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. All those attending in person must comply with masking and other public health measures as ordered by the City of Webster Groves. CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA DATE: TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 6, 2024 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: • Proposition W - Educational Campaign Discussion • Discussion: Local Sales Tax on Groceries 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 – FEBRUARY 6, 2024 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. All those attending in person must comply with masking and other public health measures as ordered by the City of Webster Groves. 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 - Black History Month III. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Designation of the Structures and Surrounding Property as City Designated Historic Structures Located at: 407 Fairview Avenue (Bethany Lutheran Church) • Bill #9245 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance Designating and Establishing the Structures and Surrounding Property Located at 407 Fairview Avenue as City Designated Historic Landmarks and Matters Related Thereto IV. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS V. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER  VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Bill #9243 – Third 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 VII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes – January 16, 2024 2. Liquor License - 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 Fish Fries on February 16, 2024 and March 22, 2024 3. Resolution #2024-05 – Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 4. Resolution #2024-06 – Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for Roof Restoration at City Hall 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 – FEBRUARY 20, 2024  BILL # 9245 ORDINANCE # 9245 AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING AND ESTABLISHING THE STRUCTURES AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 407 FAIRVIEW AVENUE AS CITY-DESIGNATED HISTORIC LANDMARKS 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 sites 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 and surrounding property located at 407 Fairview Avenue (“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 9, 2024 for public comment about whether the Structures should be designated as landmarks; and WHEREAS, the Commission recommended by a vote of 8-0 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 6, 2024 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 Structure: 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 property: 407 Fairview Avenue B. Description of important features: The Scandinavian Romanesque Revival Church built in 1904 is a rectangular one story frame structure with a bell tower. The church has a steep-pitched gable roof with he gable end facing forward. The roof is slightly flared at the eaves where the bargeboards are decoratively shaped. The bell tower, it’s hipped and flared eight sided spire in the upper  section is attached at the front corner of the building. The doorway is raised several steps off a concrete porch and has a gable-roofed canopy supported by brackets. The double doors are decoratively paneled and have round- arched windows in the upper portions. A triple clerestory window is above the entry, with opalescent stained glass in the three tall round-arched openings, the center one of which is taller. A circular vent is above the window in the gable. Three smaller windows in the faced, and two others in the bell tower have segmented arched heads. The belfry windows are paired round-arched openings set within larger round-arched frames. The side windows are tall and rectangular. The concrete block foundation is scored to simulate stone. The parsonage to the east of the church was built in 1920 after the church and had operated later as the church offices and a rental property. C. History and Significance (written by Judy Little in 1991 for the Historic Inventory Sheet for the State Office of Historic Preservation): The origins of Bethany Lutheran Church began in 1877 when Danish immigrants in Webster Groves established and built a small Scandinavian Lutheran Church on Lockwood near Gray. This congregation existed for about twenty years. In 1897, some of the members contacted the newly formed United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Synod and with their help organized Bethany Lutheran Church. The charter members are listed as Abel Nielsen Winthers, Anders Petersen, Jens Anderson, H.C. Anderson, Jens Nissen, Hans Bock, Peter Hansen, L.P. Hansen, Hans Hansen and Jacob Braroe. J.K. Jensen was the first pastor. The church’s second pastor. Niels Bentsen, whose service began after 1899, led the church to the construction of a new building in 1904. After purchase of a lot by the Ladies Aid Society, the plans were drawn by P. Petersen, and the men of the congregation did most of the construction work. A Danish artist, B. Hellig, who had come for the St. Louis World’s Fair and was housed by Reverend Bentsen, created the painting over the alter in exchange for his room and board. The Young People’s Society paid $40 to Rev. Bentsen for Mr. Hellig’s stay and $25 to Mr. Helic for materials for painting which depicts Jesus at Bethany in the home of his friends, Mary and Martha. The art glass windows were installed in the thirties in memory of various founders of the congregation. Workship services were held in Danish until 1926 when English was also used. After 1930, all services were in English. Most members of the congregation were of Danish descent until 1960, when Bethany became past of the American Lutheran Church. Danish members eventually became the minority but some of their traditions continued. In 1988, the American Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Church in America, and the Lutheran Church of America merged into the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bethany is now a part of the Central States Synod of the ELCA.  