City Council

RECORD OF THE COTINCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 The City Council convened in a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Junior Ballroom, Lower Level of the Saint Charles Convention Center, One Convention Center Boulevard, St. Charles, Missouri with President of the Council Michael Galba presiding. The Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Borgrneyer and Members of the Council were present as follows: Justin Foust, Brian Gould, Bart Haberstroh, Mark Hollander, Steve Hollander, Denise Mitchell, Bill Otto, Vince Ratchford, and Mary West. Absent: None. City Clerk Kimberly Hudson and Assistant City Clerk Emily Galantowicz were present and performed the duties ofthat office. File tl4936l The meeting was opened with the Invocation, those present standing in a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENTATION S/AWARDS/PROCLAMATIONS w t Reco tlon Mayor Dan Borgrneyer recogrized the Public Works Department for their excellent work in responding to the City's recent water main break. Mayor Borgrneyer thanked residents for complying with the recent Boil Order and the Water Conservation Order. PUBLIC COMMENT Korb Maxwell, 7676 Forsyh Blvd., Suite 800, St. t uis, MO, spoke relative to Project Cumulus. Amy Senter, 136 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Special Events and Communications Department. John Henderson, 3419 Brookwood Circle, spoke relative to first responders and the proposed data center. I  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Lynette Kline, 4250 Huster Road, spoke relative to the proposed use ofland for the data center. Dan Hrin,29l3 Marbach Ct., St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Tim Kline,4250 Huster Road, St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Robert Bums, 30 Old Governor Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center. John Bograr, 2916 Graham Road, Washington, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Leo Turek, 7012 Holly View Ct., St. Louis, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Patricia Sernke, 17 Old Covemor Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center. John Baumann, 2912 Westover Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Fred Semke, l7 Old Govemor Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Judy Bums, 30 Old Govemor Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Elkin Kistner, 1406 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO spoke relative to the proposed data center. Scou Stratton-Henderson, 3419 Brookwood Circle, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Jake Jackson, 1404 St. Theresa Lane, St. Charles, MO spoke relative to the proposed data center. R.J. Catizon, 550 Mexico Road, Flint Hill, MO, spoke on behalf of the Carpenters Union relative to the proposed data center. Jake Hummel, 13 I E. High Street, Jefferson City, MO, spoke on behalf of the Missouri AFL- CIO relative to the proposed data center. Emily Stoinski spoke relative to the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Special Events and Communications Department. Sandy Garrett, 72 Walnut Way Court, spoke relative to the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Special Events and Communications Department. Caterina Clayon spoke relative to the proposed data center. J.P. Vigll, 1360 W. Peachtree St. SW, Atlanta, GA, spoke on behalf of AECOM Environmental Consulting Firm spoke relative to the proposed data center. Scott Shipman, 2095 Bayonne, spoke relative to the proposed data center and economic incentives. State Rspresentative Colin Wellenkamp, 20 Delacroix Place, spoke relative to the proposed data center and water security. 2  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Barb McCann, 3560 Barter Street, St., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Mindy Robertson, 7465 Little Oaks Drive, spoke relative to tourism. Aimee Robertson, 7465 Little Oaks Drive, spoke relative to tourism. Mel Sherman, l0l2 N. 6th Street, spoke relative to the proposed data center. William Salter, 3313 LeChateaux Dr., St., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Charles Dalton, 43 Lark Ave, spoke relative to the proposed data center. John Schreiner, 60 Shimmering Lake Ct., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Keegan Good spoke relative to the proposed data center. Ashley Spearman spoke relative to community involvement. Justin Wilkes, 3325 Highgale Lane, spoke relative to the data center. Beth Fahnestock, 6 Trialridge Ct., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Matthew McKie, 418 S. Pam Ave., St. Charles, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Rhonda Briscoe, 137 Coppersmith Ct., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Shelley Gowen, 728 Madison St., St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to proposed data center. Venetia Powell, 1014 S. Main St., spoke relative to the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Special Events and Communications Department. Theresa Lintzenich,229 Tompkins