Bill Dempski

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call, noting the absence of Councilman Patel and pending arrival of Councilmember Zimmer. Public comments included acknowledgments for outstanding and responsive services from street maintenance crews and compliments directed toward the Senior Services personnel and drivers for exceeding expectations. Discussion also touched upon highway litter cleanup efforts using volunteers. Presentations focused on introducing a new police officer with 20 years of law enforcement experience, noting their commitment to community relations. Council communications addressed state legislative matters, including computer upgrades for the Department of Revenue, changes to vehicle tax payments, and concerns regarding juvenile crime and an Omnibus Crime Bill. Council members also discussed the lack of an agenda for an upcoming meeting and the need to schedule follow-ups on stormwater projects. Reports from staff covered a concrete replacement project and updates on golf course activity, Independence Day planning, and day camp registration financials.

The City Council meeting agenda was approved, and there were no public comments. The council approved the minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting. Key announcements included the introduction of a new Aquatic Supervisor and the announcement of several Police Department promotions. The council reappointed Art Bell to the Planning Commission. The council approved a new Liquor License for Circle K for selling intoxicating liquor, including Sunday sales. Several ordinances were considered and passed: Ordinance 26-03 established a Special Use Permit for an indoor baseball and softball training facility; Ordinance 26-04 rezoned approximately 17.8 acres from R-1 to M-1 Limited; and Ordinance 26-05 established a Special Use Permit for a Clean Earth Landfill. Ordinance 26-06 was passed, repealing a section of the City Code and adopting new fees for Parks and Recreation Department programs. A new bill authorizing an agreement with Granicus for agenda management software was tabled. Discussion items included Pension Management Advisory Services, with a recommendation for staff to issue a Request for Qualifications. Council communications noted upcoming events, requests for Code Enforcement updates, and information regarding the State of the State Address and local staffing surveys. Staff reports covered the Recreation Center's 10th Anniversary, tax assistance partnerships for seniors, and updates on ongoing projects.

The Design and Review Board meeting addressed the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and agenda approval. The key new application involved Proposal 25-8263 for Asian Yummy Buffet at 12190 St. Charles Rock Road, concerning the exterior color change of the building. The Board confirmed the applicant's intent was merely to apply fresh paint in the existing color and approved the application, contingent upon subsequent sign permit acquisition. There was no report from the Ex-Officio member.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, noting the City Clerk's absence and the HR Coordinator filling in for the role call. Key agenda items included the approval of the meeting agenda and public comments, where a resident voiced concerns about recent snow plowing performance, suggesting personnel changes if job duties are not being met. The council approved the minutes from the December 18, 2024 meeting with a minor grammatical correction. The Police Chief introduced the newest officer, James Katz, who possesses 12 years of law enforcement experience. A public hearing was held regarding application number 24-PC-08, a request to rezone approximately 472 acres of land owned by the City of St. Louis (Airport) to M3W Planned Manufacturing District to align with existing airport uses and facilitate future redevelopment of the Airfield Maintenance Facility. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval. Council members discussed the scope of the rezoning relative to the airport boundary. Following the hearing, the council considered new bills, moving to table Bill Number 6474 concerning municipal judge qualifications and Bill Number 6475 authorizing an agreement with St. Louis County for emergency communications radio system participation.

The Design and Review Board meeting addressed several applications for new installations and modifications. Key decisions included the approval of a wall sign for Verizon at 12001 St. Charles Rock Road, contingent on using only one sign and confirming it is LED lit. The board also approved the installation of a 5' tall white vinyl fence with one gate for Michael & Carolyn Dyer at 11609 Gwengreen Drive. Furthermore, the application to reface the wall and pole signs for Asian Yummy Buffet at 12190 St. Charles Rock Road was approved, contingent upon the painting of the pole sign and the box around the wall sign due to their poor condition. Finally, the board approved a proposal to install a wall sign for 5 Stone Construction at 13588 Northwest Industrial Drive, as it met ordinance requirements. An ex-officio report on recent Council events was also provided.