Andrea Nicole Finkbiner

The Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen centered on the consideration and adoption of Resolution R-26-01. This resolution formally opposes legislation, specifically HB 2155, HB 2429, and SB 1065, which propose shifting the relocation costs for private cable television and telecommunication infrastructure to taxpayers, as such burdens unfairly affect municipalities and taxpayers. Following the resolution's adoption, the Board entered into an Executive Session to discuss matters pertaining to hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting employees.

The meeting agenda included public hearings for a Special Use Permit request for a tobacco shop (CASE 2026-SUP-01) and a request to rezone multiple properties from Non-Urban District to Non-Urban Residential District (CASE 2026-REZ-01). The Parks & Recreation Committee/Tree Advisory Board presented several recommendations, including approval for a Kindness Garden request from Stanton Elementary, limiting pavilion rentals at Bud Weil Park to City residents, and approving a Special Event (Walk/Run) request. New bills consideration covered ordinances related to liquor licenses, amending the Traffic Code, authorizing contractor agreements for park structure maintenance (roofing/painting), inmate housing amendments, sports field leveling services, and a Municipal Stormwater Grant agreement. The Finance Committee section included discussion on the draft monthly financial update and an ordinance establishing the 2026 municipal tax rate. The Police/Municipal Courts committee agenda included monthly reports and several ordinances related to the Traffic Code and inmate contract amendment. The board also planned to enter an executive session to discuss legal actions, real estate, personnel matters, sealed bids, and personnel records.

Key discussions focused on several municipal code amendments under Title III - Traffic Code, including regulations for Electric Bikes, Low-Speed Vehicles, UTVs, and Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (collectively termed "Alternative Vehicles"). The committee also considered adding a new Chapter 390 related to Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement to allow prosecution of certain infractions in Municipal Court. An amendment to the contract with St. Louis County for Housing of Municipal Inmates, which increases the detention cost per 24-hour period, was forwarded for approval. Personnel discussions included forwarding proposed changes to the agreement with Mercy regarding Occupational Health Services fees for the CDL random drug testing program, approving the City Clerk's attendance at the 2026 MoCCFOA Annual Spring Conference, and forwarding a proposed reorganization of the Parks and Recreation Department. The latter reorganization involves removing the Farmers Market Manager position and creating a new Lead Athletic Fields Maintenance Worker position. Initial discussions regarding future adjustments to salary caps were also held. Under Capital Improvements, the committee recommended awarding the 2026 Sports Field Leveling Services bid to Mots Excavation, LLC, and forwarding an agreement with the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) for Municipal Stormwater Grant Participation. The Information Services discussion focused on installing a camera in the Fabick Nature Preserve parking lot, with a motion to forward a specific quote from Essential Network Technologies. Finally, the committee decided to forward an ordinance to opt out of extended hours for the sale of intoxicating liquor during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament, and to forward a resolution opposing state legislation that shifts private cable/telecommunication relocation costs to taxpayers.

The committee meeting addressed several items across various committees. Key discussions included the review of the December 31, 2025, Monthly Financial Report and forwarding the 2026 Municipal Tax Rate ordinance for establishment at the subsequent Board Meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, with conditions, for a Special Use Permit for Night Owl Tobacco, LLC, and recommended rezoning several properties from St. Louis County "NU" to City of Fenton "NU" Non-Urban Residential District to align with the Comprehensive Development Plan. The Parks and Recreation Committee/Tree Advisory Board discussed park projects, elected new officers, recommended approval for a Kindness Garden proposed by Stanton Elementary, and recommended forwarding a request to restrict Bud Weil Park pavilion rentals to City residents only. A significant portion of the meeting focused on Great Rivers Greenway Project 247A (Unger Park Realignment), culminating in a unanimous motion not to approve the proposed trail connection to Cassens Drive due to concerns regarding parking, truck traffic, and burden on adjacent businesses. The committee also recommended forwarding a request from St. Paul Catholic Church for a Special Event Walk/Run. Updates were provided on the ongoing process to obtain estimates and bids for remodeling park restrooms and constructing a new facility, with a motion to forward all exterior improvement items (painting, gutters, lighting) for approval. Under Miscellaneous, the committee unanimously approved cost increases for the Municipal Court Management Software (REJIS) and approved the reorganization of the Parks and Recreation Department, including changes to staffing structures. The Board entered into Executive Session to discuss legal actions.

The Board of Aldermen Committee Meeting agenda included discussions on financial matters, such as the draft monthly financial report for December 2025 and consideration of the 2026 Municipal Tax Rate. Updates and discussions were provided regarding the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendations, which included approval, with conditions, for a Special Use Permit for a Tobacco Shop and approval for rezoning parcels from Non-Urban District to Non-Urban Residential District. The Parks & Recreation Committee/Tree Advisory Board provided updates, including the election of new officers and recommendations for a Kindness Garden at Fenton City Park and limiting park shelter rentals to City residents only. Other discussions covered the Great Rivers Greenway Project 247A realignment, a Special Event request from St. Paul Catholic Church, and estimates for park restroom remodel/improvements. Miscellaneous items included consideration of cost increases for Municipal Court Management Software and a discussion regarding the reorganization of the Parks and Recreation Department. The meeting planned for an Executive Session to discuss legal actions, real estate transactions, personnel matters, and sealed documents.