City Council - Regular Meetings

Please note, residents can share comments in-person, virtually via Zoom using the “Raise Hand” option during the Regular Meeting, 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 phone or computer to 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 – NOVEMBER 1, 2022 6:30 P.M. LOCATION – CITY HALL IN-PERSON AND VIA TELECONFERENCE #4 E. LOCKWOOD AVENUE 1. REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA 2. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER ISSUES/MEETING UPDATES 3. TOPIC • Traffic Advisory Commission Updates 4. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS 5. 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)] 6. ADJOURNMENT  CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: TUESDAY – NOVEMBER 1, 2022 7:30 P.M. 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 phone/computer to teleconference 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. PROCLAMATION – Honoring Rebecca Now III. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS IV. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Bill #9202 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 60, Article VII, Section 60.975, Schedule H of the Code of Webster Groves, “Parking Prohibited”, to Restrict Parking on Lockwood Court 2. Bill #9203 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Authorizing the City of Webster Groves to Enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for the Investment of Public Funds Through the Missouri Securities Investment Program VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Flood Buyout Discussion VII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes – October 18, 2022 2. Resolution #2022-59 – Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 Related to Deficit Reduction 3. Resolution #2022-60 – Amending the Budget For Fiscal Year 2023 Related to Fire House 2 4. Resolution #2022-61 – Adopting the Sustainability Plan Policy for the City of Webster Groves 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 – NOVEMBER 15, 2022  BILL #9202 ORDINANCE #9202 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 60, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 60.975, SCHEDULE H OF THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, “PARKING PROHIBITED”, TO RESTRICT PARKING ON LOCKWOOD COURT WHEREAS, the Traffic Advisory Commission has recommended that new restricted parking zones be established on Lockwood Court; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of public safety to enact said recommendation into law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Chapter 60, Article VII, Section 60.975, Schedule H of the Code of Webster Groves, “Parking Prohibited”, is hereby amended to create a “No Parking, Stopping or Standing Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.” zone on the north side of Lockwood Court beginning just east of the existing passenger loading and unloading zone to a distance of 72 feet. From that point extending eastward, this ordinance shall establish a “No Parking Anytime” zone which extends eastward for 105 feet to the west side of the driveway of 661 Lockwood Court, thus prohibiting parking within the intersection of Lockwood Court and Westborough and within 20 feet of the crosswalk. Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to erect the appropriate signs carrying out the intention of this ordinance. Section 3. This ordinance shall be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval as provided by law. PASSED AND APPROVED this ___ day of _____________, 2022. __________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ____________________________ CITY CLERK  BILL NO. 9203 ORDINANCE NO. 9203 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS THROUGH THE MISSOURI SECURITIES INVESTMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Webster Groves, Missouri is a Constitutional Charter City and a political subdivision of the State of Missouri, organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the states; and, WHEREAS, Article VI, Section Sixteen of the Constitution of Missouri provides that any municipality or political subdivision of the state may cooperate under contract to provide a common service as provided by law; and, WHEREAS, Sections 70.210 - 70.320 RS.Mo. provide that political subdivisions, including cities, towns and villages, may jointly exercise their authority to provide a common service so long as the subject and purposes of such contract are within the scope of the powers of each such participating subdivision; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, deems it to be in the best interests of the City and its citizens to enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement for the investment of public funds through the Missouri Securities Investment Program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Authorization of Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement. The City Council of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri hereby authorizes the City to enter into the amended and restated Missouri Securities Investment Program Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, in substantially the form attached to this Ordinance and marked Exhibit A (the "Agreement') submitted to and reviewed by the governing body of the City, a copy of which shall be filed with the minutes of the meeting at which this Ordinance is adopted, with such changes therein as shall be approved by the representatives of the City executing the