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 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 6:30 P.M. LOCATION – CITY HALL IN-PERSON AND VIRTUALLY #4 E. LOCKWOOD AVENUE 1. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS 2. REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA 3. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER ISSUES/MEETING UPDATES 4. TOPIC: • Arts Commission – Arts & Culture Master Plan 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 – SEPTEMBER 3, 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Levying and Establishing the Rate of Annual Property Taxes to be Collected for the Year 2024 by the City of Webster Groves, Missouri • Bill #9266 – First and Second Reading - An Ordinance Levying and Establishing the Rate of Annual Property Taxes to be Collected for the Year 2024 by the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, and Repealing Ordinance No. 9233 2. Levying and Establishing the Rate of Annual Property Taxes to be Collected for the Year 2024 for the Webster Groves Library District • Bill #9267 – First and Second Reading - An Ordinance Levying and Establishing the Rate of Annual Property Taxes to be Collected for the Year 2024 for the Webster Groves Library District, and Repealing Ordinance No. 9234 III. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS IV. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Bill #9259 – Third Reading – An Ordinance Providing for the Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City of Webster Groves of Amendments to the Charter of the City, Which Should Be Submitted to the Electors at the General Municipal Election on April 8, 2025, and Proposing Amendments to Article 2 VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Presentation of Parks & Recreation Commission Recommendation for Name Change to the Benny Gordon Rec Complex 2. Bill #9255 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, Amending Chapter 70, by Adding a New Section, 70.227 Prohibiting the Possession, Manufacture, Transport, Repair, and Sale of Certain Weapons 3. Bill #9256 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, Amending Chapter 70, by Adding a New Section 70.226 Related to the Unlawful Transfer of Weapons to a Minor 4. Bill #9261 – First & Second Reading – An Ordinance Providing for the Submission to the Qualified Voters of the City of Webster Groves of an Amendment to the Charter of the City, Which Should Be Submitted to the Electors at the General Municipal Election on April 8, 2025, and Proposing Adding Article 16 5. Bill #9268 – First and Second Reading – An Ordinance Amending the Code of Webster Groves, Chapter 10, Article XII: Parks, Section 10.1200 Locations by Adding a New Park “Oxford Bend Park” VII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes - August 20, 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 Bratfest on September 29, 2024 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 – SEPTEMBER 17, 2024  BILL NO. 9266 ORDINANCE NO. 9266 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AND ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES TO BE COLLECTED FOR THE YEAR 2024 BY THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 9233 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES: Section 1: There is hereby levied for the year 2024 upon all real and personal property in the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, subject to taxation, the following taxes for the following purposes, to wit: A) For general municipal purposes on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.162 on residential property, a tax of $0.188 on commercial property and a tax of $0.280 on personal property. B) For street improvements on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.153 on residential property, a tax of $0.122 on commercial property and a tax of $0.181 on personal property. C) For the purpose of paying the City’s contribution to the retirement fund of the general and public safety employees of the City on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.153 on residential property, a tax of $0.196 on commercial property and a tax of $0.200 on personal property. D) For the purpose of paying principal and interest on the outstanding general obligation bond Issues of the City on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.201 on residential, commercial and personal property. E) For the purpose of funding the Old Orchard Special Taxing District on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.348 on residential and $0.275 on commercial property. F) For the purpose of funding the Old Webster Special Taxing District on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.191 on residential and a tax of $0.190 on commercial property. G) For the purpose of funding the Crossroads Special Taxing District on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.260 on commercial property. Section 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, including Ordinance #9233. Section 3. This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 4. 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 ____________, 2024. ___________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ City Clerk  8/29/2024 1 • • • • 2 1  8/29/2024 Real Estate Personal 19% 5% 12% 12% 32% 12% 33 ⅓% 3 4 2  8/29/2024 5 6 3  8/29/2024 7 8 4  8/29/2024 9 10 5  8/29/2024 11 12 6  BILL NO. 9267 ORDINANCE NO. 9267 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AND ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES TO BE COLLECTED FOR THE YEAR 2024 FOR THE WEBSTER GROVES LIBRARY DISTRICT, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 9234 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES: Section 1: There is hereby levied for the year 2024 upon all real and personal property in the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, subject to taxation, the following taxes for the following purposes, to wit: A) For funding the Webster Groves Municipal Library District general purposes on each $100.00 of assessed valuation, a tax of $0.197 on residential property, a tax of $0.235 on commercial property and a tax of $0.316 on personal property. Section 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, including Ordinance #9234. Section 3. This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 4. 