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 the meetings are available at www.webstergrovesmo.gov/virtualmeetings. [Please note, due to the ongoing pandemic, masks are recommended.] CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA DATE: TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 7, 2023 6:30 P.M. LOCATION – CITY HALL IN-PERSON AND VIRTUALLY #4 E. LOCKWOOD AVENUE 1. BOARD/COMMISSION INTERVIEWS 2. REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA 3. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER ISSUES/MEETING UPDATES 4. TOPICS: • Historic Preservation Commission Report to Council • Strategic Planning Update 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  *Revised - February 6, 2023 - 8:00 a.m. CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 7, 2023 7:30 P.M. LOCATION–CITY HALL-#4 E. LOCKWOOD IN-PERSON AND VIRTUALLY 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 meetings available at www.webstergrovesmo.gov/virtualmeetings. [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. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - Police Officer of the Year Kimberly King - Black History Month - Thirty Year Certified Local Government Recognition – From the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office III. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Designation of the Structures and Surrounding Property as City Designated Historic Structures Located at the Following Addresses: 101 Eldridge Avenue; 121 Eldridge Avenue; 124 Eldridge Avenue; 125 Eldridge Avenue; 604 Fair Oaks Avenue; 324 Hazel Avenue; 330 Hazel Avenue; 441 S. Maple Avenue; 208 W. Old Watson Road; 676 Plateau Avenue; 226 Simmons Avenue; and 228 Simmons Avenue • Bill #9213 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance Designating and Establishing the Structures Located at 101 Eldridge Avenue; 121 Eldridge Avenue; 124 Eldridge Avenue; 125 Eldridge Avenue; 604 Fair Oaks Avenue; 324 Hazel Avenue; 330 Hazel Avenue; 441 S. Maple Avenue; 208 W. Old Watson Road; 676 Plateau Avenue; 226 Simmons Avenue; and 228 Simmons Avenue as City Designated Historic Landmarks in the City and Matters Related Thereto Backup Info for Public Hearing  IV. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS V. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Bill #9212 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program Agreement for the Design and Construction of a Culvert, New Guardrail, New Sidewalk, Curb Ramps and Reconstruction of Concrete Pavement on Elm Avenue at Shady Grove Creek [Federal Project No. STBG-5577(639)] VII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Outlook and Priorities 2. Bill #9214 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance Levying the Cost of Abating Certain Nuisances (Removal of Grass, Weeds, and Limbs Etc.) as Special Tax Bills Against the Properties Hereinafter Described and Constituting Levies as Liens on the Respective Properties 3. *Fire Department Apparatus Update VIII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes – January 17, 2023 2. Resolution #2023-02 – Authorizing the City Manager to Enter an Agreement with Dell Financial Services for Purchase of City Computers and Equipment 3. Liquor License (Temporary) – Application by Mary Queen of Peace Church, 676 W. Lockwood Ave., to Sell Beer and Wine by the Drink for Consumption on the Premises Where Sold at Their Fish Fry on March 3, 2023 and March 31, 2023 4. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND 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)] XI. 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 – FEBRUARY 21, 2023  BILL #9213 ORDINANCE #9213 AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING AND ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 101 ELDRIDGE AVENUE, 121 ELDRIDGE AVENUE, 124 ELDRIDGE AVENUE, 125 ELDRIDGE AVENUE, 604 FAIR OAKS AVENUE, 324 HAZEL AVENUE, 330 HAZEL AVENUE, 441 S MAPLE AVENUE, 208 W OLD WATSON ROAD, 676 PLATEAU AVENUE, 226 SIMMONS AVENUE AND 228 SIMMONS AVENUE AS CITY-DESIGNATED HISTORIC LANDMARKS IN THE CITY AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO WHEREAS, it has been declared the public policy of the City through Chapter 52 of the Code of Webster Groves (“the Code”) that the protection and enhancement of buildings, structures and site of special historic, aesthetic or architectural significance are required in the interest of promoting the educational cultural, economic and general welfare of the City; and WHEREAS, the structures located at 101 Eldridge Ave, 121 Eldridge Ave, 124 Eldridge Ave, 125 Eldridge Ave, 604 Fair Oaks Ave, 324 Hazel Ave, 330 