The Property: 407 Fairview Avenue (Locator #22K510057) - A tract of land being described as Tuxedo Park Lots 44 thorough 46. 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 potential to be returned to an accurate historic appearance regardless of alterations or insensitive treatment that can be demonstrated to be reversible; C. Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state or country; D. 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; E. Its embodiment of elements of design, detailing, materials or craftsmanship that render it architecturally significant; F. Its unique location or singular physical characteristic that make it an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or City; G. Its suitability for preservation or restoration; and H. Its potential to yield information important to history and prehistory. 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 it worthy of preservation and restoration. Section 4. The City Council hereby designates the Structure as an historic structure. The Structure is more particularly identified in Section 1D above and with the following locator number as shown in the records of the Director of Revenue for St. Louis County, Missouri: 22K510057; 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 _______________ 2024. _____________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk January 9, 2024 – HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION HEARING The following is a list of evidence for 407 Fairview Avenue (Bethany Lutheran Church): 1. Ownership/legal information as listed in the St. Louis County Department of Revenue records. 2. Copy of the Notice of Public Hearing that was posted on the property on December 21, 2023 3. Letters to the owner of the property, notifying of the intent to nominate and of the public hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission dated December 27, 2023 4. Affidavit of Publication for Ad in Webster Kirkwood Times 5. Documentation on the history of the property: a. Bethany Lutheran Church historic timeline narrative from the Webster Groves Historical Society b. Bethany Church history timeline – writer unknown c. Bethany Lutheran Church Historic Inventory Sheet prepared by Judy Little with St. Louis County Parks December 1991. d. Bethany Lutheran Church Historic photo, November 20, 1904 e. Articles of Incorporation 1906 Konstitution f. Ministerialbog (church census) 1899-1926 g. 75th Anniversary Commemoration Booklet h. 100th Anniversary Commemoration Pamphlet i. Undated historical overview j. Photo of subscribers to build the church, Nellie and Charlie Andersen, undated k. List of subscribers to build church, undated l. Three (3) bids for construction of church building m. Receipts for various church building elements n. St. Louis Post Dispatch Letter to the Editor February 4, 1910 o. The New-Times Webster Groves Article October 1, 1926 p. Webster Kirkwood Times Article, July 24, 1997 q. Dedication of Ship of Faith, Dec. 1, 2002 with photo of ship model r. St. Louis Lutheran article, Dec. 1, 2002. “Model Ship to take place in local Church” s. Webster Kirkwood Times Article October 14, 2005 t. Webster Kirkwood Times Article October 12, 2007 u. Webster Kirkwood Times Article August 29, 2022 v. Webster Kirkwood Times Article September 12, 2022 6. E-mails in support of the nomination: a. Margie Brubaker 12/27/23 b. Deb Peterson 1/2/24 7. Copy of the Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri 8. Copy of The Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties - Standard for Preservation December 27, 2023 Central States Synod, ELCA Attn: Rev. Susan Candea, Bishop 420 W. 14th Street, Suite 201 Kansas City, MO 64105 RE: 407 Fairview Ave. (Bethany Lutheran Church) To Whom it May Concern: A hearing will be conducted on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., at the Webster Groves City Hall, #4 E. Lockwood Ave., in the Gordon Room. The purpose of the hearing is so that the members of the Historic Preservation Commission can receive comment and review evidence to assist them with their determination whether or not to nominate the structure(s) and/or properties located at 407 Fairview Avenue (Bethany Lutheran Church) as City-designated Historic Structures. The agenda can be found on the city’s web page at www.webstergrovesmo.gov Your attendance or representation by agent is requested at the meeting to answer any questions that may arise during the review process. The Historic Preservation Commission is interested in your comments and knowledge regarding the nomination. The meeting is bring held both in person and via Zoom. Virtual Meeting information can be found here: https://webstergrovesmo.gov/virtualmeetings If you have any questions regarding this matter, contact my office at (314) 963-5333. Sincerely, Mara M. Perry, AICP Director of Planning and Development City of Webster Groves  AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES ATTN: Mara Perry #4 E. Lockwood Webster Groves, MO 63119 I, Marty Schnaare, verify that the attached Public Hearing for 405 Fairview Avenue Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 4 E. Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119 - was published in the Webster-Kirkwood Times on Friday, December 22, 2023. Sincerely, Marty Schnaare Advertising Representative marty@timesnewspapers.com 122 W. Lockwood Ave., 2nd Floor • St. Louis, MO 63119 314-968-2699 • Fax: 314-968-2961 • www.timesnewspapers.com  St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri) · 4 Feb 1910, Fri · Page 14 Downloaded on Nov 7, 2023 Clipped By: perrym4922 Tue, Nov 7, 2023 Copyright © 2023 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved.  The News-Times (Webster Groves, Missouri) · 1 Oct 1926, Fri · Page 1 Downloaded on Nov 7, 2023 Clipped By: perrym4922 Tue, Nov 7, 2023 Copyright © 2023 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved. Perry, Mara From: Margie Brubaker <brubara46@icloud.