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 ____________, 2024. ____________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ City Clerk  BILL #9259 ORDINANCE #9259 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORS AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON APRIL 8, 2025, AND PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLE 2 WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Webster Groves provides that the Charter may be amended by the qualified electors of the City after adoption of an ordinance by the Council proposing amendments; and WHEREAS, the Charter provides that such amendments may be separately set out in the submission, or in the alternative; and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Webster Groves was approved by the electors on March 23, 1954; and WHEREAS, the Charter further provides that the ordinance proposing any amendments and calling an election shall be passed not less than sixty (60) days before the election; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that the passage of time requires certain technical changes and amendments to the Charter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. It is hereby provided that at the General Municipal Election on April 8, 2025, the following amendments to the Charter of the City of Webster Groves shall be submitted to the electors of the City of Webster Groves for acceptance or rejection as follows: A) Shall Section 2.4 of Article 2 of the Charter of the City of Webster Groves be amended to allow changes in the monthly and annual compensation to be paid to each member of the Council and Mayor, so that Section 2.4 shall read as follows: Section 2.4 COMPENSATION The compensation of each member of the Council shall be the sum of $400 per month, not exceeding $4,800 in any twelve consecutive months. The compensation of the Mayor shall be $625 per month, not exceeding $7,500 in any twelve consecutive months. Every four (4) years after the effective date of this Section, the City Council shall review the compensation paid Council members and the Mayor and may adjust the future levels by ordinance. The Council may appoint a citizens’ commission to study and recommend compensation adjustments to the Council. Council members and the Mayor may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the execution of their office provided such reimbursements are approved by Council. The Council may withhold compensation from any member who has missed four or more regular meetings in a calendar year. 1  SECTION 2. Each proposition accepted by the electorate at the General Election on April 8, 2025, shall be enacted and the Charter shall be amended to conform with each proposition that is so accepted. SECTION 3. The ballot to be used at the election shall be substantially in the following form with such variations as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County: OFFICIAL BALLOT GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION CHARTER AMENDMENT ELECTION CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI TUESDAY – APRIL 8, 2025 Shall the Charter of the City of Webster Groves be amended, as proposed by Ordinance No. 9259 enacted by the Council of the City of Webster Groves, on the ___ day of __________ 2024, as follows: Amendment No. 1 _______ YES Shall Article 2 Section 2.4 of the Charter _______ NO of the City of Webster Groves be amended to change the compensation of the City Council and the Mayor? TO VOTE FOR THE AMENDMENT, THE VOTER SHOULD PLACE AN “X” IN THE BOX BESIDE THE WORD “YES” AND TO VOTE AGAINST THE AMENDMENT, THE VOTER SHALL PLACE AN “X” IN THE BOX BESIDE THE WORD “NO”. SECTION 3. As required by the Revised Statutes of Missouri, as amended, the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri, shall conduct the election provided for above, and the Judges and Clerks who shall serve at each polling place established for the holding of such election shall be those appointed by the Board of Election Commissioners. SECTION 5. The election shall be held at such polling places as are designated by the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri. SECTION 6. The polls of the election will be opened at six o’clock A.M. and will remain open until the hour of seven o’clock P.M. on April 8, 2025. SECTION 7. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to publish notice of the election by advertisement in a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Webster Groves, Missouri and such notice shall be published three (3) times during the last three (3) weeks of the month of March preceding the election. 2  SECTION 8. The Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri, shall certify the returns of the election to the City Clerk, who shall report the results to the City Council. SECTION 9. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a certified copy of this ordinance to the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri for its information and guidance. SECTION 10. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage as provided by law. SECTION 11. This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF _______________, 2024. _____________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: __________________________ CITY CLERK 3  MEMO Date: August 28, 2024 To: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager From: Scott A. Davis, Director of Parks and Recreation Topic: P&R Commission Recommendation to Rename the Rec Complex to the “Benny Gordon Rec Complex” Background: The Parks and Recreation Commission received three recommendations this summer to rename the Rec Complex or parts thereof. The August 21, 2024, P&R Commission meeting agenda had these request as its main focus. There were multiple letters and emails from the public submitted in favor of Mr. Gordon and over 20 people attended the meeting to be heard during the public comments section giving their support to honoring Mr. Gordon. Currently the Rec Complex, or Rec Center depending on whom you ask, does not have an official name. I typically refer to it as the Rec Complex. Additionally, the individual areas of the complex do not have any specific names other than the generic description of the space; the Fitness Center, Ice Rink, Meeting Rooms, Gymnasium, Water Park nee Aquatic Center, Skate Park or Tennis Center. Potential cost for this recommendation could reach as high as $15,000-$20,000. Most of that cost would be new signage on the façade of the building. Additionally, the recommendation includes adding interpretative signage to educate the public more fully about the history of Webster Groves and honor those who fought to change the status quo. The timeline for these changes if formally adopted by Council would be anywhere from 8 weeks for signage to 6 months for print media. Recommendation from the P&R Commission: The City should rename the Rec Complex the “Benny Gordon Rec Complex” and install interpretive signage telling the history and honoring the legacy of Mr. Gordon, his family, friends and neighbors’, battle to gain equal entry in the Webster Groves swimming pool. Recommendation from the P&R Department: Staff does not have any logistical concerns or other objections, and finds the P&R Commission’s recommendation to be thoughtful and well laid out. There are compelling reasons to honor Mr. Gordon by renaming the facility and there is certainly continued learning opportunities to be gained by more people knowing about our history and how it shapes our present day. Should Council choose to rename the Rec Complex in honor of Mr. Gordon then that name should be given to the complex as a whole. We would recommend that the individual parts of the complex continue to be called by the generic descriptive names.  BILL #9255 ORDINANCE #9255 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AMENDING CHAPTER 70, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 70.227, PROHIBITING THE POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORT, REPAIR, AND SALE OF CERTAIN WEAPONS WHEREAS, Section 21.750 of the Missouri Revised Statutes permits political subdivisions to pass any ordinance that "conforms exactly with any of the provisions of sections 571.010 to 571.070;" and WHEREAS, Section 571.020 of the Missouri Revised Statutes prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, and sale of any firearm silencer or short-barreled rifle or shotgun in violation of federal law; and WHEREAS, Section 571.020 of the Missouri Revised Statutes prohibits the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, and sale of any machine gun in violation of federal law; and WHEREAS, federal law prohibits possessing, selling, and transferring machine guns, which include "switches/Glock switches," "auto-sears," "bump stocks," and any other parts or combination of parts designed to convert a weapon into one capable of firing more than one shot by a single function of the trigger. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Chapter 70, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, is hereby amended by adding a new Section 70.227, Prohibiting the Possession-manufacture- transport-repair-sale of prohibited weapons, and said section to read as follows: Sec. 70.227: Possession-manufacture-transport-repair-sale of prohibited weapons. (a) Definitions: (1) Machine gun. A "machine gun" is any firearm that is capable of firing more than one shot automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger, regardless of whether the firearm was originally manufactured as a machine gun or was modified by a switch, Glock switch, auto sear, bump stock, trigger crank, or any other manufactured or homemade component. The word "machine gun" includes include any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, and any combination of part from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. (2) Firearm silencer. A "firearm silencer" is any instrument, attachment, or appliance that is designed or adapted to muffle the noise made by the firing of any firearm. Page 1 of 2  (3) Short barrel. A "short barrel" is a barrel length of less than sixteen inches for a rifle and eighteen inches for a shotgun, both measured from the face of the bolt or standing breech, or an overall rifle or shotgun length of less than twenty-six inches. (4) Shotgun. A "shotgun" is any firearm designed or adapted to be fired from the shoulder and to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire a number of shots or a single projectile through a smooth bore barrel by a single function of the trigger. (b) Unlawful possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of a prohibited weapon. A person commits the unlawful possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of a prohibited weapon if the person knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs, or sells a machine gun, firearm silencer, or short-barreled rifle or shotgun in violation of federal law. (c) Violation. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation. (d) Penalty. The punishment for violating any provision of this section shall be the same as the punishment for the ordinance violation of unlawful use of weapons, which is defined by Section ________ and __________. (e) Severability. If any section, subsection, word, or phrase in this law is held unenforceable, invalid, or illegal, every other section, subsection, word, and phrase shall continue to have the full force and effect of law. Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval. Passed and Approved this _____ day of _______________ 2024. ________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk Page 2 of 2  BILL #9256 ORDINANCE #9256 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AMENDING CHAPTER 70, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 70.226 RELATED TO THE UNLAWFUL TRANSFER OF WEAPONS TO A MINOR WHEREAS, Section 571.060 of the Missouri Revised Statutes prohibits the sale, lease, loan, giving away, or delivery of any firearm to a person less than eighteen years old without the consent of the child's custodial parent or guardian; and WHEREAS, for the purposes of Missouri's prohibition on delivering firearms to minors, Section 571.010 defines "firearm" as "any weapon that is designed or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;" and WHEREAS, Section 21.750 of the Missouri Revised Statutes permits political subdivisions to pass any ordinance that conforms exactly with any of the provisions of sections 571.010 to 571.070." NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Chapter 70, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Webster Groves, Missouri, is hereby amended by enacting a new Section 70.226, Unlawful transfer of weapons; parental or guardian consent for delivery of a firearm to minors; failure to report stolen or lost firearm, and said section shall read as follows: Sec. 70.226. Unlawful transfer of weapons; parental or guardian consent for delivery of a firearm to minors; failure to report stolen or lost firearm. (a.) Definitions (1) Recklessly. The word "recklessly" as used in this section means a person who consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that circumstances exist or that a result will follow, and such disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation. (2) Minor. The word "minor" as used in this section means a person less than 18 years old. (3) Bullet-Cartridge. An object consisting of a cartridge case, primer, powder, and projectile arranged in such a way that the projectile can be expelled by the action of an explosion. Page 1 of 2  (b) Unlawful transfer of a weapon. A person commits the unlawful transfer of a weapon if the person recklessly sells, leases, loans, gives away or delivers any firearm, which includes a bullet-cartridge, to a minor without the consent of the minor's custodial parent or guardian; provided, that this does not prohibit the delivery of such weapons to any peace officer or member of the Armed Forces or National Guard while performing the officer's or member's official duty (c) Violation. A person violating this section shall be guilty of an ordinance violation. (d.) Penalty. The punishment for violating any provision of this section shall be the same as the punishment for the ordinance violation of unlawful use of weapons, which is defined by Sections 50-261 and 50-262. (e.) Severability. If any section, subsection, word, or phrase in this law is held unenforceable, invalid, or illegal, every other section, subsection, word, and phrase shall continue to have the full force and effect of law. Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval. Passed and Approved this _____ day of _______________ 2024. ________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk Page 2 of 2  BILL #9261 ORDINANCE #9261 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORS AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION ON APRIL 8, 2025, AND PROPOSING ADDING ARTICLE 16 WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Webster Groves provides that the Charter may be amended by the qualified electors of the City after adoption of an ordinance by the Council proposing amendments; and WHEREAS, the Charter provides that such amendments may be separately set out in the submission, or in the alternative; and WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Webster Groves was approved by the electors on March 23, 1954; and WHEREAS, the Charter further provides that the ordinance proposing any amendments and calling an election shall be passed not less than sixty (60) days before the election; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that the passage of time requires certain technical changes and amendments to the Charter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. It is hereby provided that at the General Municipal Election on April 8, 2025, the following amendments to the Charter of the City of Webster Groves shall be submitted separately to the electors of the City of Webster Groves for acceptance or rejection as follows: A) Shall the Charter of the City of Webster Groves be amended by adding a new Article, Article 16 entitled Public Engagement, which shall read as follows: ARTICLE 16 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Section 16.1 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE The City shall treat public engagement as an ongoing and integral part of effective and trusted governance. The City shall treat engagement as a “multi channel” endeavor utilizing contemporary means of information sharing. The Departments of the City shall encourage collaboration in public engagement efforts with other government jurisdictions and authorities, anchor institutions, community-based organizations, civic groups, and individual residents. SECTION 2. Each proposition accepted by the electorate at the General Election on April 8, 2025, shall be enacted and the Charter shall be amended to conform with each proposition that is so accepted. 