City Council - Regular Meetings
Regular MeetingWebster Groves, MO · May 17, 2022
Minutes
CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES
May 17, 2022
The City Council met this date in a regular session, in the City Council Chambers, which was
available to the public in person, and via teleconference, at 7:03 p.m.
Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold
Councilmember Pam Bliss
Councilmember David Franklin
Councilmember Emerson Smith
Councilmember Karen D. Alexander
Councilmember Sarah Richardson
Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd
A quorum was present.
Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager
Mr. eil Bruntrager, City Attorney
Ms. Katie Nakazono, City Clerk
RECOGNITION
Mike and Kathy Silverman were recognized for receiving the Musco Lighting Give Back award
from the Missouri Parks & Recreation Association.
REMARKS OF VISITORS
Dave Buck stated that he had planned to speak regarding budget deficits and the fact that the
way to close them is not to make cuts but to create new, but following the shooting in Buffalo,
he was moved to speak regarding mass shootings and the need for compromise to make
changes. Below is email statement from Mr. Buck sent to Council May 18, 2022: "Fellow
Peacemakers, Instead of reciting my exact words from the podium at last night's (May 17, 2022)
City Council meeting during "Remarks of Visitors", I am sharing the most important part of what
I wanted to say but my 3 minutes ran out. We as a nation utter these same words far too often, but
my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and their families & friends, who were senselessly
& violently shot and murdered in the Buffalo mass shooting this past weekend. God forbid this
should ever happen in Webster Groves but you never know. Since the shocking 1999 Columbine
High School mass shooting, and for the 23 years thereafter which has seen the tragic mass
shootings at Aurora, Las Vegas, Sandy Hook, Parkland, El Paso, Charleston, Pittsburgh and too
many others, there has been absolutely NO movement or action at the Federal level, just like so
many other critical, divisive issues, such as climate change, immigration, racial equity, abortion,
etc., etc., etc. This is even true in our hometown of Webster Groves.
The last time our City Council even attempted any real strategic planning was 4 years ago when
the "2018-2019 Planning Nisional Directions and Goals" were created.
They are still posted and accessible on the city's revamped web site by clicking on, "Council
Goals". They have yet to be updated, but hopefully the city will fully recommit itself to returning
May 17, 2022
to the table to do some serious and way overdue strategic planning that Marie and Eric are prepared
to successfully lead and complete. Back then, Council agreed to 6 Visional Directions and 7 Goals,
one of them being, "Promote safe gun use and ownership by enacting legislatively acceptable
municipal ordinances." Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, nothing was ever done to
achieve this goal and, if it was, it was very minor and temporary. In any battle between two
opposing forces, there are only 5 possible outcomes:
• Win - Lose
• Lose - Win
• Lose - Lose
• A Tie or Draw
• Win - Win
In my humble, imperfect but knowledgeable opinion, our world, nation, state, St. Louis City &
Region, and Webster Groves does not do Win-Win very well, if at all. Instead, our disagreements
and differences are always Win-Lose, or We vs They, where someone wins and someone
loses. Never do we meet in the middle and reach a peaceful, mutually-beneficial & agreeable
solution or compromise. This is why I created the anached "US Peacemakers Pact" back in 2019,
but I have continued to push and circulate it every year since to multiple parties I hope will listen,
including Sandy Hook Promise, Moms Demand Action, Everytown USA, Whitney Strong, March
for Life, etc. A Win-Lose approach to this issue has not and is not working. To me, real, positive
peacemaking through constructive compromise is the only way. Other "right answers" have been
tried and failed. Compromise, to me, is now the O LY right answer. You may not agree with my
position, but I hope it and its rationale at least makes sense. Any and all feedback - the good, bad
and the ugly - is welcomed, valued and appreciated."
Nick Nunn-Faron spoke on behalf of the Masonic Lodge to request consideration for $200,000
in American Rescue Plan funding for repairs to their facility.
NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY
MANAGER
No New Business.