St., St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to prayer. Constance Hall, 4 Hampton Place Court, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Kara Elms, 4026 French Oak Lane, representing City of St. Charles Clean Water Advocates, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Jackie Huebbe, 433 Jackson St., spoke relative to the proposed data center, the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Special Events and Communications Departrnent and traffic on fuverside Drive. Colette Travers,4021 Hempstead St., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Jaron M. Coleman, 285 W. St. Anthony Lane, Florissant, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Rob Dixon, representing Ameren Missouri, 1901 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO, spoke relative to the proposed data center. 3  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Maggie Kost, 1159 Wildhorse Meadows Dr., representing Greater St. Louis, Inc., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Subash Alias, representing Missouri Partnerships, 120 S. Central, Suite 1275, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Brenda Thrasher,322O LeChateaux, Dr., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Peyton Pfanstiel, 633 Jacob Station Rd., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Roman Buddemeyer, 837 First Capitol, St. Charles, MO, spoke relative to Mayor Dan Borgrneyer. Amie C. AC "Honest Abe" Dienoff, County/City Advocate, P.O. Box 1535, spoke relative to data center regulations and an E.P.A. Report. Brandon Castle, 709 N. 3'd St., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Laura Buddemeyer, 837 First Capitol, spoke relative to the proposed data center. Anne Worth, 3012 Shady Oaks Dr., spoke relative to the proposed data center. Tony Bethmann, 3201 Town and Country Lane, spoke relative to closed meetings. Chris Coryell spoke relative to the proposed data center. Meghan Wilkinson, 510 Misty Moss Lane, spoke relative to the proposed data center. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Dan Borgrneyer reported that he has listened to and responded to many of the complaints brought forward this evening. He reiterated his respect for the wellhead and clarified that he voted to advance the diesel component of the data center application at the }uJy 14,2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. He thanked those in attendance, emphasized that this is how dernocracy works, and asked for patience as the process moves forward. He encouraged the community to treat one another with respect, listen to all perspectives-both for and against-and use that information to form well-considered opinions. Regarding the proposed reorganization of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mayor Borgrneyer noted that no changes have been made. He explained that he is currently ar:ralyzing the potential synergies between the Special Events and Communications Department and the 4  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Convention and Visitors Bureau to determine whether resources could be consolidated. At this time, he ernphasized. the idea is only under consideration. He stated that he evaluates matters within the City and takes action to improve efficiencies and make sound decisions for the community. He added that good work is being done in the City and expressed concem about the tone of some recent discussions. He encouraged citizens to observe the City's actions, hold officials accountable, and communicate their priorities to elected representatives. ANNOTINCEMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBER S/MISC ELLANEOUS Councilmernber Justin Foust read the following statement: "As someone bom and raised in St. Charles, the tumout at tonight's meeting is exactly what I expected from our residents. When transparency is lacking, this kind ofresponse is no surprise. I want to thank everyone who came to speak, and I also want to thank our Communications team for making sure this meeting could be streamed for those at home. I know you all have many other things you could be doing, and your commitment to your neighborhoods, our City, and our future speaks volumes. Thank you for showing up, asking hard questions, and refusing to sit quietly on the sidelines. I'll be direct: I am deeply disappointed thal CRG and the Cumulus Team chose to withdraw their application for tonight's meeting. Because ofthat withdrawal, there will be no vote this evening. That decision was not made by the City Council-it was made solely by the applicant. I share your frustration. Residents deserve better. You deserve clear communication, transpmency, and the opportunity to have your voices heard through a public vote. This last-minute withdrawal deprived you of accountability and denied me the chance to cast my vote openly. Applicants have the right to go through the public process, but it is their responsibility to demonstrate how a project benefits the community. Last week's town hall should have been held months ago. Instead of building trust, the applicant gave vague answers and limited details. That was not good enough for St. Charles. 