1  SECTION 3. The ballot to be used at the election shall be substantially in the following form with such variations as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County: OFFICIAL BALLOT GENERAL ELECTION CHARTER AMENDMENT ELECTION CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI TUESDAY – APRIL 8, 2025 Amendment No. 2 _______ YES Shall the Charter of _______ NO the City of Webster Groves be amended to add Article 16 on Public Engagement? TO VOTE FOR THE AMENDMENT, THE VOTER SHOULD PLACE AN “X” IN THE BOX BESIDE THE WORD “YES” VOTER SHOULD PLACE AN “X” IN THE BOX BESIDE THE WORD “YES” AND TO VOTE AGAINST THE AMENDMENT, THE VOTER SHALL PLACE AN “X” IN THE BOX BESIDE THE WORD “NO”. SECTION 4. As required by the Revised Statutes of Missouri, as amended, the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri, shall conduct the election provided for above, and the Judges and Clerks who shall serve at each polling place established for the holding of such election shall be those appointed by the Board of Election Commissioners. SECTION 5. The election shall be held at such polling places as are designated by the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri. SECTION 6. The polls of the election will be opened at six o’clock A.M. and will remain open until the hour of seven o’clock P.M. on April 8, 2025. SECTION 7. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to publish notice of the election by advertisement in a newspaper having general circulation in the City of Webster Groves, Missouri and such notice shall be published three (3) times during the last three (3) weeks of the month of March preceding the election. SECTION 8. The Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri, shall certify the returns of the election to the City Clerk, who shall report the results to the City Council. SECTION 9. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a certified copy of this ordinance to the Board of Election Commissioners of St. Louis County, Missouri for its information and guidance. SECTION 10. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage as provided by law. 2  SECTION 11. This ordinance shall not be printed in the Code of Webster Groves. PASSED AND APPROVED THIS ______ DAY OF _______________, 2024. _____________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: __________________________ CITY CLERK 3  Bill #9268 Ordinance #9268 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE XII: PARKS, SECTION 10.1200 LOCATIONS BY ADDING A NEW PARK “OXFORD BEND PARK” WHEREAS, the City of Webster Groves wishes to establish a new park named “Oxford Bend Park, at 3635 S. Big Bend Blvd. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Chapter 10, Article XII, Section 10.1200, Locations, of the Code of Webster Groves, is hereby amended by adding the following new park: (v.) Oxford Bend Park---3635 S. Big Bend Blvd. Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to erect the appropriate park sign 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 _________________ 2024. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK  CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES August 20, 2024 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, Via Zoom Councilmember Emerson Smith Councilmember Karen D. Alexander Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd Councilmember Jamie Hasemeier A quorum was present. Also present: Dr. Marie Peoples, City Manager Neil Bruntrager, City Attorney Katie Nakazono, City Clerk FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR The Mayor and Council recognized Firefighter of the Year Brad Williamson. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS John Reeve, 48 Mason Avenue, expressed concerns about the Traffic Advisory Commission (TAC) presentation that will be later in the meeting. He is against the specifics of the TAC proposal because it’s focus seems to be student oriented despite being presented as a city-wide set of standards. The residential streets around the high school will have to carry the burden of the load of additional cars, especially in the spring when more students come of age. Residents feel there are other solutions and have submitted ideas. As well, there are concerns over criteria regarding street width ability to carry in terms of parking and traffic. He is asking council to reject the TAC proposal and instead defer to the high school to find real solutions for student parking. He suggested that surrounding communities do not have this issue, and the proposal could make Webster Groves an anomaly. Doug Stanley, 25 Mason Avenue, also expressed concerns about the upcoming TAC presentation. He feels that while this proposal is being presented as a City proposal, it’s really only about student parking. Earlier in the day, he took a break from work (at home) and did a walkabout with Julie. They looked at the high school parking lots; one lot had 26 open spaces while the other about 10 open spots. He stated that the school has been approached about alternative parking solutions including pointing out available space to build more parking. He also stated that numbers of students are declining so in the future, the need might not be as great. He would like council to consider that the TAC proposal is not about parking downtown, near the new hospital, at any of the parks or park overflow, it’s just about the school and the students who