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 11:39 AM To: Perry, Mara Subject: Saving the Danish Lutheran Church Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged 1 Perry, Mara From: Deb Peterson <nascarnana0956@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 7:54 AM To: Perry, Mara Subject: Bethany Danish Lutheran Church Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Caution: This is an External Message - Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Dear Ms Perry, I am writing to give my support to the designation of Bethany Danish Lutheran Church, as a historic landmark in the city of Webster Groves. I am a descendant of Jens (James) and Mette Marie Dahl Nissen who were founding members. My great grandparents were Johannes ( John) Petersen and Karen Marie Nissen Petersen Bock. On behalf of my family, thank you and the members of the Historic Preservation Commission for your recognition of this beautiful historic church, which has such significant meaning to our families and to the history of Webster Groves. Kind regards Debra S Peterson Lapointe 1 Additional e-mails Received after Historic Preservation Packet Posted with Agenda: a. Helle Atzen 1/4/24 b. Tim Leishman 1/5/24 Perry, Mara From: Helle Atzen <helleatzen@live.dk> Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 5:41 AM To: Perry, Mara Subject: Bethany Lutheran church Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Caution: This is an External Message ‐ Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Dear Mara M. Perry I am writing you about the Bethany Lutheran church. I have learned from our cousin, Robert Springer, that this church has been closed. Bethany Lutheran church has a unique history. Danish settlers in the late 1800 founded thisthe church together as a christian and social community. Even though times vere tough they stood together and through their belive in God they built this church in fellowship. The church is unique in it's design with Danish elements adapted into American building traditions. The handmade wooden details are wonderful and the tradition of model ships in Danish churches is even seen in Bethany Lutheran church. Denmark has a long history and most of our churches are very old. Through generations we have had the same place to go to in good and in bad times. The church has become a cultural institution and is used for concerts, events for babies and children. Services are held on Sundays and we have traditional services as christening, confirmation, weddings. and funerals. As a member of the Church Council in our local church, Sct. Clemens kirke, Rømø | Sct. Clemens kirke, Rømø (sctclemensromo.dk), I have seen the the importance of a person being able to go back to the church where they have their roots. Generations and history go hand in hand in the church's community, and it is a unique point of reference in human identity. I hope Bethany Lutheran church will remain in it's present condition as a memory of time gone by and love to God. Regards Helle Atzen Havnebyvej 204 1 6792 Rømø Denmark 2 Perry, Mara From: Tim Leishman <twleishman@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 4:40 PM To: Perry, Mara Subject: Bethany Lutheran Church Caution: This is an External Message ‐ Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Dear Mara, In response to the Webster Groves Public Hearing Notice, I would like to add my sincere recommendation that the Bethany Lutheran Church structure and surrounding property receive historic designation. My second great‐grandfather, Theodore C. Clausen, was a founding member of this church. He immigrated from Denmark in 1880 and settled in Old Orchard / Webster Groves around 1886. He, his family, and several Danish associates were instrumental in establishing the congregation and building the present structure. It is a beautiful building that deserves recognition and preservation as a part of Webster Groves' rich history. Thank you for considering this note of support. Sincerely, Tim Leishman 1  BILL #9243 ORDINANCE #9243 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 _____________, 2024. ____________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ___________________________________ CITY CLERK 2 01-16-2024 CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES January 16, 2024 The City Council met this date in a regular session, in the City Council Chambers, which was available to the public in person, and virtually, at 7:32 p.m. Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold Councilmember Pam Bliss Councilmember David Franklin Councilmember Emerson Smith Councilmember Karen D. Alexander (Zoom) Councilmember Sarah Richardson Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd A quorum was present. Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney Ms. Katie Nakazono, City Clerk REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS • Dave Buck, 124 S. Elm. (See Exhibit A) NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER No new business. NEW BUSINESS Designation of Karen Rangel as Deputy City Clerk A motion was made by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, to designate Karen Rangel as Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Arnold called for the vote. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that Karen Rangel’s designation as Deputy City Clerk was approved. Bill #9243 – First & Second Reading Councilmember Bliss introduced BILL #9243 - 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, 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. 1 01-16-2024 Bill #9244 – First, Second and Third Reading Councilmember Franklin introduced Bill #9244 - ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY, ALL OF WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORS AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON APRIL 2, 2024, AND PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE PREAMBLE, AND SECTIONS 2.12, 5.6, 5.18(2) 7.6, 7.12, 9.2, 10.3, 13.4 AND 14.9, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE #9241, 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. A motion was made by the Councilmember Franklin, seconded by Councilmember Richardson, to conduct the Third Reading of Bill #9244 this evening, due to the compelling reason that this Bill needs to be approved to meet the election submittal deadline. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on conducting the Third Reading this evening due to the above compelling reason. MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Third Reading of Bill #9244 will be conducted this evening. The Third Reading of Bill #9244 was taken up, and the Bill was read for the third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9244. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Bill #9244 MEMBERS VOTING: AYES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Bill 9244 was approved. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Smith, 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 – January 2, 2024 • Resolution #2024-04 –Approval of a Resolution Amending the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 2 01-16-2024 • Liquor License — Approval of Liquor License Application by Elias Productions LLC, d/b/a 23 W Coffee, 23 W Lockwood Avenue, to Sell Liquor by the Drink for Consumption on the Premises Where Sold and on Sundays APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS No new appointments. 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 with [MO. Statute 610.021([17)]. Mayor Arnold called for the vote to go into Executive (Closed) Session. AYES: RICHARDSON, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Council would go into Executive (Closed) Session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 2024. Mayor City Clerk 3  Exhibit A Da ve Buc k’s “Re m a rks from the Com m unity & Vis itors ” a t 1/ 16/ 24 We bs te r Grove s City Counc il Me e ting Yesterday’s National MLK Holiday reminded me of this revelatory quote by Dr. King: “In the e nd, we will re m e m be r not the words of our e ne m ie s , but the s ile nc e of our frie nds ”. This quote has a definite meaning for a significant number of long-time Black residents in the North Webster Neighborhood, as they have each shared individually in conversations with me as recently as today. Firs t, Webster’s own MLK community event has not been held in four straight years. In 2021 & 2022, it was due to COVID. But in 2023 and this year, 2024, it was due to what has been explained to me by a leading Webster pastor as a shared “lack of interest and leadership” by the city, school district and clergy. This sends a terrible message, especially to our Black community. To them, the silence of our friends is deafening and why I am happy to organize the return of the event in 2025. Se c ond, the long-term steep decline of Webster’s Black population and Black owned & operated businesses is irrefutable and tragic - but not hopeless - and is correctable with long-term focus, priority and commitment. In your strategic plan, “People” is your #1 Value and states that all people are “va lue d, re s pe c te d a nd s upporte d.” This unfortunately is not what my friends believe anymore, given that Blacks are moving out of Webster due to the los s of a fforda bility, los s of dignity, los s of trus t, a nd the los s of the ir “tribe ” a nd the ir c ultura l ide ntity. To them, the silence of our friends is deafening. So, wha t c a n City Counc il DO a bout it, before it is too late and we become “White We bs te r”? He re ’s thre e ide a s : take the currently una s s igne d $95,000 ba la nc e of the Spe c ia l Initia tive s Fund and begin by either: 1. Creating a new ad campaign targeted to a ttra c t ne w Bla c k fa m ilie s to We bs te r to re build our Bla c k popula tion. Or: 2. In our unofficial City of the Arts , creating new events that specifically showcase, appreciate & celebrate our community’s Bla c k Artis ts & their amazing talents in the fine a rts , m us ic , the a te r a nd lite ra ture . Or: 3. Learning from, leveraging and extending the school district’s highly s uc c e s s ful Thrive Progra m to de ve lop the ne xt ge ne ra tion of Bla c k bus ine s s e ntre pre ne urs . My bet is that Lee Moss & others could be persuaded to return to Webster as mentors. Ma y the s ile nc e of our frie nds towa rd We bs te r’s Bla c k c om m unity e nd onc e a nd for a ll. It’s time to act boldly and restore what they have lost. I know you can do it. Correct that – You MUST do it or risk losing our Black community forever. I do not want to lose my Black friends but they will likely be gone in 5 years or less if Webster does nothing and allows the downward trend to continue. Tha nk YOU!  RESOLUTION 2024-05 AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 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, 2023, is hereby amended to increase the appropriated expenditures in the Park Improvement Fund by the amount of $75,000. Passed and approved on this _______ day of ________, 2024. ______________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ City Clerk  RESOLUTION #2024-06 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR ROOF RESTORATION AT CITY HALL WHEREAS, the City of Webster Groves desires to enter into a contract for roof restoration at City Hall; and WHEREAS, the bid of Garland/DBS, Inc., 3800 E. 91st Street, Cleveland, OH, 44105, in the total amount of $563,526.45 (which includes a 15% contingency for unforeseen conditions) was determined to be the most advantageous bid in accordance with specifications. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, that the City Manager be authorized to accept the bid of Garland/DBS, Inc., and to enter into a contract, for the sum hereinabove set forth, and to assure that all items constituting the bid are provided in accordance with specifications. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funds for this purchase shall be paid from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund. ADOPTED this ______day of _____________, 2024. __________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ______________________________ CITY CLERK