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/568/Virtual-Meeting-Instructions. CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA DATE: TUESDAY – JUNE 3, 2025 6:30 P.M. LOCATION – CITY HALL #4 E. LOCKWOOD AVENUE IN-PERSON AND VIRTUALLY 1. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS 2. REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA 3. MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER ISSUES/MEETING UPDATES 4. TOPIC: • Fund Balance Policy 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 – JUNE 3, 2025 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/568/Virtual-Meeting-Instructions 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 - JUNETEENTH - PRIDE MONTH III. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Proposed City Budget – Fiscal Year 2026 IV. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS V. NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Budget Amendments for FY-2026  2. Bill #9282 - First & Second Reading - An Ordinance Defining the Pay Grades of the Classified and Unclassified Service of the City of Webster Groves, Fixing the Compensation for Employees in Said Classifications, and Repealing Ordinance #9254 VII. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes – May 20, 2025 2. Resolution #2025-26 – Adopting a New Fund Balance Policy VIII. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS IX. EXECUTIVE (CLOSED SESSION) RE: 1. ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (1)] 2. REAL ESTATE [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (2)] 3. PERSONNEL [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (3)] 4. NEGOTIATED CONTRACT [MO. STATUTE 610.021 (12)] X. ADJOURNMENT Individuals who require an accommodation (sign language, interpreter, listening devices, etc.) to participate in the meeting should contact the City Clerk at 314-963- 5318 (fax number 314-963-7561) or Relay Missouri at 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) at least two working days prior to the meeting. NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: TUESDAY – JUNE 17, 2025 PLEASE NOTE: AUGUST 5, 2025 COUNCIL MEETING IS CANCELED.  BILL NO. 9282 ORDINANCE NO. 9282 AN ORDINANCE DEFINING THE PAY GRADES OF THE CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, FIXING THE COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES IN SAID CLASSIFICATIONS, AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 9254 BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Webster Groves, as follows: Section 1: From and after the 1st day of July, 2025, and first payable on July 3, 2025, the following shall constitute the pay grades and/or ranges of the Classified and Unclassified Service of the City, and all employees within the Classified and Unclassified Service shall be compensated in such amounts as may be recommended by the appointing authorities and approved by the City Manager but within the stated grade pay range or position based compensation salary ranges, set forth herein, except as provided in Sections 2, 3, and 5 of this Ordinance. ANNUAL SALARY GRADE MINIMUM MAXIMUM D $41,526.14 $58,136.60 E $44,225.34 $61,915.47 F $47,099.98 $65,939.98 G $50,161.48 $70,226.07 H $53,421.98 $74,790.77 I $56,894.41 $79,652.17 J $61,177.94 $85,649.12 K $64,850.96 $90,796.02 L $68,734.54 $96,223.67 M $75,612.66 $105,862.41 N $80,556.21 $112,202.45 O $88,175.79 $123,455.45 P $96,995.70 $135,784.63 Q $106,704.63 $149,377.13 R $113,216.10 $158,360.81 S $124,438.05 $174,222.63 Z $162,318.14 $227,245.40 POSITION-BASED COMPENSATION MINIMUM MAXIMUM Firefighter/Paramedic $78,816.40 $104,889.20 Fire Captain $107,580.20 $121,184.70 Police Officer $64,220.84 $85,861.16 Police Sergeant $86,603.72 $96,284.54 Police Lieutenant $97,629.45 $109,306.12 City Clerk* $132,767.53*  Section 2: The following salary range is established to compensate part-time and seasonal employees who by definition are Classified Employees but due to the part- time nature of the position or special salary requirements are not eligible for "fringe benefits" as provided for Classified and Unclassified Employees: Salary Range: $13.00 - $35.00 per hour. Section 3: In instances where the City Manager determines it is in the City's best interest to employ an individual prior to that individual having secured all necessary certifications or qualifications required for the position, the City Manager may establish the pay scale for that individual at a figure below the base annual salary of the pay grade or position-based compensation range established herein for the position; provided, however, that such reduced pay scale may be maintained only until the employee has received the necessary certifications or for one year, whichever event comes first. Section 4: The Classified and Unclassified Service are defined in Section 7.6 of the Webster Groves City Charter. Section 5: The City Council solely may approve salaries above the established pay grade range and/or bi-weekly pay range as established herein; incumbents whom exceed the pay grade range and/or position-based compensation range as of the date of enactment of this ordinance are so