want to park in the residential spaces. August 20, 2024 NEW BUSINESS – MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER The Work Session continued with the presentation by Lakota Group and discussion on Destination WG. Lakota Group also noted next steps: Engagement Visit (August 22 – 23) that will conclude with a State of the City report, and begin Phase 2 – Visioning. UNFINISHED BUSINESS BILL #9262 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Hasemeier, seconded by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, BILL #9262 – AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST TO ALLOW A PLACE OF WORSHIP USE IN EXISTING STRUCTURES ON AN APPROXIMATELY 16.23 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AT 47 N BOMPART AVENUE IN THE “EC-1” EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS DISTRICT AND MATTERS RELATED THERETO, having been introduced and read twice on August 6, 2024, was taken up by its title read a third time, and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9262. Mayor Arnold called for the vote. AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold said Bill #9262 was approved. BILL #9263 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, BILL #9263 – AN ORDINANCE PERMITTING THE SUBDIVISION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY 439 LANDSCAPE COURT IN THE “A4” SEVENTY-FIVE HUNDRED SQUARE FOOT RESIDENCE DISTRICT, having been introduced and read twice on August 6, 2024, was taken up by its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9263. Mayor Arnold called for the vote. AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold said Bill #9263 was approved. BILL #9264 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Bliss, seconded by Councilmember Smith, BILL #9264– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE XII: PARKS, SECTION 10.1200 LOCATIONS (S) BY RENAMING THE SCULPTURE PARK, 175 W. KIRKHAM AVENUE, TO THE GERRY WELCH SCULPTURE GARDEN, having been introduced and read twice on August 6, 2024, was taken up by its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9264. Mayor Arnold called for the vote. AYES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN NOES: NONE 2 August 20, 2024 Mayor Arnold said Bill #9264 was approved. BILL #9265 – THIRD READING On motion of Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, BILL #9265 – AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A REVISION AND REPUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES, MISSOURI, ENTITLED “THE CODE OF WEBSTER GROVES 2024” AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL APPLICABLE ORDINANCES PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, having been introduced and read twice on August 6, 2024, was taken up by its title read a third time and placed upon its passage to become Ordinance #9265. AYES: ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold said Bill #9265 was approved. NEW BUSINESS NEW PARK DESIGN AND NAMING Scott Davis, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented name details for the new park, formerly a McDonalds, located at the southwest corner of Big Bend Blvd and Oxford. The new park will be developed by Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) and then will be deeded to the City. The design team sought public opinion for views on the park and name suggestions through surveys. GRG narrowed down and recommends the park be named “Oxford Bend Park” because of it’s physical location. He then asked Council to approve the name suggestion so GRG could present it to their board in mid-September. As well he would like a first and second reading of an ordinance naming the park on September 3, 2024, and a third and final reading on September 17, 2024. Council were in agreement. TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC) PARKING PROPOSAL Mayor Arnold asked council if they would like to move forward with some general framework. The general framework given here, and to give staff the opportunity to work on implementation. If the policy is adopted, will it be retroactive, or will it be a decision-making framework moving forward -- where the ordinances already passed remain in place. If there is a decision for staff to work on implementation, what is the timeline for them to report back to Council -- in the near future verses the distant future or indefinitely. The following Commission members and staff addressed the proposal, answered questions and clarified points for Council: TAC members: Clark Hotaling, Chris Redford, Susan Sunderman, and Carrie Falkenrath. As well, Lt. Erich Weimer, Fire Chief Brett Ellis, and the new Director of Public Works, Sinan Alpaslan. The Traffic Advisory Commission clarified that the intent going forward is standardization on how parking is treated city-wide (not just the high school) and implemented over a reasonable time frame pending availability of City resources, or as blocks come forward. The TAC referred to the new coffee shop at Marshall Place as a successful application of the policy where parking is shared with residents without issue. 