UNIFINISHED BUSINESS
BILL #9183 - TffiRD READING
On motion of Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, seconded by Councilmember Franklin, BILL
#9183 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE LEVYING A LOCAL USE TAX AT THE SAME
RA TE AS THE LOCAL SALES TAX OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES,
MISSOURI, having been introduced and read twice on May 3, 2022, was taken up, it's title read
a third time, and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9183.
Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9183.
MEMBERS VOTfNG:
AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD,
ARNOLD
NOES:NONE
Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9183 was approved.
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May 17, 2022
BILL #9184 - THIRD READING
On motion of Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Bliss, BILL #9184
ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 60, THE TRAFFIC CODE,
SCHEDULE H, OF THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, "PARKING PROHIBITED,"
TO PROVIDE FOR A SECOND HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF 612
EAST LOCKWOOD IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE EXISTING HANDICAPPED
PARKING SPACE, having been introduced and read twice on May 3, 2022, was taken up, it's
title read a third time, and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9184.
Prior to the Third Reading of Bill #9184, a motion was made by Councilmember Bliss, seconded
by Councilmember Franklin, to amend Bill #9184 to accept all redline revisions changing the word
"handicapped" to "accessible".
Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the amendment.
MEMBERS VOTING:
AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXA DER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD,
ARNOLD, BLISS
NOES: NONE
Mayor Arnold stated that the amendment was approved.
Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9 I 84.
MEMBERS VOTING:
AYES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSO , HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS,
FRANKLIN
NOES: NONE
Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9184 was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE - FISCAL YEAR 2023 PROPOSED BUDGET
Mayor Arnold stated that the FY-2023 Budget Public Hearing will occur at 7:30 p.m. on June 7,
2022 in the Council Chambers, as well as by teleconference.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION O THE PROPOSED FY-2023 BUDGET
BUDGET DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
Jamie Hasemeier, Chair of the Sustainability Commission, gave a presentation on the
Sustainability Plan, and requested funding for items including expanded bike and pedestrian
infrastructure, electric vehicles, building improvements, and the addition of a position for a
Sustainability Director. She stated that if the funding is not possible for this position, they have
creative ways to work on getting elements of the sustainability plan through including
collaboration with other commissions, investigating grant funding, or to identify a current staff
member to work closely with the commission
Councilmember Hixson Shepherd thanked them for their efforts on the plan and for being mindful
of the budget.
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May 17, 2022
Erbab Majeed, member of the Business Development Commission, requested funding for a
Business Liaison for the City. Funding options include the ARP funding and/or a nominal increase
in business license fees.
Mayor Arnold stated that she'd like to catalog what they are requesting that is being done by
current staff members to see what the worktlow looks like and then identify the need beyond that.
Councilmember Franklin stated that he thinks the school district also needs to be part of this
equation, as any assistance to businesses raises tax revenue that assists the district.
Dr. Peoples and Mr. Peterson presented information on the proposed FY 2023 budget !Proposed
Budget and Related Information]. Council and staff discussed amendments to the budget by
department. Adopted Budget Amendments to the proposed budget that were approved are
available online at https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/l 00/Budget .
Council and staff discussed allocation of the ARP funds, including funding for a new firetruck.
Mayor Arnold stated that now that we have allocated a large portion of the ARP funds for a
firetruck, we'd like to empower Dr. Peoples to have the conversation with our firefighters to figure
out what they can do to help us with our budget situation.
Dr. Peoples stated that she hopes the shop will take into consideration all of the City departments.
Other allocations discussed included Sustainability initiatives, biking and pedestrian
improvements, energy initiatives, electric vehicle charging stations, solar roofing, windows, and
technology improvements.
Council and staff discussed structural deficit reduction tactics and target growth rate. Dr. Peoples
cautioned against soft targets for spending.
Dr. Peoples and Council clarified that these reductions will result in staff reduction. Dr. Peoples
stated that the city has kept people whole throughout COYID and a lot of municipalities were not
able to do that.