approved by this ordinance. Section 6: Pursuant to Personnel Policy 2.01, Job Classification System, as approved by the Personnel Board and consistent with Section 7.7 of the Webster Groves City Charter, the City Manager shall maintain and publish a list of all job titles and their assignment to a specific pay grade. Section 7: Incidental compensation items, including, but not limited to, unscheduled overtime, auto allowance, uniform allowance, stipends, longevity pay, etc. are not considered a component of annual salary by this ordinance and not subject to the minimum and maximum of the pay grade range. Section 8: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, including Ordinance No. 9254 are hereby repealed. Passed and approved this __________ day of ______________, 2025. __________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: _______________________________ CITY CLERK  CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES May 20, 2025 The City Council met this date in a regular session, in-person in the Council Chambers, and via Zoom, at 7:37 p.m. Present at Roll Call: Mayor Laura Arnold Councilmember Pam Bliss Councilmember David Franklin 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 RECOGNITIONS & PROCLAMATIONS • The Council recognized National Public Works Week. REMARKS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND VISITORS Webster Garden residents spoke about the City failing public engagement over the planned pocket prairies on the 7 City islands within the neighborhood. Those 7 islands are used by the neighborhood as community space which has now been treated with an unknown herbicide and without communication that it would take place. They shared personal stories of how the community uses space, which includes all residents, be they people, dogs, or chickens. They said all the wildlife inhabitants are gone as is all the vegetation that they had installed. And in one case drift affected private landscaping. Also, they noted concerns about how future plantings will look or how tall they would be. • Nhi Doan, 406 Oak St. • Tom Knapp, 12 Tulip Dr [Exhibit 1] • Laura Rose, 1412 Holly Dr • Laura Schulz, 1519 Gardenia Dr [Exhibit 2] • Abby Boegeman, 625 W Glendale • (Via Zoom) Eric Toman, 15 Tulip • (Via Zoom) Jennifer Schuh, 114 Tulip • Alexandria Schulz, 1519 Gardenia [Exhibit 3] • (Via Zoom) Kate Hanneke, 231 Dobbin NEW BUSINESS - MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER No New Business. May 20, 2025 NEW BUSINESS Pocket Prairies (Added to agenda to address public concerns.) Deputy City Manager of Strategic Innovation Scott Davis addressed the City plans to develop pocket prairies in the parks and public lands throughout the City. In his presentation [Exhibit 4], Mr. Davis said the pocket prairies development has been part of the recent bond initiatives. The goal of the pocket prairies are to establish self-maintaining or low maintenance areas with native plants that would benefit local wildlife as well as help with water control. There are 20 areas planned for pocket prairie development. The first step is broadscale herbicide (glyphosate) applications to the areas being converted. Council emphasized that the main priority of this Council is community engagement and transparency, which did not happen in this case. They acknowledged the oversight (human error) and apologized to the residents affected by the herbicide application. Council inquired how the properties were acquired and whether they were sellable. Mr. Davis stated he was unsure how some of the acquisitions came to be, but most likely were related to initial subdivision platting and deeded to the City during development. Some of the islands are in the middle of the road and may be parts of easements. They also asked if it was known how drift or runoff would affect the neighborhood. (It is not known.) Council would like treatment and development to stop. They would like public engagement with the specific communities affected to better understand how pocket prairies impact their neighborhoods, and what sort of plant-scape development (such as height, location, or type) would be best suited to maintain the neighborhood character. Or, if the affected neighborhoods would like to enter into a neighborhood association agreement with the City to maintain the islands. The City Attorney noted a neighborhood association agreement is possible if it is stipulated it was voluntary. He thinks there is one in place already within the City. Dr. Peoples noted that pausing is in the best interest of those affected, but there is a legality issue related to the contract in place. Mayor Arnold summarized and concluded the discussion with staff directives: Council would like the pocket prairies development paused until staff presents options for Council’s consideration. The options should include community engagement, herbicide and non-herbicide development options, planting information such as intended sight lines, possible involvement of commissions such as GSAC, and possibilities of neighborhood association agreements. She said this could possibly be used to start a policy that prevents future similar oversight from happening. COUNCIL VOTE RE: FLYING PRIDE FLAG A motion was made by Mayor Arnold, seconded by Councilmember Smith, for the City to fly the Pride Flag in June. Mayor Arnold called for a vote to fly the Pride Flag. AYES: BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the motion passed. 