City of Bridgeton

The meeting addressed public comment opportunities and covered presentations and proclamations. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the consideration of emergency legislation (K3) for the approval of a liquor license for Sunny Market at 3153 North Number Go Road, which was approved. The council also proceeded with the second reading and approval of Bill Number 6222. Key deliberation involved a petition to establish the Bridgeton Powerplex Community Improvement District (CID), authorizing a sales tax and special assessment. Discussion of the preliminary development agreement revealed milestones set for the developer, including property acquisition deadlines by April 30, 2020, extinguishing existing TIP bonds by the same date, securing financing by October 31, 2020, and completing Phase 1 of the project by April 30, 2022. The agreement includes provisions for the CID dissolution in 25 years and covenants restricting property use, while also outlining a mechanism for the city to acquire the property for one dollar if milestones are missed, thereby removing the special assessment. The council determined that due to the complex and time-sensitive nature of the CID agreement negotiation, the item would not be tabled for later review but would proceed with first reading tonight, anticipating further readings in subsequent meetings.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new City Clerk. Key agenda items included the approval of the current meeting's agenda and public comments regarding water shut-off procedures for homeowners. Council approved the minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting with an amendment regarding a federal program acronym. Presentations included the introduction of a newly sworn-in police officer, Stephanie Bova, who has extensive experience, and updates on appointments to commissions. Council approved appointments for a commission (Carol Cheney and Dan and Kim Former) and ratified appointments for the Redistricting Committee (McBride, Reisinger, Hoove, Valley, and Wood). Discussions covered pending bills related to building code amendments (specifically concerning permanent turf/vegetation) and stormwater drainage improvements for Wellin Avenue, though several substantive bills (6295, 6296, 6297) were tabled following debate. Council members also raised questions regarding the need for external counsel for the Charter Review Commission, the status of local businesses like Kahala, MoDOT worker shortages affecting road clearing, and potential collaboration with the Bridgeton Clergy Meeting representatives. Additional topics included updates on local Halloween events and inquiries about hourly employee overtime policies and staffing analysis timelines.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items included the approval of the meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings, specifically the regular city council meeting of July 17, 2024, and the midyear budget meeting of July 23, 2024. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding the proposed Bridgeton Hilltop Community Improvement District (CID), including explanations about the proposed sales tax and special assessment structure, and the related formation of the CID board. The council approved a new liquor license for Her Place Cigar, stipulating that the license holder would not be required to sell food. A motion to table the request for a liquor license for Barrel Blend Wine and Spirits was approved. Additionally, the council rescinded a previous approval for a sodium chloride bid from Compass Minerals America Inc. due to an error, and subsequently approved Cargill Inc. as an additional supplier. Two ordinances were approved: the first authorized the issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds up to $23 million for the Paul Mayor Avenue project to effectuate tax abatement under Chapter 100, and the second approved the establishment of the Bridgeton Hilltop Community Improvement District under Chapter 353, authorizing a sales tax and special assessment, and detailing a 25-year real property tax abatement schedule (100% for 10 years, 50% for the next 15 years).

The key discussions and actions during this meeting included the approval of the agenda and two previous sets of minutes (July 5th and July 11th, 2023). Council addressed appointments to various city boards and commissions, such as the Board of Adjustment, Charter Review and Revision Commission, Pension Commission, Planning and Zoning, and Finance Commission. Several liquor license actions were taken, including granting additional licenses for Tria LLC and approving a change of ownership for Pirates Co PNR LLC. The council approved bids for a trailer-mounted light tower with a generator and conducted multiple readings and votes on several bills (6382 through 6387), including establishing special use permits for a banquet/events center and a comprehensive marijuana dispensary facility, and authorizing a study regarding flooding on Ferguson Lane.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and agenda approval, which included tabling Bill 6260. During public comments, a resident expressed concerns regarding drainage issues and property damage following contractor work. Another resident raised significant concerns about the proposed change to the LAGERS retirement extension plan, arguing it could negatively impact current employees' benefits and place the city in jeopardy, requesting a delay for further review. The council approved the minutes from the Special City Council Meeting of January 18, 2021, and the Regular City Council Meeting of January 20, 2021. The council also approved the reappointment of two members to the Natural Bridge St Charles Rock Road Community Improvement District Board of Directors. A package liquor license for Ace Beverages LLC at 12133 St Charles Rock Road was approved by a vote of 6 to 2. The council unanimously adopted the recommendation from the Pension Commission to adopt the 2010 mortality rate for safety employees. Finally, Bill 6260 was passed, making the city a participating employer of the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS). Significant discussion followed regarding the LAGERS adoption, with several members expressing concern over the long-term commitment and potential negative impact on employee benefits and city finances, advocating for a delay to explore better alternative plans.