Mayor Arnold summarized that the Council is targeting a balanced budget by 2026. Our initial
projected growth rate is - I% with a $1 million in reductions.
Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Davis stated that he just wanted to put on the record that
they have moved several things from the General Fund to the Park Fund already, and while he is
not disagreeing that the new firetruck is needed, this is not a sustainable plan for the future. Mayor
Arnold thanked him for reminding them that this cannot be a precedent.
Council discussed the Sustainability request. Funding is already allocated for sustainability
improvements this year. Mayor Arnold stated that she does want to be sure we pursue grant funding
for a coordinator in the future. I think it is fair to ask staff if there might be someone who can
allocate time to this.
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May 17, 2022
Council discussed the BOC request. Mr. Peterson stated that in the future we would see the need
for someone to assist with economic development. Mayor Arnold requested that later this summer
we have the staff mapping done for this position to see what is being done.
BILL #9185 - FIRST AND SECOND READING
Councilmember Franklin introduced, BILL #9185 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 10, "PUBIC WAYS AND PLACES", ARTICLE II
"EXCAVATIONS", SECTION 10.110 "PERMIT REQUIRED" TO INCREASE
EXCAVATION PERMIT FEES WITillN THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, and at the
Councilmember's request, the Bill was read twice, first and second times by title only, and placed
on the agenda for future consideration of the Counci I.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Bliss, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to approve the
Consent Agenda.
Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda.
MEMBERS VOTING:
A YES: ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKL! , SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON
SHEPHERD
NOES:NONE
Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved.
The following Consent Agenda was approved:
• Approval of Minutes - May 3, 2022
• Liquor License - Application for Hwy 61 Roadhouse, 34 S. Old Orchard Avenue, to Sell
Liquor by the Drink for Consumption on the Premises Where Sold, and on Sundays (New
Owner)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
• Julie Campbell was appointed to the Crossroads Special Business District.
• Anne Halvachs was reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Sherry Taylor and Leanne Waugh were reappointed to the Library Board.
• Sloane Carfield was appointed as Youth Liaison to Police Community Engagement Board.
• Paul Detrick was appointed to the Police Community Engagement Board.
• Karla Armbruster was appointed to a full term on the Sustainability Commission.
EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
No Executive (Closed) Session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
I 0:51 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded.
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May 17, 2022
PASSED AND APPROVED this ?:'H- day of __,,c.......=:,�=------
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Agenda
Please note, residents can share comments in-person, virtually via Zoom using the “Raise
Hand” option, via email or U.S. mail. Written comments will not be read aloud at the
meetings. All speakers will be allowed three minutes. Instructions on listening through your
phone or computer to the teleconference available at webstergrovesmo.gov/teleconference
[Please note, due to the ongoing pandemic, masks are recommended.]
CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES
COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
DATE: TUESDAY- MAY 17, 2022
6:30 P.M.
LOCATION – CITY HALL
IN-PERSON
AND VIA TELECONFERENCE
#4 E. LOCKWOOD AVENUE
1. BOARD/COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
2. REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA
3. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER ISSUES/MEETING UPDATES
4. TOPIC:
• Summer Meeting Schedule
5. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
6. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED SESSION)
RE: 1. ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS
[MO. STATUTE 610.021 (1)]
2. REAL ESTATE [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (2)]
3. PERSONNEL [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (3)]
4. NEGOTIATED CONTRACT [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (12)]
7. ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: TUESDAY – MAY 17, 2022
7:00 P.M.
[NOTE EARLY START TIME]
LOCATION–CITY HALL-#4 E. LOCKWOOD
IN-PERSON
AND VIA TELECONFERENCE
Please note, residents can share comments in-person, virtually via Zoom using the “Raise
Hand” option, via email or U.S. mail. Written comments will not be read aloud at the
meetings. All speakers will be allowed three minutes. Instructions on listening through your
phone/computer to teleconference are available at webstergrovesmo.gov/teleconference.
[Please note, due to the ongoing pandemic, masks are recommended.]
