James Lewis

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.

The meeting included discussions on the 2025 budget summary, highlighting accounts with less than 14% remaining, such as overtime and professional services. The Board of Alderman approved a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, effective January 1, 2026. Preliminary interviews have been conducted to fill three vacancies in the department, with panel interviews scheduled. An increase in ambulance transport fees was proposed to align with the current market due to increased calls and transports. The move to the new station is scheduled for November 19th, and the station may become a practical training site for the paramedic program. Concerns were raised about falling tree limbs in the Hardwood Hills subdivision.