RESTAURANT AT 647 BIG BEND ROAD IN THE C-2 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.250(C)(5)(f) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER,” by title only. Alderman Toben made the motion that Bill No. 24-2525, become Ordinance No. 24-2409. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 5 A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Dodge – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Ottenad – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 5 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. NEW LEGISLATION Resolution No. 24-0958 Bulk Fuel Purchase Alderman Ottenad read Proposed Resolution No. 24-0958, entitled: “A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 BULK PURCHASE OF REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE AND ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL PURSUANT TO ST. LOUIS COUNTY’S COOPERATIVE PROCUREMENT CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER TO ISSUE PURCHASE ORDERS THEREFOR,” by title only. Alderman Ottenad made the motion for approval of Resolution No. 24-0958. The motion was seconded by Alderman Huether and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Bill No. 24-2526 Amending the Meeting Time and Place for Board of Aldermen Meetings Alderman Baumann read Proposed Bill No. 24-2526 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 110.030 PERTAINING TO BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEETINGS,” by title only. Alderman Toben requested further discussion amongst the Board regarding the 6:30pm start time. He questioned why the Board shouldn’t meet earlier if it was the concern of the staff. He continued that other options should be on the table for discussion. Mayor Clement stated that when City Administrator Klocke returned they could begin discussion on a potential change. He continued that at the second reading the Board could amend or deny it if they see fit. No further action at this time. Bill No. 24-2527 Special Use Permit for 14248A Manchester Road Alderman Dodge read Proposed Bill No. 24-2527 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO BIN CHEN of BTW MANCHESTER LLC TO OPERATE A RESTAURANT AT 14248 MANCHESTER ROAD UNIT A IN THE C-1 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.240(C)(4)(f) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER,” by title only. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 6 No further action at this time. Bill No. 24-2528 Special Use Permit for 901 Howard George Dr Alderman Huether read Proposed Bill No. 24-2528 entitled: “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO KEVIN MCGOWAN AND AUTO TRIM RESTYLING AND WINDOW TINTING TO ALLOW OUTDOOR STORAGE AT 901 HOWARD GEORGE DRIVE IN THE C-1 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.240(D)(1) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER,” by title only. Alderman Huether stated Emergency Legislation had been requested. Alderman Huther made the motion for approval of emergency legislation. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad and carried unanimously, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. Alderman Huether read for the second time Bill No. 24-2528, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO KEVIN MCGOWAN AND AUTO TRIM RESTYLING AND WINDOW TINTING TO ALLOW OUTDOOR STORAGE AT 901 HOWARD GEORGE DRIVE IN THE C-1 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 405.240(D)(1) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MANCHESTER,” by title only. Alderman Huether made the motion that Bill No. 24-2528, become Ordinance No. 24-2410. The motion was seconded by Alderman Ottenad. A poll of the Board showed: Alderman Huether – aye Alderman Ottenad – aye Alderman Toben – aye Alderman Baumann – aye Alderman Dodge – aye Mayor Clement announced that the motion passed 5 to 0, with no objections from any members of the Board of Aldermen. MISCELLANEOUS Comments from the Public None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Alderman Ottenad made the motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Alderman Toben and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting 02/20/2024 Page 7