Agreement, such representatives signatures thereon being conclusive evidence of their approval thereof. Section 2. Execution of Documents. The City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance and Administration and the Clerk of the City are hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest, respectively, and deliver the Agreement for and on the behalf of and as the act and deed of the City. Such officers are further authorized to execute and attest, respectively, such other documents, certificates and instruments and to take and perform such further acts on behalf of the City as may be necessary or desirable to carry out and comply with and  give effect to the intent of this Ordinance and the Agreement. Section 3. Authorization of Investments. The City hereby authorizes the investment and withdrawal of its available funds from time to time in accordance with the terms of the agreement and the following officers are hereby designated as having full power and authority to invest and withdraw invested funds of the City as provided in the Agreement: [must be the same as section 6 of the Master Account Application] Dr. Marie Peoples City Manager Print Name Title Signature Eric Peterson Asst. City Manager Print Name Title Signature Fiscal Planning & Gregory Donovan Performance Manager Print Name Title Signature Section 4. Authorization to Serve as Member of Board of Directors. The members of the City Council and officers of the City are hereby authorized to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Missouri Securities Investment Program if elected or appointed under the provisions of the Agreement. Section 5. Further Authority. The City shall, and the officers and agents of the City are hereby authorized and directed to, take such action, expend such funds and execute such other documents, certificates and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to carry out and comply with and perform the duties of the City with respect to the Agreement. Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage by the City Council. PASSED AND APPROVED this _____ day of ________ 2022. Mayor Attest: City Clerk  CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES October 18, 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 8:10 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 Absent at Roll Call: Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd (Joined meeting via zoom following roll call.) A quorum was present. Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager Mr. Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney Ms. Katie Nakazono, City Clerk PROCLAMATION The Mayor and Council recognized Lea Berndsen for her years of service to the City. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS David Morrissey commented on concerns with thefts and car break ins. [The Police Department will contact Mr. Morrissey.] Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm Ave., spoke bout thinking outside the box as well as inside the box. [Exhibit A] NEW BUSINESS – MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER No New Business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS BILL #9199 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, BILL #9199 – AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR TELLE IV PROPERTIES, LLC TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF AN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND SERVICES FACILITY ON AN APPROXIMATELY 0.8 ACRE LOT AT 7982-7984 BIG BEND BOULEVARD IN THE “C” COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO, having been introduced and read twice on October 4, 2022, was taken up its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9199. October 18, 2022 Mayor Arnold stated that she heard from a couple of residents of Colonial Village apartments who would like us to look at the parking in that area. Employees at the former establishment would park their cars all day because it was the only area in the business district that wasn’t two-hour parking. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9199. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9199 was approved. BILL #9200 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Smith, BILL #9200 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MISSOURI AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (MAW) TO REMOVE ONE (1) FIRE HYDRANT LOCATED AT THE REAR OF 2819 BRECKENRIDGE INDUSTRIAL COURT, IN THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MO, having been introduced and read twice on October 4, 2022, was taken up its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9200. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9200. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9200 was approved. BILL #9201 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Bliss, seconded by Councilmember Franklin, BILL #9201 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 9190 TO REMOVE THE SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THREE LOTS AT 820 MARSHALL AVENUE AND 828 MARSHALL AVENUE AND RETURNING THE PROPERTY TO TWO LOTS, having been introduced and read twice on October 4, 2022, was taken up its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9201. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9201. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that Bill #9201 was approved. NEW BUSINESS FLOOD MAP PRESENTATION Mara Perry, Director of Planning and Development, gave a presentation on flood maps and answered questions. [Exhibit B] 2 October 18, 2022 BILL #9202 – FIRST & SECOND READING Councilmember Smith introduced BILL #9202 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 60, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 60.975, SCHEDULE H OF THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, “PARKING PROHIBITED”, TO RESTRICT PARKING ON LOCKWOOD COURT, 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 #9203 – FIRST & SECOND READING Councilmember Richardson introduced BILL #9203 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT FOR THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS THROUGH THE MISSOURI SECURITIES INVESTMENT PROGRAM, 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. Councilmember Franklin asked what we have been doing prior to this. Mr. Peterson stated that our investments are generally held through commercial entities. This is another option that we look to add. Mr. Bruntrager stated that initially this was set up for school districts but it has been expanded. Mayor Arnold asked about the increased costs in the mill and overlay program. I know we had problems with the curbs, and I wanted to make sure this wasn’t to fix that. Mr. Peterson stated that the increase is cost increases, the company did cover the cost of replacing the poor-quality curbs. Mayor Arnold asked about the composting grant. Todd Rehg, Director of Public Works, stated that the composting grant was received in March. Cost increases went up after we were awarded the grant. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved. The following Consent Agenda was approved: • Approval of Minutes – October 4, 2022 • Liquor License - Application for Temporary Liquor License for Mary Queen of Peace Church, 676 W. Lockwood Avenue, to Sell Beer and Wine by the Drink for Consumption on the Premises Where Sold at Their Auction on November 5, 2022 • Resolution #2022-49 – Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Design Contract for the Culvert at Gore and Kirkham Avenues • Resolution #2022-50 – Adopting a Purpose Statement for the City of Webster Groves Financial Policies • Resolution #2022-51 – Adopting a Revenue Policy 3 October 18, 2022 • Resolution #2022-52 – Adopting a Financial Operating Policy • Resolution #2022-53 – Adopting an Accounting Policy • Resolution #2022-54 – Adopting a Capital Improvement Plan Policy • Resolution #2022-55 – Adopting a Five-Year Fiscal Plan Policy • Resolution #2022-56 – Authorizing Additional Expenditures for the 2022 Mill and Overlay Program and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Change Order • Resolution #2022-57 – Authorizing the City Manager to Approve Payment for License Fees, Data Storage, and Equipment Maintenance for the Police Department’s Body Camera System • Resolution #2022-58 – Amending the FY-2023 Budget Related to the Composting Grant APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS • David Yates was appointed to the Architectural Review Board. • Lizz James was appointed to the Green Space Advisory Commission. • Carrie Coyne and Jerry Pinkner were reappointed to the Green Space Advisory Commission. • Eric Bowring and Stephanie Skees were appointed to the Business Development Commission. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION Councilmember Bliss made a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Richardson, to go into Executive Closed Session per Attorney-Client Privileged Communications [MO Statute 610.021(1)] and Personnel [MO Statute 610.021 (3)] Mayor Arnold called for the vote to go into Executive (Closed) Session. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that they would go into Executive (Closed) Session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this _______day of ____________________ 2022. ________________________ Mayor _______________ City Clerk 4  Exhibit A Nakazono, Katie From: Dave Buck <dave@buckstl.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2022 10:38 AM To: Laura W. Arnold; Pam Bliss; Alexander, Karen; Richardson, Sarah; Emily Hixson Shepherd; David Franklin; Emerson Smith; Peoples, Marie; Peterson, Eric; Nakazono, Katie; Sarah Riss; Sebastian Bellomo Cc: Perry, Mara; Starkey, Jenny; Conrad, Jennifer; Davis, Scott; Rehg, Todd; Curtis, Dale; Perks, Greg; Ellis, Brett; Gerry Welch; Toni Hunt; Kathy Hart; info@injurylawstl.com; Bill Newhouse; preservewebster@gmail.com; Clark Hotaling; Farrell Carfield; Kathleen Hurley; croftrj@sbcglobal.net; Jeff Smith; bkmacahoon@charter.net; Jamie Hasemeier; Eric Hayes Subject: Dave Buck's Remarks in City Council Meeting, 10/18/22 Caution: This is an External Message - Please be cautious when opening links or attachments I hope you received my email and know that I am proud of you & your great thinking displayed in your strategic planning session this past Saturday. This shares TWO additional perspectives in that regard. FIRST, you voiced the need to think OUTSIDE the Webster Groves box. That's being creative & PROGRESSIVE! But there is also a need to think INSIDE the box. That's being stable & TRADITIONAL! And, in my opinion, while there should be a friendly & healthy push-pull between traditional and progressive, there is plenty of need & opportunity for BOTH! But we must all recognize that since its incorporation 126 years ago in 1896, Webster's historic EQUITIES have defined our box and our unique, well-established CHARACTER & IDENTITY versus other communities. And whenever these equities are violated or threatened, our residents almost immediately react and push back, as they did on Douglass Hill, which was judged