2 May 20, 2025 RESOLUTION #2025-25 – DESIGNATING THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES AS A BLUE SHIELD CITY AS OFFERED BY THE STATE OF MISSOURI AND TO COMMIT TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME WITHIN WEBSTER GROVES Prior to the vote, Chief Acevez addressed Council as to the significance of participating in the State of Missouri Blue Shield City Safer Missouri program. He said this was a new initiative of the governor and more details will be available from the State by July 1 (new fiscal year). He stated that the Webster Groves Police Department already meets the designation criteria. Council was concerned that this designation might be committing to annual increased financial investment to maintain the designation; and that this was a gateway to extra heavy police detail, and or a promise to start bringing in war type munitions which would not align with the City and its values. The Chief assured Council that this participation in the Blue Shield City program primarily allows access to grants that could be used for personal training or overtime, fleet expansion, equipment such as vests, and police relations. He also assured Council they could stop participation at any time if it became clear that participation was not aligned with City values and identity. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on Resolution #2025-25. AYES: FRANKLIN, SMITH, ALEXANDER, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS NOES: HIXSON SHEPHERD Mayor Arnold stated the resolution was approved. BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FY-2026 See Exhibit 5 through Exhibit 11. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Franklin made a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Smith, to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Arnold called for the vote on the Consent Agenda. AYES: SMITH, ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, HASEMEIER, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN NOES: NONE Mayor Arnold stated that the Consent Agenda was approved. The following Consent Agenda was approved: • Approval of Minutes – May 6, 2025 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS • Ian VanDam was appointed to the Old Orchard Special Business District Advisory Commission. • Debi George was appointed to the Green Space Advisory Commission. • Andrea Lacey was appointed to the Sustainability Commission. • Sherry Taylor and Leanne Waugh were reappointed to the Library Board. 3 May 20, 2025 Executive (Closed) Session Councilmember Bliss called for a motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Franklin, to go into Executive Closed Session per Attorney Client Privileged Communications [MO Statute 610.021 (1)], and Negotiated Contract [MO Statute 610.021 (12)]. Mayor Arnold called for the vote to go into Executive (Closed) Session. AYES: ALEXANDER, HIXSON SHEPHERD, ARNOLD, BLISS, FRANKLIN, SMITH ABSENT: HASEMEIER (stepped out) 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 9:48 p.m. on motion of the Mayor, duly seconded. PASSED AND APPROVED this ____ day ______ of 2025. ________________________ Mayor ______________ City Clerk 4 Exhibit 1 From: Thomas Knaup <knaup@att.net> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2025 2:38 PM To: Nakazono, Katie <nakazonok@webstergrovesmo.gov> Subject: Re: Comments Caution: This is an External Message - Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Thanks. This isn't verbatim but it's close. Tom K I was confused then concerned then angry... however... Pope Leo counsels build bridges. So Inclusion...Simple logical practical principle of decision making. Not a woke concept in this context. In fact I learned about it in 1982 at McDonnell Douglas. Inclusion means include stakeholders in the decision making process. Yield better decisions, buy in, most importantly less rework Not one person in Webster Gardens was contacted. No one determined how are green spaces are used. 1. Don't poison the ground our children play on 2. Don't poison the ground my neighbors congregate on and my dogs romp on 3. Don't poison the ground that supports a wide range of wildlife 4. Have open, honest, proactive, conversations. 