City of Des Peres

Key discussions included the 2025 Pre-Audit Communication from Honkamp, P.C., noting the audit would commence on March 16th and cover significant processes like revenue recognition, accounts payable, and payroll. A February Sales Tax update indicated receipts were 12.68% higher than the prior year, with West County Center contributing 41.30% of sales tax. A review of draft 2025 Financial Statements revealed a strong year overall, with a $2.5 million budget deficit (under the budgeted $6 million deficit), resulting in a $1.6 million surplus in the General Fund. The committee reviewed the Sugar Creek Master Plan, which identifies $5.9 million in improvements over several years, and noted the Parks & Recreation Department is beginning a master plan for Des Peres Park. Operational updates covered the implementation of an AP Automation module for efficiency, the implementation of Ambulance Billing rate increases effective January 1st, 2026, and a change in Police/Fire/EMS dispatching contracts effective in April, which is projected to increase annual budget costs by $200,000-$250,000. The committee also noted an expected annual increase of approximately $100,000 in Legal Fees due to new hourly rates for the City Attorney.

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as a roll call, amendment of the agenda, petitions and comments, and an aldermanic report, alongside director's reports. Old business focused on updates for the Sugar Creek Bridge, Sugar Creek Park Master Plan, and Des Peres Park Master Plan. New business involved a review of attendance, memberships, and financials, and discussion of the 2026 Capital Improvement Projects. The commission also reviewed reports from other commissions and concluded with adjournment.

The Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting agenda covered several items for authorization, including the purchase of a Bobcat Cold Planer for the Streets Division, execution of Stormwater Reimbursement Program Agreements with the Metropolitan Sewer District for sediment removal, and a revised lease agreement with Trane for automated building systems software. Additionally, the Board was scheduled to authorize a sole source contract with Gerstner Electric for the installation of edge-lit street signs. New business included the introduction of an ordinance to extend the moratorium on rezoning applications in residential districts and an ordinance approving the installation of two fire hydrants for the Wyndermere Addition. The Board was also set to address the final passage of an ordinance approving a final record plat for the Wyndemere Addition subdivision.

The agenda for the Board of Aldermen meeting includes an Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony followed by the Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting. Key items for the regular session involve several resolutions presented under the Consent Agenda, such as authorizing the renewal of Cyber Security Licensing, approving a Professional Services Agreement with Planning Design Studio for Park Master Plan revisions, and authorizing the purchase of three utility vehicles for the Parks Department. Other resolutions address agreements for surfacing and replacement equipment at The Lodge, contract extensions for residential sanitary sewer lateral services, authorizing the acceptance of payment for two Chevrolet Tahoe cruisers, amending the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget with supplemental appropriations, and authorizing the implementation of Tyler Payments for city transactions. New business includes the introduction of an ordinance approving a final record plat and two ordinances regarding user fees for Emergency Medical Transportation Services.

The commission discussed the Sugar Creek Park Master Plan update, which is in its final stage after resident surveys. CDG will present the proposal at the February 2026 meeting. Proposed price increases for Fitness Wet-N-Sweat cards and Group Exercise classes were also discussed and approved, reflecting increases in wages, equipment costs, and comparable community center pricing. Commissioner Reutter inquired about snow removal from park paths, to which Director Newgent responded that the department lacks the manpower. Upcoming special events were announced, including a Boards and Commission Appreciation Dinner, Flannels and Flapjacks, Swiftie Swim Night, and New Year's Eve at Noon.