Hazel Ave, 441 S Maple Ave, 208 W Old Watson Rd, 676 Plateau Ave, 226 Simmons Ave, and 228 Simmons Ave (“the Structures”) were nominated for designation as historic structures; and WHEREAS, the Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission (“the Commission”) duly held a public hearing on January 10, 2023 for public comment about whether the Structures should be designated as landmarks; and WHEREAS, the Commission recommended by a vote of 7-0 that the Structures be designated as historic structures; and WHEREAS, consideration of the recommendation was referred to the City Council, which duly held a public hearing on February 7, 2023 and received comment about whether the Structures should be designated as landmarks; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the record and recommendations made by the Commission and all public comment regarding the Structures. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES: Section 1. The City Council hereby finds the following facts support the designation of each of the Structures as significant historic structures: A. Documents: Ownership/legal information as listed in the St. Louis County Department of Revenue records for the following properties: 1  1. 101 Eldridge Ave 2. 121 Eldridge Ave 3. 124 Eldridge Ave 4. 125 Eldridge Ave 5. 604 Fair Oaks Ave 6. 324 Hazel Ave 7. 330 Hazel Ave 8. 441 S Maple Ave 9. 208 W Old Watson Rd 10. 676 Plateau Ave 11. 226 Simmons Ave 12. 228 Simmons Ave B. Description of important features: One story, gable roof typically 1,025 square foot 31 foot by 35 foot house. Exterior and interior enameled-steel panels bolted to a steel skeleton with a concrete slab foundation. Metal stud walls with spacer plates for insulation. Twenty wall framing sections and ten corner assemblies. Trusses on four foot intervals for the roof structure. Exterior metal panels measure two feet square with interior panels at two foot wide. Interior panels ran from floor to ceiling with four foot square panels on the ceiling. Most homes had a radiant heat system with a forced air furnace and a plenum between the roof trusses and the ceiling. Many of the original architectural features remain on the houses. Some have had siding installed over the exterior metal panels of the house. C. History and Significance: After World War II, there was a shortage of housing, as very few homes had been constructed since the beginning of the great depression. Carl Strandlund, an Ohio businessman, developed Lustron homes. His product was unique because it was made entirely of steel, including the interior walls. Roughly 2600 homes were produced between 1948 and 1950. While a local dealer provided the concrete slab and footings, all other building components were manufactured offsite in Ohio. This approach reduced the homes’ construction schedule, which helped to address the current housing needs. At one time, the St. Louis area had 70 Lustrons, 21 of which were in Webster Groves. According to a St. Louis Post Dispatch 2006 article by Tom Long: “Part of the reason why St. Louis has so many homes is that the dealer here was Charles Dewitt, the father of one of the current owners of the baseball Cardinals, Bill Dewitt, according to Esley Hamilton, historic preservationist with the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation. Charles Dewitt was a popular figure in the city at the time.” Today, only 13 Lustron homes remain in Webster Groves. 2  D. The Property: 1. 101 Eldridge Ave – A tract of land being described as Webster Heights Lots 19-20 2. 121 Eldridge Ave – A tract of land being described as Webster Heights Lots 27-28 3. 124 Eldridge Ave – A tract of land being described as Webster Heights Block 1 Lots 7 Pts 6-8 4. 125 Eldridge Ave – A tract of land being described as Webster Heights Lots 29-30 5. 604 Fair Oaks Ave – A tract of land being described as Gallagher Place Lots pts 8 & 9 6. 324 Hazel Ave – A tract of land being described as Hazelwood Lots Pts 25 & 26 North parts 7. 330 Hazel Ave – A tract of land being described as Hazelwood Lots Pts 25 & 26 8. 441 S Maple Ave – A tract of land being described as Edmondson Addition to South Webster Lot Pt 8 S. Part 9. 208 W Old Watson Rd – A tract of land being described as John Sappington Estate Lot Pt 1 10. 676 Plateau Ave – A tract of land being described as Webster Heights Lots 1-2 11. 226 Simmons Ave – A tract of land being described as Waveland Park Lot Part 23 East Part 12. 