to be way out of character for Webster Groves. City Council listened and unanimously agreed to vote against the project. Thus, to me, there is a vital need for Council to strategically define on paper, once and for all, our city's character, identity & our enduring equities to be preserved & protected and provide a shared, consistent view within the community. SECOND, you identified LEADERSHIP as a core value. As you know, there are different kinds of leadership. For example, Fire Chief Brett Ellis has a Doctorate degree in Transformational Leadership. To me, City Council & Staff must strive for SERVANT LEADERSHIP. On the City organizational chart, Council reports to and SERVES the Residents (so you report to me!). You can further strengthen this purpose by continually monitoring & understanding our needs, then crafting a strategic plan that leads the community forward by successfully meeting & serving those needs. This is our city's own circle of life! 1 Thus, as an advocate of market research, it is critically important for you to constantly keep your finger on the pulse of your residents & ideally to gain their input BEFORE you begin serious strategic planning. For example, as a 20+ year resident, my own answers to your various exercises were very different than yours - which is the whole point why your own thinking can be enriched by the upfront thinking of your residents. Thank YOU! 2 Exhibit B Layered Flood Maps FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS FEMA FLOOD MAPS  RESOLUTION 2022-59 AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 RELATED TO DEFICIT REDUCTION WHEREAS, through Resolution 2022-22, the City Council has directed the Administration to undertake a $1 million dollar lapse of expenditures from the General Fund Fiscal Year 2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the Administration has taken steps to reduce expenditures in accordance with the Deficit Reduction Policy in Resolution 2022-22 and recommends this budget amendment as part of its deficit reduction strategy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, that the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, is hereby amended with a total reduction in appropriations of $734,612.05 with an increase or decrease in appropriations, as indicated, in the following funds by the following amounts: General Fund $683,508.36 Decrease Street Improvement Fund $48,265.00 Decrease Sewer Lateral Fund $418.14 Increase Stormwater Fund $744.68 Increase Park Improvement Fund $4,001.51 Decrease Passed and approved on this _______ day of ________, 2022. __________________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ City Clerk  RESOLUTION 2022-60 AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 RELATED TO FIRE HOUSE 2 WHEREAS, final expenditures for certain vendors on the new Fire Station #2 require expenditure authority in the FY2023 budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, that the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, is hereby amended to appropriate an increase in the amount of expenditures of $30,000 in the New Fire Station #2 Fund. Passed and approved on this _______ day of ________, 2022. __________________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ City Clerk  RESOLUTION 2022-61 ADOPTING THE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN POLICY FOR THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES WHEREAS, the City’s Sustainability Commission presented the Council with a Forever Webster Groves Sustainability Plan in 2022, which includes decisive sustainable actions to ensure the City protects future generations of Webster residents, and exhibits strong stewardship of our resources, and the City Council desires to adopt said Sustainability Plan Policy; and WHEREAS, the Sustainability Commission collaborates with business districts and city commissions to realize goals from Forever Webster Groves; and WHEREAS, the goal of a Sustainability Plan is to maintain balance between economic, social, and ecological needs for today and for future generations; and WHEREAS, sustainable cities help create healthy communities, healthy residents, and healthy environment; and WHEREAS, sustainable cities lead the way in more efficient and renewable energy and fuels to reduce costs and the City’s carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, sustainable cities protect water quality and green spaces while encouraging smart development. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Webster Groves, Missouri, that the attached Exhibit A, be adopted as the City’s Sustainability Plan Policy. Passed and approved on this _______ day of ________, 2022. __________________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ City Clerk  Exhibit A FOREVER WEBSTER GROVES CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 2022  WEBSTER GROVES MUNICIPAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN A pathway for decisive sustainability actions to ensure Webster Groves remains healthy, and prosperous today and for future generations. Mayor: Sustainability Commission Gerry Welch Jamie Hasemeier, Chair: Jeffrey Tomich, Vice Chair City Council: Aamna Anwer Karen Alexander Paul Barrs Laura Arnold John Berendzen Pam Bliss Jeffrey Mazur David Franklin Padraic McGrath Sarah Green Elizabeth Schappe Emerson Smith Michael Stauss Karla Armbruster City Staff: Todd Rehg 1  TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction & 03 Vision Statement 04 Executive Summary Focus Areas 05 Overview Transportation/ 06 Mobility 10 Built Environment 14 Natural Environment 17 Community Engagement & Development 19 Recommendations 2  INTRODUCTION & VISION STATEMENT Forever Webster Groves will light the path to a sustainable future for all who live and work in Webster Groves. Together we can design and implement strategies to maintain and improve a lasting quality of life and ensure a resilient and thriving Webster Groves for present and future generations, while retaining and improving our beautiful natural resources and environment. 