Karen Dilber

The discussion session centered on the condition of Central Business District (CBD) streetscape lights, which were installed starting in 1995, primarily manufactured by Sternberg. The presentation detailed an assessment of 190 poles, identifying corrosion issues, particularly with older steel poles whose bases hold water and salt. The assessment resulted in four action categories: remove immediately, repair or remove, observed frequently, and routine observations. The presentation included an estimated cost of $473,000 (including contingency) to restore the identified failing or at-risk poles to light condition, noting that the majority of cost is for replacement assemblies. The municipality intends to replace failing steel poles with more resilient aluminum materials and confirmed that remediation of immediate risks has begun. Future steps involve inspecting the next phase of poles (2001-2005 installations).

The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting addressed several agenda items, noting that public attendance was restricted to real-time virtual access only due to public health concerns. Key discussions included a Livable Communities Master Plan (LCMP) update, with a focus on design and the potential inclusion of a flexible ice rink area. The commission also reviewed the 2025 End-of-Season Report for the Shaw Park Aquatic Center (SPAC), detailing revenue decreases due to weather and operational issues, facility highlights such as new flooring that required reinstallation, and staffing shortages. Additionally, the 2025 Annual Report for the Shaw Park Tennis Center (SPTC) was presented, showing a slight net decrease despite increased program enrollment, and noting upcoming improvements such as replacing court lights. The Director's Report covered initiating the Remembrance Park Plaque project, advertising for a Municipal Service Technician II, and starting work on establishing the Youth Sports Advisory Committee.

The Executive Session addressed legal issues, real estate, and contract negotiations, authorized under Missouri Revised Statutes Sections 610.021 (1), (2), and (3). Additionally, potential closed meetings regarding contract negotiation, proprietary information, and public safety measures were noted as possibilities subject to open session motion and vote.

The business matters session addressed several items. For new business, the Board considered and approved with conditions a Boundary Adjustment plat for 6464 Ellenwood, requiring filing with the County Recorder of Deeds and submission of a signed mylar. A request for exterior alteration/renovation at 241 Linden Avenue was approved with conditions regarding increased visibility and material specifications for a shed. Old business included a Sign Modification request for 7811 Clayton Road, which failed to pass due to a split vote. Applications for Site Plan Review and Architectural Review for a new residential property at 8145 University Drive were both continued to allow the applicant time to make revisions, specifically concerning stormwater management and well system maintenance. Site Plan Review for a new single-family residence at 436 Oakley Drive was approved with conditions related to landscape revision, percolation testing for the drywell, and recording a deed restriction. The Architectural Review for the same property at 436 Oakley Drive did not carry. The meeting concluded with a discussion session featuring a presentation on Tree and Landscape regulations and potential code revisions.

The Plan Commission ARB meeting addressed the approval of minutes from the previous meeting on November 3rd, which was unanimously approved. The new business focused on two properties. For 8029 Roselyn Drive, the board considered an application seeking approval for exceeding the 25% facade limit for siding material on a second-story addition. After discussion regarding vinyl versus Hardy board siding, the committee recommended approval with an amendment specifying the material must be Hardy board, not vinyl, and that a sample must be submitted to staff for color matching verification before the building permit is issued. For 7401 Maryland Avenue, the project involved renovations to the rear facade, increasing siding coverage from 25% to 53% of the facade, along with replacing doors and windows. The applicant confirmed the siding would be LP Smart Side (which is paintable and similar to existing Hardy board) and agreed to submit a sample for color review against the existing Hardy board on a converted garage before a building permit is issued. One board member raised concerns about infilling a section below a window with siding instead of a full-height window on the east elevation, though this was acknowledged as a minor concession for interior layout optimization.