5. It is obvious to me that there is not a single, silver bullet solution. Examine each parcel and find solutions that fit. Exhibit 2 From: Laura Schulz <pluckerschulzfamily@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2025 9:21 AM To: Nakazono, Katie <nakazonok@webstergrovesmo.gov> Subject: Re: Comments Caution: This is an External Message - Please be cautious when opening links or attachments The following summarizes my public comments during the City Council meeting on 5/20/25: • My name is Laura Schulz, and I live at 1519 Gardenia Dr., also in Webster Gardens. I think the email our neighborhood sent to the city earlier today does a good job of summarizing our position, namely that we are asking the city to stop/pause the pocket prairies project, answer our questions, and engage with us to find solutions. I just wanted to add a few things. Two words come to mind about this project: Frustration and optimism. I will address frustration first. In my profession, transparency and accountability matter. Process also matters, and I think we can all agree that the process was absent here. We are frustrated about that. Although some of the planned pocket prairies are in industrial areas, many of them--particularly in South Webster--are in residential neighborhoods. In our neighborhood, although the City's communication posted on social media only referenced Jonquil, the City sprayed islands on Jonquil, Holly, Tulip, and Gardenia. We have about 10 islands in our neighborhood, with three being tiny/small, and the remaining seven being medium and large. This project is slated to occur on not just one, not just two, not just three, not just four, not just five, not just six, but seven of our medium and large islands--all of the medium and large islands. I find it fitting that the council members were talking in the working meeting just prior to this meeting about how important it is to encourage front porches because they encourage socialization and contribute to the "social fabric" of the community. The islands in our neighborhood are central to the social fabric of our neighborhood. They are where we gather to meet for neighborhood parties, for impromptu conversations, and for other reasons. And our neighbors have spent money and time taking care of those islands when the City abdicated its duties years ago and stopped maintaining them. I now want to talk about optimism. We are optimistic that the City will pause this project, engage with us, and find solutions. In closing, I ask that you don't ruin the social fabric of our neighborhood. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for your help. Happy Memorial Day! Laura Schulz Exhibit 3 From: Alexandria Schulz <alexkschulz@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2025 3:21 PM To: Nakazono, Katie <nakazonok@webstergrovesmo.gov> Subject: Re: Comments Caution: This is an External Message - Please be cautious when opening links or attachments Hello. Attached below is a summary of my comments. I believe that these so-called “pocket prairies” are threatening the tightly woven community of Webster Groves. I have fun memories of visiting the neighborhood islands with my sister as a young kid, and even sometimes now that we are grown. I see so many neighborhood kids using them nowadays just like my sister and I, and I don’t want them to lose that. In addition, the islands are used for nearly all of our community gatherings, whether it be our Oktoberfest festival, or our neighborhood island concerts. If the pocket prairies are put in place, both my neighborhood and other communities will lose this community space-something that would be detrimental for years to come. I urge council to listen to the views of someone who has grown up with these neighborhood islands. They have been such an impactful part of my life, many times in ways that I didn’t even realize until later on. Please listen to my concerns, and reconsider these pocket prairies. Thanks, Alexandria Schulz Exhibit 4 Turf Grass to Native Prairie Conversion May 20, 2025 Exhibit 4 Promote ecological stewardship within Minimize the environmental impact of parklands and the broader community operations and promote resource conservation through the implementation of sustainable practices Exhibit 4 Exhibit 4 Exhibit 4  Exhibit 4 “Infiltration- ...study “Rain gardens are built to “A single hour of reported an infiltration rate reduce runoff by operation of a new of 7.5 inches per hour in capturing gasoline lawn mower can native switchgrass,... stormwater...results show emit the same amount of urban sidewalk grass an 82 percent reduction volatile organic reported an infiltration rate in stormwater from the compounds and nitrogen of .29 inches per hour” street” oxides as driving a new car for 45 miles.” Plus string trimmer and blower, plus the actual vehicle to drive to all 20 sites @ 15 visits per summer. Exhibit 4 Our goal with the prairie restoration is to create a resilient, low-maintenance landscape that supports pollinators, improves soil and water quality, and provides natural habitat for native birds and wildlife. Once established, native prairies reduce the need for mowing and chemical treatments, making them safer and more sustainable in the long run. They also help reduce erosion, sequester carbon, and contribute to overall ecosystem health—right here in our community. Herbicide applications will take place at the below areas in May, July, and September: 1. Gardenia Drive 11. 404 Oak Steet 2. Jonquil Drive 12. West Frisco Ave 3. Holly Drive 13. East Frisco Ave 4. Tulip Drive 14. 500 Block Theatre Lane 5. S. Elm Avenue 15. Summit and Greeley 6. Old E. Watson Road 16. Tuxedo and Yeatman 7. Ronald Drive 17. North and South Kirkham Industrial 7. Girard Drive 18. 