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without sacrificing the needs of the future. Forever Webster Groves will provide objectives, methods, and actions to tackle short and long term strategies to address environmental changes, strengthen sustainability, and build a community of responsible stewards. By implementing the plan outlined in this document, we can meaningfully reduce our collective impact on the environment that we rely on for our personal, social and economic welfare. Forever Webster Groves will serve as the launching point and create a framework for making well-reasoned decisions based on resource conservation and life-cycle cost analysis. It will highlight areas of collaboration between residents, businesses, educational and other institutions, and City government. This plan is a living document, ensuring that decisions made by the City be viewed through a lens of sustainability and equity. In cooperation with the Sustainability Commission, it should be reviewed bi-annually to meet changing needs and priorities and to ensure goals are on track. The plan introduces the need for an Office of Sustainability to implement the strategies outlined. The strategies will require focused leadership that builds and values strong relationships with all City departments and regional parties. 4  Forever Webster Groves consists of four focus areas, each with a set of FOCUS objectives and recommended actions. AREAS The focus areas and objectives will guide our future efforts while also allowing for flexibility. TRANSPORTATION/MOBILITY Webster Groves is a mature, thriving community that charms residents and visitors alike. Our dependence on cars and trucks comes at a cost to the environment, both locally and beyond: traffic, smog, public safety and climate change.The transportation sector (mobile source pollution) is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US.[1] Some of the solutions to making transit and mobility more sustainable include creating streets that are bike and pedestrian friendly and accessible, electrifying the City fleet, promoting walkability/bikeability, and taking measures to reduce air pollution from road and non- road engines. BUILT ENVIRONMENT Webster Groves has a robust and diverse collection of buildings, many of them historic. The energy and resources used to support these buildings and civil infrastructure contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Investments in clean energy provide the dual benefit of supporting public health and helping lower long term energy costs. Strategies in this focus area aim to reduce emissions by repairing or improving infrastructure, encouraging renewable energy use, creating more efficient building standards, reducing air, light, and noise pollution, strengthening recycling, and adopting smart growth objectives. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Tree-lined streets, parks, greenways, and our own yards are gathering places for a thriving community. Webster has a healthy balance of parks and tree canopy to host wildlife and bring joy and comfort to our lives. This focus area will define ways to support the ecological health of our green spaces, encourage native plant landscapes, harmonize with natural systems, address water quality and conservation, enhance green areas of neglect, and improve stormwater flooding events. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Webster Groves offers a strong sense of community that is all its own and ever-evolving. The community is stable, including many people whose families have lived here for generations, but also open and welcoming to new residents . Creating a common set of goals and an appreciation for shared experiences will bring neighbors even closer together and reinforce the pride in our city’s character. Objectives within this focus area include local food systems, regional sustainability efforts, environmental awareness within the community, healthy ecosystems, outreach and educational opportunities, and accountability. 5 TRANSPORTATION/MOBILITY Webster Groves is a mature, thriving community that charms residents and visitors alike. Our dependence on cars and trucks comes at a cost to the environment, both locally and beyond: traffic, smog, public safety and climate change.The transportation sector (mobile source pollution) is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US.[1] Some of the solutions to making transit and mobility more sustainable include creating streets that are bike and pedestrian friendly and accessible, electrifying the City fleet, promoting walkability/bikeability, and taking measures to reduce air pollution from road and non-road engines. 