Kurt Bahr

Key discussions included Commissioner Ferrett's update on the Peruque Creek Stream Team performing water quality testing. The Division of Environmental Health and Protection reported normal operations, noting an increase in Household Hazardous Waste Program acceptance leading to a larger invoice due to a vendor change. Old business covered the Hayford/Bridge Superfund Site with no new reports, and an overview of the Weldon Spring 2024 annual report confirmed monitoring is on track. New business involved a discussion of the RECA Act, noting filing portal unavailability as of early November 2025, requiring paper submissions. The group unanimously agreed upon a proposed 2026 quarterly meeting schedule.

The session included a public hearing concerning the Trailside Farm Community Improvement District (CID), associated with the Mencher Farms development. Concerns were raised regarding the traffic study, the necessity of the CID, its funding mechanism (special assessments vs. tax revenues), and the density of the proposed development. The applicant's counselor presented the benefits and funding of the CID, noting an estimated cost of $6,855,274.00 and planned amenities like trails and water features. Local organizations, including Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, expressed support due to planned road and utility improvements. Following the public hearing, a public comments section addressed issues like alleged censorship, fraud, and the developer's profits. Clarification was provided that the original Planned Unit Development (PUD) expired and was re-approved, resulting in reduced density. The County Executive also delivered an annual state-of-the-county report, highlighting accomplishments such as the finalization of the Gateway Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.

This Five-Year Plan outlines the establishment and initial activities of the Trailside Farm Community Improvement District, Inc. It details the purpose of funding and building various community improvements, including lakes, trails, parks, playgrounds, a memorial, and comprehensive infrastructure enhancements. The plan specifies the use of special assessments as the primary revenue source to finance eligible project costs and administrative expenses, with an anticipated schedule of activities and project commencements over a five-year period to promote public welfare and community development.

The meeting began with the recognition of Celeste Karam as the first "I Voted" Sticker Contest winner. A public hearing was held regarding the Trailside Farm Community Improvement District (CID) proposed for the Mencher Farms development. Concerns raised included the adequacy of the traffic study, the nature of CID funding (special assessments rather than general taxes), and notification procedures for affected property owners. Supporters cited planned amenities like trails, lakes, and road improvements benefiting adjacent entities like Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School. Following the hearing, the council approved the consent agenda, which included the journal of the previous meeting (January 26, 2026) and various purchases for the Highway and Information Systems departments, as well as appointments to the Board of Equalization and Developmental Disabilities Resource Board. In bills for final passage, Ordinance No. 5461 approving a supplemental agreement for the Josephville Road Project and Ordinance No. 5462 regarding cybersecurity grant funds were passed. Bills introduced included zoning map amendments and approval for the preliminary plat for Menscher Farms and the creation of the Trailside Farm CID. The council also announced forthcoming legislative work on regulating Kratom sales and drafting Air B&B regulations. The County Executive delivered his annual state-of-the-county report, highlighting accomplishments such as the finalization of the Gateway Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, Henges Wetland Park, City Hall renovations, decreasing crime rates, and updates on various infrastructure projects.

The meeting included an update on the Feasibility Study by GFT, which covered the study of fleeting services, the environmental study required by MoDOT, and a proposed modification to the scope of work, including the removal of two priority sites and a question regarding research into the AI Industry potential. The Economic Development Council of St. Charles County provided an update highlighting recent project wins and detailing several current business leads, including Project Genesis, Project Beach, Project Orange, Project Holidays, Project Turf, Project Top Shelf, and Project Endor. The Treasurer's Report for 2025 was presented, noting total expenses of $58,203.68 and no revenue, alongside a reminder about the June 30, 2026 deadline for drawing down CIP Funds from MoDOT. The board also reviewed and approved the 2026 meeting dates. During an announcement, it was noted that residential permits were low in 2025, with expectations for improvement in 2026. A separate closed session was held to discuss matters under statutory exemptions.