Welcome to the regular meeting of the City Council. We welcome questions, ideas and
comments from persons in attendance. Members of the audience may, however, comment
only when recognized by the Mayor or Mayor ProTem if the Mayor is absent. We ask that
comments be limited to three minutes in order to complete the agenda within a reasonable
time. Comments concerning items not on the agenda should be made during the Remarks of
Visitors section of the agenda, near the beginning of the meeting.
I. ROLL CALL
II. RECOGNITION – Mike and Kathy Silverman
III. REMARKS OF VISITORS
IV. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY
MANAGER
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Bill #9183 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Levying a Local Use Tax at the Same
Rate as the Local Sales Tax of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri
2. Bill #9184 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 60, the Traffic Code,
Schedule H, of the Code of Webster Groves, “Parking Prohibited,” to Provide for a
Second Accessible Parking Space in Front of 612 East Lockwood Immediately East of
the Existing Accessible Parking Space
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Set Public Hearing Date – Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget – June 7, 2022 –
7:30 P.M. - Council Chambers and Teleconference
2. Presentation and Discussion on the Proposed FY2023 Budget
3. Bill #9185 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 “Public
Ways And Places,” Article II “Excavations,” Section 10.110 Permit Required” To
Increase Excavation Permit Fees Within The City Of Webster Groves
VII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes – May 3, 2022
2. Liquor License – Application for Hwy 61 Roadhouse, 34 S. Old Orchard Avenue, to
Sell Liquor by the Drink for Consumption on the Premises Where Sold, and on
Sundays (New Owner)
VIII. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
IX. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED SESSION)
RE: 1. ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS
[MO. STATUTE 610.021 (1)]
2. REAL ESTATE [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (2)]
3. PERSONNEL [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (3)]
4. NEGOTIATED CONTRACT [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (12)]
X. ADJOURNMENT
Individuals who require an accommodation (sign language, interpreter, listening
devices, etc.) to participate in the meeting should contact the City Clerk at 314-963-
5318 (fax number 314-963-7561) or Relay Missouri at 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) at least two
working days prior to the meeting.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022
EAST LOCKWOOD ACCESSIBLE PARKING
EXISTING PROPOSED
ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE
SPACE SPACE
Recommended by the
Old Orchard Special Business District Advisory Commission
BILL # 9185
ORDINANCE # 9185
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10 “PUBLIC WAYS AND PLACES,”
ARTICLE II “EXCAVATIONS,” SECTION 10.110 PERMIT REQUIRED” TO
INCREASE EXCAVATION PERMIT FEES WITHIN
THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES
WHEREAS, City excavation permit and inspection fees no longer cover the cost of
providing these services within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has examined City excavation permit and inspection fees
compared to the cost of providing permit and inspection services and has determined that these
fee increases are warranted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 10 “Public Ways and Places,” Article II “Excavations,” Section
10.110 “Permit Required” is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 10.110. Permit Required.
No person shall make or cause to be made any excavation in any public way or place without
first obtaining a permit from the City Engineer as hereinafter provided, except public work done
under the authority of the Council by the employees of the City, and except as otherwise
provided in emergency cases. All work done by the employees of the Metropolitan St. Louis
Sewer District shall be immune from the requirements of this article regarding the payment of
fees and submission of approved insurance policies. Each excavation shall require a separate
permit for which a fee of Fifty One Hundred Dollars ($50100.00) shall be paid. If excavation is
commenced prior to obtaining a permit as required above, the fee for obtaining a permit shall be
One Two Hundred Dollars ($100200.00). All excavation work shall cease unless and until a
permit is issued. Permits shall expire without further action by the City at 12:00 a.m. midnight
of the ninetieth (90th) day after the date of issuance.
Section 2. All ordinances, parts of ordinances or provisions of the Code of
Webster Groves, as amended, in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in the Code of Webster Groves.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
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Passed and Approved this ____ day of _______ 2022.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
2
CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES
May 3, 2022
The City Council met this date in a regular session, in the City Council Chambers, which was
available to the public in person, and via teleconference, at 7:34 p.m.
Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold
Councilmember Pam Bliss
Councilmember David Franklin
Councilmember Emerson Smith
Councilmember Karen D. Alexander
Councilmember Sarah Richardson
Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd
A quorum was present.
Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager
Mr. Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney
Ms. Katie Nakazono, City Clerk
REMARKS OF VISITORS
Dave Buck submitted comments in advance.[See Exhibit A].
NEW BUSINESS – MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY
MANAGER
Mayor Arnold announced that Councilmember Pam Bliss was selected as Mayor Pro-Tem.
NEW BUSINESS
BILL #9183 – FIRST AND SECOND READING
Councilmember Hixson Shepherd introduced, BILL #9183 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE
LEVYING A LOCAL USE TAX AT THE SAME RATE AS THE LOCAL SALES TAX OF
THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, and at the Councilmember’s request, the
Bill was read twice, first and second times by title only, and placed on the agenda for future
consideration of the Council.
BILL #9184 – FIRST AND SECOND READING
Councilmember Alexander introduced, BILL #9184 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 60, THE TRAFFIC CODE, SCHEDULE H, OF THE CODE OF
WEBSTER GROVES, “PARKING PROHIBITED,” TO PROVIDE FOR A SECOND
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF 612 EAST LOCKWOOD
IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE EXISTING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE, and at
the Councilmember’s request, the Bill was read twice, first and second times by title only, and
placed on the agenda for future consideration of the Council.
May 3, 2022
Mayor Arnold asked why the spaces are right next to each other and not located elsewhere in the
area. Staff clarified that the Old Orchard Business District recommended this location, on the
street, because the building is owned by Webster University, who therefore, owns the parking lot.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED FY-2023 BUDGET
BUDGET DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Peoples and Mr. Peterson presented information on the proposed FY 2023 budget [Proposed
Budget and Related Information]. Council and staff discussed the following:
• Fund Balance Policy – There being so many questions to discuss and think through, Council
agreed to set this discussion aside for the moment, and to add to a future Work Session.
• Fire – Franklin asked for a future presentation on truck staffing.
• Dr. Peoples requested direction on bringing the 29 staff members up to compensation
minimums and asked about funding models with varying levels of COLA (Cost of Living
Adjustment).
There was consensus to bring all 29 to minimums and Council would like to see COLA options
including no COLA, a 3% COLA model, and a 5% COLA model. Administration will prepare
these models.
• Dr. Peoples asked if Council supports the $100/month insurance cost for single payer staff?
Councilmember Hixson Shepherd stated that she doesn’t want anyone making less with the
insurance and COLA.
Councilmember Alexander asked how many of the 77 single coverage people are included in the
29 being brought up? Dr. Peoples stated that she can provide that information
Councilmember Franklin stated that it is important to inform staff that there will be a future RFP
process for insurance.
Council would also like to see a gradual build-in scenario.
• Dr. Peoples asked if they support “right sizing” the workforce to close the structural deficit?
Discussion included looking at attrition, retirement, assessing open positions before filling them,
layoffs, where can we job share, are there too many individuals in one department, early retirement
incentives, balance through retirement, no COLA, and the idea that we are postponing the
inevitable. Do what has to be done when it has to be done.
Dr. Peoples stated that through attrition we have 6 positions out, and are still upside down. The
early retirement option is a good one, not necessarily strategic. Need multiple tools.
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May 3, 2022
Council and staff discussed using ARP funds, and finding positions that would have the least
impact to eliminate.
• Dr. Peoples asked about ARP – use more or less for revenue replacement?
Several Councilmembers like the 50/50 split, but would like to see various models. Staff would
look at fund balance as well.
• East Central Dispatching Center – Councilmember Franklin stated that he thinks we are going
to solve and figure it out. He’d be interested in a presentation from them.
Staff will invite the ECDC Executive Director to present to us. But if not, Council can contact
other Councils/Aldermen.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Bliss, to approve
the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda.