6  TARGETS Streets Enhance street infrastructure to facilitate multimodal mobility Encourage rideshare, walking, biking and other modes of micromobility. Implement the 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and assess appropriate updates. Complete a streets audit to determine where additional bike lane striping or sharrows can be added. Ensure bike and pedestrian friendly access routes to all schools. Enhance access to public transit. City Fleet Create and implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan that prioritizes low environmental impact for vehicles and maintenance machinery. Add hybrid/electric vehicles and maintenance machinery such as mowers. Right-size/downsize the City fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions. Phase in no-idling practices for non-emergency vehicles. Encourage trip bundling and vehicle sharing. 7  TARGETS Mobility Options Promote alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel. Increase understanding of and participation in public transportation, carpooling, ridesharing, walking, biking and other modes of micromobility. Walking & Biking Raise awareness of human and environmental health benefits of walking and biking. Apply for and seek recognition as a Walk Friendly Community. Install more bike racks and use geographic information systems (GIS) to highlight locations of bike racks installed by the city and where businesses have them. Improve options for crossing Highway 44 by bike or on foot. Engage with local experts to become a stronger biking community. Work with WGPD to aggressively enforce pedestrian right of way at all signals and crosswalks, focusing first on schools and senior living communities. Consider sidewalks in neighborhoods that lack them. 8  TARGETS Support Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Adopt ordinances to require new homes and commercial construction to be EV- ready. Create a solar strategy for charging electric vehicles. Invest in charging stations at the Rec Center. Air Quality Phase out use of two-cycle engines and encourage use of electric or manual alternatives. Work with WGSD on a communication campaign to support no idling efforts for the streets surrounding Creative Solutions Revisit parking requirements. Encourage all boards and commissions to walk, bike, or carpool to meetings. 9 BUILT ENVIRONMENT Boasting beautiful homes, synergistic educational institutions, and destination business districts (city buildings), Webster Groves has a robust and diverse collection of buildings. The energy and resources used to support these buildings and civil infrastructure contributes large amounts of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Investments in clean energy have the double bottom line of benefiting health and budget. To serve those who live, work, and play here, the strategies in this focus area aim at lowering the greenhouse gas emissions and include repairing and improving infrastructure, encouraging renewable energy, creating more efficient building standards, reducing air, light, and noise pollution, strengthening recycling, and adopting smart growth objectives. 10  TARGETS City Owned & Operated Buildings Buildings owned and operated by the City should be commissioned or retro- commissioned to meet a LEED-equivalent standard. Look to other cities with ambitious energy goals to create benchmarks for energy usage. Identify savings opportunities such as rebates and grants. Retrofit all City owned and operated buildings to energy efficient light bulbs and install daylight and/or occupancy sensors. Conduct energy/lighting audits and implement energy savings programs. Calculate the average energy use of City owned and operated buildings and monitor energy use of city owned buildings. Report annually on usage patterns, with the goal of lowering GHG production. Promote practices that switch landfill-bound products to recyclable packaging products and virgin paper products to post-consumer recycled paper. Create a campaign that establishes a culture of waste reduction. Implement a “shut off” educational campaign to encourage City employees to shut down computers, space heaters, lights, etc. when they are not in use at the end of each day. Replace appliances with Energy Star Certified appliances and EPA Water Sense certified or equivalent products. Implement a green cleaning policy in all City owned and operated buildings and offices by using certified sustainable products. Encourage sustainable population density. 11  TARGETS Private Residential Buildings Promote energy efficient projects and practices that prioritize green building code improvements and retrofits. Create a social media campaign to raise awareness of programs and garner citizen promotion. Provide new homeowners with an energy efficiency guide that provides resources about energy audits, information about existing programs (utility rebates), and access to grants for updating their building’s efficiency. Create incentive programs (financial/recognition) to assist homeowners along the path of sustainable living with a basic plan including, but not limited to, solar installation, green roofs, rain gardens. Business/Educational/Religious Non-Profit Institutions Create an incentive program to recognize green businesses/schools. Offer resources to facilitate energy audits. Connect institutions with entities that can provide assessments for the adoption of renewables. Codify green building guidelines to ensure new construction is done sustainably. Provide new construction and renovation projects access to resources for construction and demolition waste diversion and recycling programs during permitting. 