353 Atalanta Avenue 8. Sunningwell Drive 19. 900 Block Marshall 9. Ridge Drive 20. 800 block of Marshall 10. 1400 Block of Grant and Fieldcrest Exhibit 4 Grow Native.org “may require multiple applications of herbicide over the course of a year” Exhibit 4 MO Wild Ones “control weeds with as little use of herbicide as practical.” Exhibit 4 Missouri Prairie Foundation “herbicide treatment of existing vegetation is necessary.*” “*Another option...cover an area with clear plastic for at least four weeks.” Exhibit 4 MO Department of Conservation “Use a broad spectrum herbicide, one that kills both grasses and broadleaf plants. To kill tough grasses like fescue, you may need to spray the field twice” Exhibit 4 USDA “Late May - Apply glyphosate herbicide to the area to be planted after green up” Exhibit 4 Tall Grass Prairie Center Exhibit 5 Introduced by Councilmember Smith, Seconded by Mayor Arnold Withdrawn for future consideration BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Smith Second: Increase Increase Amount: $550,000 Account Code: Reserve/Fund Balance Decrease Decrease Amount: -- Account Code: -- For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back I am submitting this budget adjustment to remodel Fire Station One. Firefighters provide one of the essential services that offer safety for our community. Our firefighters' role extends beyond extinguishing fires; they are our first responders in medical emergencies, rescue operations, and disaster relief efforts. Firefighters are Describe the essential to keeping our community safe. The remodel of intended Fire House One was not included in the construction of outcome of Fire House Two. It was a grave error not to update Fire the motion: House One simultaneously through the bond issue. Firefighters endure physically and mentally demanding shifts, often working long hours in high-stress environments. Updating their sleeping quarters is essential for several reasons: • Rest and Recovery – Quality sleep is crucial for cognitive function, reaction time, and overall health. Comfortable, quiet areas help firefighters recharge between emergency calls. • Health and Safety – Modern sleeping quarters incorporate better air circulation and temperature control, reducing respiratory issues. • Mental Well-Being – Firefighters frequently deal with traumatic events. Private, well-designed sleeping Exhibit 5 areas offer a space for decompression and emotional resilience. • Efficiency- With quick access to response gear, thoughtful layouts help firefighters transition swiftly from rest to action when the alarm sounds. Additional reasons to add individual dorms are listed below: • General privacy- specifically gender privacy for male, female, and transgender, aligns with the DEI and Inclusivity with the City. • Reduce post-COVID-19 airborne and flu sickness and return air to lessen the risk of re-breathing from the current open space. • Quality of Life in the Firehouse o When the ambulance receives a call and only the ambulance is needed, the dorm lights and tones go off, waking everyone up. With individual dorms, rooms can be programmed to be alerted only to that specific unit number. Our current Fire Station Alerting Box is capable of this so that the call can be compartmentalized. o Unnecessary interrupted sleep harms physiological and mental health, specifically for critical decision-making. o C-Pap breathing machines o Snoring o Lighting • Safety Exhibit 5 o With the number of beds toward the Firehouse Poles, egress is challenging due to the maze of bedding. • Study Spaces o With an open dorm configuration, there are no study spaces for firefighters and Captains to read at any time of the day. Individual dorms will provide a space to accommodate this setting regardless of the time of day. It is essential to consider the timing of the construction project in relation to inflation, rising material costs, labor, and contractor availability. Investing reserve funds to modernize Firehouse One is a strategic decision that enhances safety, improves operational efficiency, long-term cost savings, and reinvests taxpayer dollars for the community's well-being. FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment #: Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 6 Yes: Arnold, Bliss, Franklin, Smith, Alexander, Hixson-Shepherd, Hasemeier Noes:-- Pass BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Arnold Second: Bliss Increase Increase Amount: Account Code: Decrease Decrease Amount: $4,000 Account Code: 01-01-08-718 For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back Business Development Commission: Change FY26 budget allocation to $6,000 from $10,000 Describe the intended outcome of Reflected in the Special Events line of the Boards and Commissions the motion: budget. FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment # Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 7 Yes: Arnold, Bliss, Franklin, Smith, Alexander, Hixson Shepherd, Hasemeier Noes: -- Pass BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Councilmember Hixson ShepherdSecond: Arnold Increase Increase Amount: -- Account