5  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES. MISSOURI August 19,2025 I have spoken to hundreds of residents-not just in Ward 6, but across the City. The message is consistent: you want thoughtful growth, honest dialogue, and leaders who put residents first. I can only speak for myself, but I am frustrated with how this process has played out. We asked for more information on your behalf and never received enough to share openly. My Ward 6 residents expect clear, timely communication. This project failed to meet that standard, and I am disappointed. Let me be clear: St. Charles is open for business, but only for businesses that are transparent and willing to clearly demonstrate how their projects benefit our residents. As I said in a press release earlier this week, without clear benefits and public information for residents to review, supporting this proposal was nearly impossible. To the unions and trades who came tonight: we want you to do business in St. Charles. Whether it's on the 440 acres in Ward 6 or elsewhere, I reget that the applicant failed to involve you earlier. Your input came too late in the process. We wanted you to have those jobs, and on behalf of the applicant, I apologize that you were not given a seat at the table from the beginning. There's also a personal note I want to share. Four years ago, a young man asked me when I was going to run for office. That young man is my son, Keegan-who just started high school today and had his first football practice at St. Charles West. His question rerninded me that sitting on the sidelines is not what we do. One day, he may be sitting in this chamber himself. I want him, and his generation, to be involved. Tonight, he asked me if he should come to support me. I told him that when transparency is missing in a community, you leam quickly how important accountability is. I'm proud of him, and I appreciate his support--even when he stays up late and gives me his honest 'rating' after these meetings. To close, I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts, just as you did tonight. Your votce matters-not only in this meeting, but in shaping what comes next. To those here and to those watching at home: my role is to represent the residents of Ward 6 and the City of St. Charles. As long as I hold this seat, I will fight for openness, accountability, and to ensure your voices are always heard. 6  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19, 2025 Thank you." Councilmernber Denise Mitchell read the following statement: Over the past few weeks, I've seen something truly powerful: a community coming together - asking questions, showing up, and refusing to be left in the dark. The proposed data center raised serious concems about our water, our infrastructure, and our long-tem growth. And instead of staying quiet, people made their voices heard. I want to thank everyone who sent an email, made a call, showed up at a meeting, or simply asked, "What's really going on here?" That kind of civic engagonent matters. It sends a clear message that "we care about how this city grows, and we won't accept decisions made without transparency". We all understand that growth is important but, it must be managed carefully, with honesty, integrity and community input at the forefront. Right now, this developer's actions fell short of that standard. That was clear at the public meeting last Thursday and again at the Planning and Zoning meeting a few weeks ago. We heard answers like: "We can't answer that."-"We can't commit to that."-"We don't know." And that - "that" - didn't sit well with anyone...the public, the Council or the City. So again, thank you to everyone who raised their voice and was committed to asking tough questions for the betterment ofour City. You came together to form one loud, unified roar. And that roar was heard. This experience has also made something else clear to me: we need to expect more from developers coming to our City - especially when they consume large amounts of water and electricity. Before any approval, we need full answers to key questions like: -Will increased utilities use drive up costs for residents? -What about the noise - from fans, from generators - and how long can they run each day and at what level? -What are the appropriate levels for air and light emissions? -What's the plan for hazardous spills or natural disasters like tomadoes or earthquakes for example? -Will this development bring in high-level jobs? 7  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19, 2025 -Will the developer commit to ernplolng skilled local workers who are licensed and invested in our community, rather than rellng on transient contractors with no local ties? Developers need to openly show us the value they are bringing to our City, and get the community's buy-in. I will continue to ask these questions of those coming here and want you all to know that I am committed to the welfare and