12  TARGETS Lighting Change street lamps to LED with shades to protect bird populations. Conduct an audit to identify other sources of light pollution that endanger bird populations. Explore cost savings opportunities with Ameren. Renewables Adopt solar energy standards that allow and encourage appropriate renewable energy installations for businesses, City owned and operated buildings, organizations and residents. Seek and promote local, county, state, and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems (solar, wind, geothermal). Provide incentives for businesses who install solar to generate electricity (individually or in collaborative networking with other nearby businesses) or other sources of renewable energy. Develop plans to install solar energy systems to power City owned and operated buildings. 13 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Tree-lined streets, parks, greenways, and our own yards are gathering places for a thriving community. Webster has a healthy balance of parks and tree canopy to host wildlife and bring joy and comfort to our lives. This focus area will define ways to support the ecological health of our green spaces, encourage native plant landscapes, harmonize with Earth’s systems, address water quality and conservation, and improve stormwater flooding events. 14  TARGETS Stormwater Management Manage stormwater runoff through mitigation strategies (rainscaping, pervious surfaces, drainage systems, etc.). Code Analysis & Updating Inventory current land use regulations. Identify barriers, incentives, and gaps in those regulations. Determine priority code amendments to achieve community sustainability goals. Water Quality & Conservation Prevent municipal water contamination via best management practices for pesticide/fertilizer use. Promote practices that conserve water at City owned and operated buildings. Develop a drought action plan. 15  TARGETS Air Quality Reduce the generation of local air contaminants via targets addressed in Transportation/Mobility. Work with regional partners to measure air quality in various regions of WG (GHG inventory) to create a target and timeline for pollution reduction. Conduct a GHG inventory every 3 years to measure reductions. Phase out two-cycle engines and facilitate WG residents' choice between electric, propane or solar powered tools and equipment for maintenance and grounds keeping, as deemed feasible. As addressed in Transportation/Mobility targets, work with WGSD on a communication campaign to support no idling efforts for the streets surrounding our schools. Plant trees and native landscaping in areas with greater concentrations of contaminants. Develop a recognition program for residents, businesses, educational institutions, and City buildings to recognize efforts that encourage practices that improve air quality. 16 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Webster Groves offers a strong sense of community that is all its own and ever- evolving. The community is stable, including many people whose families have lived here for generations, but also open and welcoming to new residents . Creating a common set of goals and an appreciation for shared experiences will bring neighbors even closer together and reinforce the pride in our city’s character. Objectives within this focus area include local food systems, regional sustainability efforts, environmental awareness within the community, healthy ecosystems, outreach and educational opportunities, and accountability. 17  TARGETS Waste Reduction & Recycling Establish/encourage residential composting via a formal compost pick-up program (curbside or micro-hauler arrangements). Establish semi-annual community recycling events for residents (electronics, paper shredding). Encourage & support local restaurants to join the Green Dining Alliance. Educational Programming Engage with community gardeners in North Webster to lead educational programming for the community about local food systems. Establish Sustainability 101 workshops for residents. Environmental Justice Engage all Webster Groves residents to evaluate environmental equity. Identify marginalized communities in Webster Groves and identify City practices that unequally affect them. Educate City staff about environmental justice issues to ensure Webster Groves remains vigilant to potential concerns of environmental racism. City Sponsored Events Reduce waste at all city owned buildings. Install water bottle refill stations in City owned buildings. Encourage the use of reusable water bottles. Eliminate plastic water bottles and styrofoam at all venues. Provide recycling and food waste solutions (Recycling On-the-Go by EarthDay 365) at City sponsored events. 18 RECOMMENDATIONS Create a Director of Sustainability position to oversee implementation of Forever Webster Groves. Gather data to establish benchmarks of city owned buildings in order to quantify environmental and financial measurables. Review the plan semi-annually for the first three years to adapt to evolving needs and priorities and to ensure goals are on track. Encourage collaboration between individual departments and the Director of Sustainability to develop goals and implementation strategies. Determine the schedule and priority level of the strategies in each Focus Area. Communicate with the residents and businesses of Webster Groves the urgency and create a sense of cooperation. Add a statement of sustainability into the mission for the City of Webster Groves. Seek funding opportunities available to municipalities at the regional, state, and federal levels. Collaborate with regional sustainability organizations and efforts to foster a strong ecosystem of cooperation 19 This plan was created by the Webster Groves Sustainability Commission in March 2022.