City of Ladue

Key discussions focused on the regional flooding event that occurred due to heavy rainfall on July 25th-26th, resulting in bridge damage, downed trees, and road closures; the department is compiling a master list of issues and the County Executive is seeking Federal assistance. Project updates included stormwater projects such as Willow Hill (final grading, punch list), Robin Hill/McKnight Lane (staining, punch list), and Deerfield/Wakefield (easement acquisition phase, with a resident meeting scheduled for August 16th). Easements were obtained for the Clayton Road ADA Phase IV sidewalk improvement, and construction commenced on July 20th. For parks projects, the Deer Creek Preserve project is in the design phase, and Rodes Park improvements including streambank stabilization and a pedestrian bridge are planned for design in 2022 and installation in 2023. Other matters included the resumption of brush pick up next week and progress on Building and Public Works renovations.

The meeting focused primarily on the consideration of Request ZPC 20-18, which involves a Special Use Permit for operating a non-profit educational facility related to art, architecture, and ecology at 9501 Clayton Road. The intended use involves activities such as school groups and occasional small events. Discussion covered compliance with residential to non-residential conversion requirements, including fire code, building code, and handicap accessibility. Concerns were raised by neighbors regarding hours of use and the potential scale of gatherings. The Commission ultimately decided to continue the request to the next meeting to allow the City Planner and the representative to establish specific, mutually agreeable conditions for the Special Use Permit concerning numbers, hours, and other terms.

The agenda for the meeting included the approval and adoption of the agenda, a public forum, and several items for consideration. Key items included the withdrawal of a request (ZPC 22-05) for a Special Use Permit to install a cellular antenna near 215 Graybridge Road. Consideration items also involved a Request for a Special Use Permit (ZPC 22-06) for an outdoor Special Event at the St. Louis County Library property, and a review of proposed text amendments to the Ladue Zoning Code concerning site development plan approval, traffic studies, and wireless communications facilities. The commission also reviewed the pending Zoning & Planning Commission docket log.

The primary discussion involved a proposed text amendment to Zoning Ordinance 1175 concerning Planned Development Districts (PDD). The commission debated the retention of an independent compliance manager paid by the developer to ensure compliance, with input from the City Attorney suggesting a compromise where the City pays if no violation is found, and the developer pays if a violation is confirmed. This evolved into a motion where a third party could be retained, paid by the developer only if an infraction is found, and by the City otherwise. This amendment passed unanimously. The second major item was the request for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a building addition, new shed, and site work at 9150 Clayton Road for a Carmelite monastery. This required approval for a variance concerning height and number of stories, and setting conditions for 18-foot light fixtures and a 20-foot wide fire access drive.

Key discussions centered on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding eligibility for several properties and the necessary City Council commitment share by the April 1, 2023 deadline. The committee recommended proceeding with the HMGP application and evaluating costs prior to hiring a consultant, and also recommended placing an additional property on the HMGP waitlist due to recent flooding issues. Updates were provided on the Small Project Storm Water Grant Program, noting the committee's approval for a disbursement request. Further updates included the status of repairs for the Robin Hill Lane - McKnight Lane Bank Stabilization Project and the ongoing easement acquisition process for the Deerfield-Wakefield Stormwater Infrastructure Project, which may lead to the project being placed on inactive status if easements are not secured by January 26, 2023. Finally, information regarding change order negotiations for the Willow Hill Stormwater Infrastructure Project and the City's application status for the ARPA Water Infrastructure Community Grant Program was reviewed.