safety of the community. Now, I'd like to shift to a couple items we discussed at last week's work session that are also incredibly important to me. First - our Fire Department Strategic Plan. One ofthe major outcomes of a recent, extensive study confirmed what many of us already knew: Ward 5 needs a permanent fire station. The administration has asked for a month to develop options for how we can make this happen. I look forward to hearing those ideas and moving toward a real solution for our residents. The Second item I would like to address is the mayor's proposal to merge our Special Events Department with the CVB Department. I was vocal in that meeting last week, and I want to reiterate it here tonight: I do not support this merger. While I understand the goal - to use the well-oiled CVB team to assist a department that's having some growing pains - we've seen in the past what happens when departments are merged without a long-term vision. We've seen it when Economic Development and CVB were combined, and also when Communications and IT were merged. It didn't work then and this will not work either.. .they are all different in thernselves and should be treated as such. St. Charles is a growing city, and our Convention and Visitors Bureau needs to stay laser- focused on promoting our city, attracting visitors, filling hotel rooms, and helping our local businesses thrive. Instead of merging two departments we should explore other solutions. Possible ideas could be: -Have 3 separate Directors over each department: one over Communications, one over f,ocal Special Events/Farmer's Market, and one over the CVB this would give each of these 3 - departments a more clear and focused role. -We could also really evaluate the economic impact of each loca[ event to determine which are truly worth continuing and which should be abandoned. This will allow staff to focus on those 8  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19, 2025 that help stakeholders more and contribute to our economy. We could also ask our stakeholders (businesses, restaurants, residents) which events they find benefit in and which they do not. This may help us streamline our efforts and energy. - We could also explore partnerships with Lindenwood University, where Marketing students could assist in planning and implementing weekend events. I urge the Mayor to let the CVB continue doing what they do best - strengthening our tourism brand and keeping our city vibrant and thriving. Please don't overload thern and blur the lines between tourism and local events...they are very much different from each other and should be treated as such. In closing, I want to acknowledge that it's been a tough week for all of us, Councilmembers. We deeply care about this place we call home and about our neighbors. Our job is clear: to protect our resources, plan for smart growth, rebuild trust where it's been lost, and keep strong the relationships that make St. Charles what it is. The people of St. Charles have made their voices heard. Now, it's on us to show we're really listening - to ask the hard questions, and to lead with honesty, integrity, and genuine care for the people we serve. I look forward to facing these challenges with you, Council, and working together to find solutions that will benefit our residents for years to come. Thank you. Councilmernber Brian Gould delivered a message to Ward 7 residents. He ernphasized his commitment to being as transparent as possible and explained that he now knows what it is like to be between a rock and a hard place. He stated that he has spoken with many residents, appreciates their willingness to listen, and values the opportunity to provide additional explanation. Councilmernber Gould reiterated that he has heard residents' concems from the beginning, and he thanked them for their patience and understanding. 9  RECORD OF THE COLINCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Councilmember Michael Galba thanked the public for attending and sharing their perspectives. In the spirit of moving forward, he suggested that the Mayor form a Task Force composed of subject-matter experts to review and evaluate future applications for projects of this nature. PUBLIC HEARING Council President Michael Galba announced the Public Hearing will now be held. At the conclusion of the Public Hearing the regular order ofbusiness continued. A. Case No. CU-2025-10 (CRG Cumulus, LLC) An application for a Conditional Use Permit per $400.320(C) for the production/use/handling/storage of any hazardous substance including liquid petroleum products and electrical power generators/substations accessory to a planned industrial project within the "I- lilMHP" Light Industrial District and within the Wellhead Protection District. The subject property is approximately 440 -acres (more or less), generally located on the north and south sides of Highway 370 and between Huster Road and Harry S Truman Boulevard. The subject properties will be located in Wards 6 and 8. 