228 Simmons Ave – A tract of land being described as Waveland Park Lot Part 23 West Part Section 2. The factual findings in Section 1 above demonstrate that each Structure qualifies for historic designation and preservation under each subsection of Section 52.190 of the code because of: A. Its character, interest, or value as a part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the community, county, state or country; B. Its overall setting and harmony as a collection of buildings, structures, objects where the overall collection forms a unit; C. Its potential to be returned to an accurate historic appearance regardless of alterations or insensitive treatment that can be demonstrated to be reversible; D. Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state or country; E. Its embodiment of distinguished characteristics of an architectural type valuable for the study of a period type, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials; F. Its embodiment of design elements that make it structurally or architecturally innovative; G. Its unique location or singular physical characteristic that make it an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or City; H. Its character as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure, including, but not limited to farmhouses, gas stations or other commercial structures, with a high level of integrity of architectural significance; I. Its suitability for preservation or restoration; and J. Its potential to yield information important to history and prehistory. 3  Section 3. Based on the written evidence presented and the oral testimony given, the City Council hereby finds that the Structures have sufficient integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship to make them worthy of preservation and restoration. Section 4. The City Council hereby designates the Structures as historic structures. The Structures are more particularly identified in Section 1D above and with the following locator numbers as shown in the records of the Director of Revenue for St. Louis County, Missouri: 22K411112; 22K411167; 22K410917; 22K411178; 23K630233; 23K240452; 23K240393; 23K120543; 24L320033; 22K410562; 23L320263; and 23L310484. Section 5. The City may erect signage within the public right of way at the front of the properties where the Structures are located that designates them as historic landmarks and may provide information to the public concerning the historic nature of the Structures. Section 6. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional. Section 7. All ordinances, resolutions or parts of ordinance or resolutions previously passed that are inconsistent in whole or in part are hereby repealed. Section 8. This Ordinance shall not be published in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 9. This Ordinance shall be in effect from and after its passage and approval as provided by law. Passed and Approved this _____ day of _______________ 2023. _____________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk 4  BILL #9212 ORDINANCE #9212 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT (STBG) PROGRAM AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A CULVERT, NEW GUARDRAIL, NEW SIDEWALK, CURB RAMPS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT ON ELM AVENUE AT SHADY GROVE CREEK [FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STBG-5577(639)] WHEREAS, this federal aid project agreement will be with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program for the design and construction of a culvert, new guardrail, new sidewalk, curb ramps and reconstruction of concrete pavement on Elm Avenue at Shady Grove Creek; and WHEREAS, in order for the City to utilize these funds allocated for the project covering 80 percent of the estimated construction, a Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Agreement must be executed between the City and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to enter into a Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission consistent with the understanding set forth above and substantially in the form of the agreement attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. Section 2. This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 3. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon passage and approval as provided by law. PASSED AND APPROVED this ________ day of _____________________, 2023. ________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ____________________________________ CITY CLERK  BILL #9214 ORDINANCE #9214 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING THE COST OF ABATING CERTAIN NUISANCES (REMOVAL OF GRASS, WEEDS, AND LIMBS, ETC.) AS SPECIAL TAX BILLS AGAINST THE PROPERTIES HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED AND CONSTITUTING LEVIES AS LIENS ON THE RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES WHEREAS, the City Manager, in compliance with Chapter 31 (the Comprehensive Nuisance Ordinance) and/or Chapter 30 (Existing Structures Code) of the Code of the City of Webster Groves, did properly cause the abatement of certain violations and nuisances by removing the growth of grass/weeds, dead trees, debris, and other dangerous conditions, by and through contracts with: GS Landscaping & Lawn Care LLC 5339 Chapelford Lane St. Louis, MO 63119 on the premises described herein; and WHEREAS, Chapters 30 and 31 of the Code of Webster Groves require the City Council to assess against each lot concerned a special assessment equivalent to the expense incurred in removing such nuisances for the benefit of each lot concerned and the safety and general welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, after due notice to each individual property owner, the City Manager has certified such expense to the City Council, showing the lot and block numbers and dates on which the removal and/or abatement of the violations and/or nuisances occurred and the names and addresses of each respective owner, if known. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: There is hereby assessed against each of the following described lots a special assessment in the amount shown opposite each lot, which is the sum equivalent to the expense incurred by the City of Webster Groves in removing and abating each of the violations and nuisances, and the City Clerk is directed to issue a special tax bill in the amount of the expenses for each respective lot benefitted. Section 2: The aforesaid special tax bills shall be due and payable thirty (30) days after their issuance by the City Clerk, shall bear interest at the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum from and after thirty (30) days after issuance, and shall be a lien against each respective lot against which they are issued until paid. 1  Section 3: The City Manager is hereby authorized to enforce the collection of each lien and charge recording and releasing fees, as provided by law, and the City may also forward all necessary information and documents to the Collector of Revenue of St. Louis County, Missouri, so as to have each special tax bill added to the real property tax rolls as provided by law. Section 4: This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 5: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval as provided by law. Passed and approved this ____ day of _____________, 2023. ___________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ___________________________________ CITY CLERK 2  CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES January 17, 2023 The City Council met this date in a regular session, in-person in the Council Chambers, and via Zoom, at 7:33 p.m. Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold Councilmember Pam Bliss Councilmember David Franklin Councilmember Emerson Smith Councilmember Karen D. Alexander (via Zoom) Councilmember Sarah Richardson (via Zoom) Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd A quorum was present. Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager Mr. Peter Bruntrager, Acting City Attorney Katie Nakazono, City Clerk REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm Ave. (See Exhibit A) Carl Wolff, 3 Clydehurst Drive, addressed adopting a new International Building Code, either 2018 or 2021, which would bring about a more progressive interpretation related to solar panels on residential roofs. He is looking for clarification. Mayor Arnold invited Mr. Wolff to meet with her on Thursday morning, or another time that would work for him. He had a copy of a design, and Councilmember Franklin asked for a copy. Mayor Arnold said that she would share a copy with the Council. NEW BUSINESS – MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER No new business. NEW BUSINESS BILL #9212 – FIRST & SECOND READING Councilmember Hixson Shepherd introduced BILL #9212 - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT (STBG) PROGRAM AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A CULVERT, NEW GUARDRAIL, NEW SIDEWALK, CURB RAMPS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT ON ELM AVENUE AT SHADY GROVE CREEK [FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STBG- 5577(639)], 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. January 17, 2023 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 – January 3, 2023 • Resolution #2023-01 – Engaging the Services of WM Financial Strategies, as Municipal Advisor to the City, and Gilmore & Bell, P.C., as Bond and Disclosure Counsel to the City APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS No appointments. Mayor Arnold invited all to go online and view the United WE initiative related to the City partnering with United WE to collaborate in increasing the number of women on boards and commissions. She announced that there will be a training event in early February – details are online. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED) SESSION (Start time 8:13 p.m.) Councilmember Bliss made a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Franklin, to go into Executive Closed Session per Attorney-Client Privileged Communications [MO Statute 610.021 (1)], Personnel [MO Statute 610.021 (3)], and Negotiated Contract [Mo Statute 610.021 (12)]. Mayor Arnold called for the vote to go into Executive (Closed) Session. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS 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 Regular Meeting ended at 7:44 p.m., and Council reconvened the Work Session. The above closed session was then called to order at 8:13 p.m., and was adjourned at 9:43 p.m., on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this _______day of ____________________ 2023. ________________________ Mayor ____________ City Clerk 2  Exhibit A Nakazono, Katie From: Dave Buck <dave@buckstl.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 10:11 AM To: Laura W. Arnold; Pam Bliss; Alexander, Karen; Richardson, Sarah; Emily Hixson Shepherd; David Franklin; Emerson Smith; Peoples, Marie; Peterson, Eric; njbatty@aol.com; Perry, Mara; Starkey, Jenny; Nakazono, Katie; Conrad, Jennifer; Davis, Scott; Rehg, Todd; Curtis, Dale; Ellis, Brett; Sarah Riss; Sebastian Bellomo Cc: Karen Park; nikkilemley@gmail.com; fransudekum@aol.com; John Barr; info@balkantreatbox.com; gary schoenberger; jmrath@sbcglobal.net; Mark Hinkle; info@theohhf.org; Rebecca Ortyl; greg@mightyoakes.org; Stanley Browne; San Jose Webster Groves; Embroider the Occasion; Jaime Mowers; Toni Hunt; Kathy Hart; info@injurylawstl.com; Bill Newhouse; Gerry Welch; bkmacahoon@charter.net; mgbrad@aol.com; john ahearnstudio.com; Don Drissell; j.donaldson@webster-arts.org; heather@webster-arts.org; Pmurphystl; Jahna Kahrhoff; Davis Allen; Andrew Throm; Kevin Cole; 'schaefer.todd@wgmail.org'; wichard.sara@wgmail.org; Marissa Capron; meg.nash@att.net; Jeffrey Carter; Lara Teeter; Laura Stoessel; Nicole Springer; Hana Sharif; Danny Williams; Adena Varner; 'stroble'; John Simpson; Jo Doll; Jason Adams; Yucandu Art Studio; Mary Martin Art Studio; mccaughen@aol.com; Warner Properties; Farrell Carfield; Kathleen Hurley; Elyssa Sullivan; Matt Irvin; cpelofsky@thecollegeschool.org; John Gabriel; dkrause@eden.edu; principal@holyr.org; jsmith@mqpwg.org; kneal@waldorfstl.org; Bill Florent; Shenita Mayes; Lisa Hilpert; Malissa Beecham Judge; peterson.hannah@wgmail.org; Bill Senti; Joe Hays; nomensen.tracy@wgmail.org; bielicki.lauren@wgmail.org Subject: Dave Buck's "Remarks from the Community & Visitors", Webster Groves City Council Regular Meeting, January 17, 2023 Caution: This is an External Message ‐ Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Given that your strategic planning process is s ll on‐going, this shares what I think Webster Groves can learn from three ci es – Ladue, Clayton & University City – where Barb & I lived, worked, played and raised a family before moving to Webster 23 years ago. Ladue, popula on 9,000, has the highest median household income of ANY city in Missouri with over 1,000 people. They are lazer‐focused on their unique iden ty, as Ladue knows EXACTLY who they are, who they ARE NOT, where they are headed & who they wish to a ract. Is Webster finally ready to fully define & focus on its unique iden ty? Clayton, popula on 17,000, was built by pu ng two stakes in the ground ‐ restaurants & the arts – and the rest is history. And what’s driving Webster’s popularity & iden ty today – restaurants & the arts, i.e., the 1 fine arts & the culinary arts. Is Webster finally ready to own “City of the Arts” across all sectors of our community? University City, popula on 35,000, and the famed U City Loop was created with YOUTH in mind. At age 36, David Franklin is a Millennial and the youngest person on City Council. But almost 30% of Webster’s popula on is YOUTH 24 years and younger, known as Gen Z. Laura, these are OUR kids and you know they have a very different world view than we do. Is Webster finally ready to create a Gen Z or Youth Advisory Board, comprised of kids from Webster U, the school district and other schools in the city, to advise City Council with their unique perspec ves, insights and ideas? I CERTAINLY HOPE SO! Thank YOU! 2