MEMBERS VOTING:
AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD,
ARNOLD
NOES: NONE
Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved.
The following Consent Agenda was approved:
• Approval of Minutes – April 19, 2022
• Resolution #2022-15 - Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement for a
Construction Contract for the Streets Listed in the Mill and Overlay Program for 2022
• Resolution #2022-16 – Authorizing the City Manager to Replace the Rubber Flooring in
the Ice Rink
• Resolution #2022-17 - Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2022, and Authorizing
Extensions of the Contracts for Navigate Building Solutions and JEMA Architects for the
Completion of Fire Station #2
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No appointments to Boards and Commissions.
EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION
No Executive (Closed) Session.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
11:40 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded.
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May 3, 2022
PASSED AND APPROVED this _______day of ____________________ 2022.
________________________
Mayor
_______________
City Clerk
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Exhibit A
Conrad, Jennifer
From: Dave Buck <dave@buckstl.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 9:50 AM
To: Laura W. Arnold; Pam Bliss; David Franklin; Alexander, Karen; Richardson, Sarah; Emerson Smith;
Emily Hixson Shepherd; Peoples, Marie; Peterson, Eric; njbatty@aol.com; Perry, Mara; Starkey, Jenny;
Nakazono, Katie; Conrad, Jennifer; Davis, Scott; Rehg, Todd; Curtis, Dale; Ellis, Brett
Cc: Gerry Welch; bkmacahoon@charter.net; mgbrad@aol.com; john ahearnstudio.com; Don Drissell;
Pmurphystl; j.donaldson@webster-arts.org; Jahna Kahrhoff; Kuhn Construction Co., Inc.; John Barr;
gary schoenberger; jmrath@sbcglobal.net; Mark Hinkle; info@theohhf.org; Rebecca Ortyl;
greg@mightyoakes.org; Stanley Browne; jim@cjmuggs.com; San Jose Webster Groves; Warner
Properties; Mary Martin Art Studio; Yucandu Art Studio; Rebecca Now; nikkilemley@gmail.com;
Embroider the Occasion; Ron Clipp; Randy Drilingas; Jaime Mowers; Farrell Carfield; Elyssa Sullivan;
Sarah Riss; Jeff Smith; Annie T; stevehunkins@yahoo.com
Subject: WG "City of the Arts" Slogan Status???
Caution: This is an External Message ‐ Please be cautious when opening links or attachments
Mayor, City Council & City Staff,
I'm leading another big meeting at 7 pm this evening so, for the first time in a long time, I will not be able to
join you in‐person or on Zoom to give my verbal remarks. As such, my "Remarks of Visitors" are below for
your review and consideration.
$64,000 QUESTION: Is the City ever going to pull the trigger and definitely commit to the full & complete
adoption of
"City of the Arts" as the official slogan of Webster Groves to be used consistently on all City media vehicles,
correspondence, web sites, social media and general publicity??? What is this going to take?????
Webster Groves has historically been a champion of the arts and this effort truly advanced under then Mayor
Gerry Welch. "City of the Arts" banners were first hung on select street poles 3 years ago and some
sporadically still hang today. But now there is a new piece of rationale.
When Clayton was just getting started, its leaders decided they would build their City by putting two major
strategic stakes in ground: restaurants & the arts. "If you build it, they will come" and they did and the rest is
history.
Now consider Webster Groves. Not only is the Fine Arts huge and important, but look at the BOOM in the
Culinary Arts, i.e, the wonderful and growing number of outstanding restaurants in Webster Groves,
seemingly ALL packed on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings!
Therefore, the "City of the Arts" slogan is multi‐dimensional and carries two meanings: the Fine Arts & the
Culinary Arts (and for that matter, to me, it covers ANY creative business, organization or pursuit!).
Excuse the bluntness, but this is an no‐brainer to me and I do not understand why it is taking the so long for
the City to move on this obvious opportunity.
1
Thank YOU.
PEACE.
Dave
314‐952‐0910
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