6 aPPLEMENTAL RCA Attached) Application lllTHDRAWN by the ApplicanL No Council Action Required- CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by DENISE MITCHELL to approve the Consent Agenda. VINCE RATCHFORD seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the following results: "Aye": Galba, Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, and Foust. "Nay": None. Absent: None. Motion passed. A Approval ofCouncil Minutes and Reports I . Regular City Council Meeting of August 5,2025 File fl4936l 2. Public Hearing ofAugust 5,2025 10  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 File 1149403 B Receipt of Reports from Boards, Commissions and Committees l. Main Street Special Business District Advisory Board Meeting of luly 3,2025 Flle 149374 2. Veterans Commission Meeting of June 9, 2025 File t449386 C Receipt of Director of Administration Reports l. Notice of Emergency Purchase-Clearspan Fabric Structures International File #49378 D Approval of Contracts and Easements l. Amendment No. I with Alobars, Incorporated in the Amount of $75,875.00 for a Total Contract not to Exceed $ 101 ,327.00 c25-077 E. Preliminary Plats F Miscellaneous 1. Report of the Court Administrator of Monies Collected and Deposited - July 2025 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA No items were removed from the Consent Agenda. l1  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 RESOLUTIONS There were no Resolutions. BILLS FOR FINAL PASSAGE BILL 14OOI AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 24-154 BY AMENDING CERTAIN REVENUE, EXPENDITURE, AND FUND BALANCE ACCOI.INTS FOR THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 (BUDGET AMENDMENT #9) (SPONSOR: BART HABERSTROH) Passed "Aye": Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, Foust and Galba "Nay": None Absent: None Approved by lhe Honorable Mayor on August 20, 2025 and is known as Ordinance 25-067 BILL I4OO2 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORZING THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY AND EASEMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE FOX HILL ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT BY PURCHASE, DONATION OR EMINENT DOMAIN; AND AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDINC FOR CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY AND/OR EASEMENTS (SPONSOR: BILL OTTO) Passed "Aye": Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, Foust and Galba 'Nay'': None Absent: None Approved by the Honorable Mayor on August 20,2025 and is known as Ordinance 25-068 t2  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 BILL 14003 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORZING THE ACQUISITION OF RIGHT-OF.WAY AND EASEMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE FRENCHTOWN PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT BY PURCHASE, DONATION OR EMINENT DOMAIN; AND AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY AND/OR EASEMENTS (SPONSOR: BILL OTTO) Passed "Aye": Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, Foust and Galba "Nay": None Absent: None Approved by the Honorable Mayor on August20,2025 and is known as Ordinance 25-069 BILL 14004 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORZING THE ENTRY OF VARIOUS LICENSE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE CITY OF ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI, FOR PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTION ADJACENT TO, ON, OR UNDER THE KATY TRAIL STATE PARK AS PART OF CIry CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (SPOT/SOR: MICHAEL GALBA) Passed "Aye": Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, Foust and Galba "Nay'': None Absent: None Approved by the Honorable Mayor on August20,2025 and is known as Ordinance 25-070 l3  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 BILL 14005 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING REAL PROPERry OF APPROXIMATELY 3.53 ACRES OF LAND KNOWN AS LOT B AND LOT C IN RIVERPOINTE BLOCK lOO #2, ALSO KNOWN AS BEING WITHIN PHASE I OF THE RIVER?OINTE DEVELOPMENT, AS SURPLUS PROPERry; AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL BY SALE TO ANISSA PATEL AND ANAND PATEL, FOR THE SALE PRICE OF $4,1OO,OOO.OO, WITH ESTIMATED CLOSING COSTS OF $5,OOO.OO; AND GRANTING CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE INTENT OF THIS ORDINANCE (SPONSOR: VINCE RATCHFORD) Passed "Aye": Gould, Haberstroh, M. Hollander, S. Hollander, Mitchell, Otto, Ratchford, West, Foust and Galba 'Nay": None Absent: None Approved by the Honorable Mayor on August 20, 2025 and is known as Ordinance 25-071 BILLS FOR INTRODUCTION There were no Bills for Introduction. ITEMS FOR COUNCIL ACTION There were no items for Council Action. At 10:26 p.m., BILL OTTO made a motion to adjoum the Regular Council Meeting. MARK HOLLANDER seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion passed. t4  RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CIry OF SAINT CHARLES, MISSOURI August 19,2025 Sod+r^l*'2,^rt Date Approved I9 Emily Galantowicz, Assistant City Clerk Michael Galba, Presiding Officer 15