Code: -- Decrease Decrease Amount: -- $200,000 Account Code: -- 25-02-57-902 For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back Remove $200,000 in funding in the Large Capital Replacement Fund account. This amendment does two things: • Removes funding for the ambulance re-mount (in proposed Describe the budget at $300,000). intended • Maintains $100,000 in funding for the downpayment on the new outcome of Fire Pumper Truck that was originally planned for the Capital the motion: Improvement Fund. FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment #: CC-LCAP-01 Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 8 Yes: Arnold Bliss, Franklin, Smith, Alexander, Hixson Shepherd, Hasemeier Pass Noes: -- BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Councilmember Franklin Second: Arnold Increase Increase Amount: - $100,000 Account Code: -- 26-01-55-21-901 Decrease Decrease Amount: -- $100,000 Account Code: -- 26-02-57-901 For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back The FY26 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan allocated $100,000 for Fire Department medical equipment, which is only necessary if a new/remounted ambulance it put into service. Describe the intended This amendment reallocates that $100,000 to a non-department- outcome of specific account within the Capital Improvement Fund for unanticipated the motion: capital needs that may occur. FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment #: CC-CIP-02 Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 9 Amendment Vote (See Below for Details Yes: Arnold, Bliss, Franklin, Smith, Alexander, Hixson Shepherd, Hasemeier Noes:-- Vote as Amended BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Yes: Bliss Franklin Hasemeier Noes: Arnold, Smith, Alexander, Hixson Shepherd Fail 4:3 Author: Jamie Hasemeier Second: Pam Bliss Increase Increase Amount: $60,000- $85,000 Account Code: Decrease Decrease Amount: Account Code: For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back Expand the Sustainabilty Coordinator position to FTE. Some of the responsibites can include, but will not be limited to: Reach across departments and B/C to educate stakeholders on greenhouse gas reduction via energy efficiency, fleet transition, etc Integrate sustainability considerations across the organization (waste reduction, walkability, bikeability, native plants, energy efficiency, etc) Serve as a critical resource to both staff and residents by introducing Describe the climate change solutions and initiatives. intended outcome of Work with regional partners to implement CAPs (County, EW gateway, STL) the motion: Assist with implementation of stormwater master plan, comp plan, Amendment Introduced by Councilmember Franklin, Seconded by Councilmember Hasemeier: Motion to amend that for this year, the half FTE be funded from the Climate Resiliance Fund and then determined as needed in future fiscal years. FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment # Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 10 Withdrawn Until Actual Design is Available BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Jamie Hasemeier Second: Pam Bliss Increase Increase Amount: $5,000 Account Code: Decrease Decrease Amount: Account Code: For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back Establish a "Request for Proposals" and design submittal process to create a flag that visually communicates an understanding of our city's values. Describe the intended outcome of the motion: FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment # Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed: Exhibit 11 Introduced by Councilmember Hixson Shepherd, Seconded by Mayor Arnold Yes: Arnold, Bliss, Franklin, Smith, Alexander, Hixson Shepherd, Hasemeier Noes:-- Pass BUDGET AMENDMENT FORM Author: Hixson Shepherd Second: Increase Increase Amount: -- Account Code: -- Decrease Decrease Amount: -- $4,975 Account Code: -- For multiple line-item changes, attach a separate sheet or detail them on back Budget: The FY25 budget was $5550 and only $219.85 has been spent. The FY26 budget request is $9,925, recommend reducing it to $4,950. Should the GSAC accomplish goals and desire more funding, they are encouraged to use the establish Funding Request process. Describe the intended outcome of the motion: FOR FINANCE USE ONLY Finance Amendment #: Checked: VOTE YES NO Arnold Adopted: Bliss Franklin Finance Smith Entered: Alexander Hixson-Shepherd Hasemeier Confirmed:  RESOLUTION #2025-26 ADOPTING A NEW FUND BALANCE POLICY WHEREAS, in 2009, Resolution 2009-44, the City Council determined that it is in the best interest of the City to formally adopt a Fund Balance Policy. The policy was revised and modified in 2011 and again in 2019; and WHEREAS, the City Council has enacted these policies in an effort to ensure financial security through the maintenance of a healthy reserve fund; and WHEREAS, the Fund Balance Policy can help community leaders maintain a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees; and WHEREAS, a carefully crafted and consistently applied policy provides evidence to the rating agencies of the City’s commitment as a community, to prudent financial management practices and is positively regarded in evaluating a jurisdiction’s creditworthiness. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES, THAT: The policy statement attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A” entitled “CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES FUND BALANCE POLICY,” is hereby adopted. ADOPTED this _____ day of _______________ 2025. _______________________________ MAYOR ATTEST: ____________________________ CITY CLERK  June 2025 Exhibit A CITY OF WEBSTER GROVES GENERAL FUND FUND BALANCE POLICY Purpose The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends that governments establish a formal policy on the level of unrestricted fund balance that should be maintained in the general fund for GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and budgetary purposes. Such a guideline should be set by the appropriate policy body and articulate a framework and process for how the government would increase or decrease the level of unrestricted fund balance over a specific time period. In particular, governments should provide broad guidance in the policy for how resources will be directed to replenish fund balance should the balance fall below the level prescribed. Objective The City’s primary objective is to maintain a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to temporary revenue shortfalls or unpredicted one-time expenditures. The City of Webster Groves also desires to maintain the highest possible credit rating, which depends, in part, on the City’s maintenance of a healthy fund balance. Definitions o Fund balance: The excess of assets over liabilities in a governmental fund. o Non-spendable Fund Balance: The portion of a governmental fund’s net assets that are not spendable (e.g inventory, prepaids) or are required to be maintained intact. o Restricted Fund Balance: The portion of a governmental fund’s net assets that are subject to external enforceable legal restrictions. (e.g.. grant monies) o Committed Fund Balance: The portion of a governmental fund’s net assets with self-imposed constraints or limitations that have been placed by the City Council. (e.g.. encumbrances of $25,000 or more) o Assigned Fund Balance: The portion of a governmental fund’s net assets that the City intends to use for a specific purpose. (e.g. encumbrances under $25,000) o Unassigned Fund Balance: The remaining fund balance after the reduction of all four of the above amount categories. The unassigned fund balance is available for spending on any purpose by the City. Policy Statement The Fund Balance of the City’s General Fund provides stability and flexibility to respond to unexpected adversity and/or opportunities. The target is to maintain a rolling beginning fund balance of not less than 35% (just over four months) of annual operating expenditures for the current fiscal year. Should the balance fall below the target amount, the City will identify a plan to restore the Fund Balance to its target amount as part of the next Fiscal Year’s budget proposal. The City’s basic goal is to maintain annual expenditure increases at a conservative growth rate, and to limit expenditures to anticipated revenues in order to maintain a structurally balanced budget. The decision to retain a fund balance of not less than 35% of operating expenditures stems from the following considerations: Provides adequate funding to cover approximately 4 months of operating expenses. o It provides the liquidity necessary to accommodate the City’s uneven cash flow, which is inherent to a periodic tax collection schedule. o It provides the liquidity to respond to contingent liabilities. Fund balance may be accessed under the following conditions: o To draw down the City’s fund balance to the recommended funding rate by using these funds for capital expenditures, long term obligations, or debt service needs. o To respond to emergency funding necessities. The City will spend the most restricted dollars before less restricted in the following order, except as noted above: a. Nonspendable (if funds become spendable) b. Restricted c. Committed d. Assigned e. Unassigned This policy applies to the General Fund. Capital and Special Revenue Funds do not have a fund balance policy because the revenue for those funds is already restricted for specific purposes (e.g. Capital Improvement, Parks, etc.). Those funds are managed within the budget process, may retain a fund balance for unforeseen needs, but generally should be spent on their specified purpose sooner than later. Also, the City maintains a five year capital improvement plan, which should be a combination of both revenue and fund balance use. The original Fund Balance policy was approved by the City Manager and Director of Finance & Administration, and adopted by the City Council by Resolution 2009-44, and modified with technical revisions related to GASB 54 requirements on April 19, 2011. The Fund Balance policy was revised again in 2019. The Fund Balance Policy is revised again in 2025, reducing the required Fund Balance from 50% to 35%.