3 August 20, 2024 Another example from TAC was the stop sign policy model. They review a request and compare it to policy before going forward. It was suggested this model would work well with a shared/restricted parking policy too. Lt. Weimer added that if it’s a safety (width) concern then it goes through Public Works and the Police Department; staff would then determine and place signage accordingly. However, if it’s a volume issue, it would be deferred to either staff or TAC for analysis. TAC clarified that the recommendations has two parts -- where one considers the width of the street which makes any change about safety. The other component is about shared parking where the City is petitioned by a block or street user and 75% of the block in question agrees for considerations and approval. The goal is to fairly satisfy different groups of peoples who share parking space needs. Shared parking needs depends upon what’s causing the problem. For example, is the space highschoolers who are occupying a spot all day, or a restaurant that only needs space during dinner? Council noted that there are some locations with restricted street parking such as the University or Nerinx where dedicated parking space was added, yet there are still street restrictions that could be freed up. TAC said the best way for the proposal to work is to apply a shared parking solution 24-7 thus removing TAC input and leaving it to staff for signage and enforcement. However, the reality is that many residents are protective of the space in front of their home which complicates solutions. Lt. Weimer indicated the Police Department supported TAC’s proposal, and would like to see it used as a guideline going forward. He said the strength of the proposal gives neighbors and residents who want to change a pathway. He too cited Marshall Place as a successful application of TAC recommendations. He said at the TAC meeting with Marshall Place on the agenda, about 30 residents expressed safety concerns over 2-way parking and possibly having to back up 50 yards if another car were on the street. TAC recommendations were applied and seem to satisfy everyone impacted. Chief Ellis said the Fire Department also supports the TAC proposal because it considers safety and width as far as apparatus access (fire/ambulance). The Chief suggested that safety/width should be the starting point for assessments. Dr Peoples noted that all departments have met and discussed the TAC proposal. She said that should Council opt to make the TAC recommendations retroactive (looking back in time as time permits), she would ask Council to consider guidelines and prioritization of streets from TAC in order to determine staff time needs. She said consideration of staff time includes the minutia involved in repealing ordinances, signage, notifying those impacted, enforcement, and such. If it’s Council’s will, she will confer with staff to come up with implementation feasibility recommendations. She also said that staff needs a clear statement from Council whether this process is retroactive before they can assess needs and have an implementation plan. Council agreed that there was enough merit in the overall policy. But would like staff to look at the wrinkles and correct them before Council can go forward. Staff will also determine whether shared parking or restrictions are safety based. 4 August 20, 2024 Council was not in agreement whether or not staff assessment and recommendations should include retroactive parking. Some felt a holistic approach that included retroactive considerations should be part of staff considerations and specific priorities, even if implementation takes a couple years, or divides the City into focus areas. As well, there should be considerations if original use restrictions still apply. Councilmember Franklin made a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Bliss, to direct staff to consider implementation which includes retroactively; and to bring back to Council staff recommendations. Mayor Arnold called for the vote. AYES: HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, BLISS, FRANKLIN, ALEXANDER NOES: ARNOLD, SMITH Mayor Arnold stated that the motion passed. Dr Peoples was asked what she felt was a reasonable deadline to bring recommendations back to Council. Dr. Peoples was not sure and requested to confer with staff before answering when it could be back on the Council agenda. Council and staff thanked the TAC for their hard work on the proposal. CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Hixon Shepherd, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to approve the Consent Agenda. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, Council and staff discussed the three resolutions related to the Municipal Park Grant applications. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda. AYES: HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved. The following Consent Agenda was approved: • Approval of Minutes – August 6, 2024 • Resolution #2024-50 – Adoption of the 2025–2030 St. Louis Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan • Resolution #2024-51 – Supporting Round 25 Planning Grant Application from the Municipal Park Grant for Improvements at Ivory Crockett Park That Include a New Splash Pad and a New Restroom • Resolution #2024-52 – Supporting Round 25 Planning Grant Application from the Municipal Park Grant for the Renovation of the Skate Park • Resolution #2024-53 – Resolution Supporting a Round 25 Grant Application from the Municipal Park Grant for the Renovation of the Water Park 5 August 20, 2024 • Resolution #2024-54 – Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for the Installation of Door Badge Readers at the Public Works Service Center, and Repealing Resolution #2024-26 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS • Jason Vasser Elong was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. • Tara Scheer was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission as the School Board member. • Michael Johnson was reappointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission. • Brandy Grant was appointed to the Police Community Engagement Board as an Ad-Hoc Member. • Kevin Randich was appointed to the Traffic Advisory Commission. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this _______day of ____________________ 2024. ________________________ Mayor _______________ City Clerk 6