Michael Butler

The meeting involved various procedural actions and legislative discussions. Key activities included the unanimous approval of the minutes from the February 6, 2026, Full Board meeting. The Report of City Officials detailed the Third Read and Final Passage of several Board Bills related to modifying cooperation agreements, installing speed humps, and terminating a Community Improvement District. The Mayor submitted appointments and reappointments for the South Grand Community Improvement District and the Locust Central Special Business District, which were subsequently approved. The board reviewed and referred numerous Board Bills covering topics such as opioid settlement fund appropriations, honorary street naming, streamlining mobile food vendor operations, establishing a Nuisance Review Board, funding flood wall projects, repairing water infrastructure, creating new Community Improvement Districts, and approving redevelopment plans. Several Board Bills were moved between informal and regular perfection calendars. Additionally, three Resolutions were introduced and referred to committees: Resolution Number 239 regarding the Board of Adjustment's rules and regulations, Resolution Number 240 supporting the City's efforts to be recognized as a Bird City, and Resolution Number 241 proposing a submission to the FHWA to amend the MUTCD for new street sign usage.

The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee meeting included discussion on the order of business, approval of minutes, and planning for upcoming items. Key discussions involved Board Bill 88 being held in committee, Alderman Kotar's non-controversial board bill, and a presentation on affordable housing, which is a cornerstone of resident well-being. The committee heard an update from the CDA Executive Director regarding an RFP for affordable housing and the St. Louis Development Corporation's annual economic development plan update. Discussion also covered the impact of tax abatements on school funding, with the CFO of public schools scheduled to present. Board Bill 90, a simple rezoning request for a property currently operating as a bar, to allow for a multi-family building development while keeping the bar as a permitted use, was discussed and passed with a recommendation to pass. The presentation detailed HUD guidelines for affordable housing, noting that 44 percent of the city population is at or below 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI), and CDA's success in directing 85 percent of its funds to low to moderate income strata. The presentation also reviewed CDA's housing production programs, HUD funding sources (CDBG, HOME, NSP), and the NOFA process implemented since 2014, emphasizing gap subsidy and mixed-income development priorities.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and special words of reflection led by Reverend Katie Hots Wilton concerning the tragedy in Orlando, highlighting themes of hate, justice, and community unity. Following this, the Board moved to the regular order of business, starting with the adoption of a resolution on the consent calendar. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing two entities: the Metro Theater Company for their production of the play 'Cashes Clay,' which was presented in honor of Muhammad Ali, facilitating interaction for young people; and several individuals being honored at the Salute to Women's Gala, including Mary Wilson (Lifetime Achiever), Melba Moore, Richard Gant, and Mrs. Ann Nora Clayton. The discussions emphasized the importance of love, logic, and reasoning in decision-making, drawing parallels between contemporary events and the legacies of Muhammad Ali and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and the reading of the roll, establishing a quorum. Discussions included the introduction of honored guests, notably in remembrance of teachers lost tragically, and a moment of silence was observed. Several board bills were presented for first reading, including legislation regarding the installation of speed humps in various wards (Board Bills 86 and 67), modifications to cooperation agreements with land reutilization authority concerning the PropN NS program (Board Bill 87), updates to the municipal code for elections (Board Bill 88), and establishing public works projects for the Cass Avenue multimodal corridor (Board Bill 89). The board also reviewed and adopted bills from the perfection consent calendar, such as zoning changes (Board Bill 63) and establishing the city's participation in the Missouri Clean Energy District (Board Bill 80). Furthermore, the board perfected Board Bill 53 concerning the placement of speed humps on Carter Avenue, which required an amendment to include an adjacent ward's territory. Board Bill 62, regulating golf cart operation on city streets, was also perfected after discussion and the adoption of an amendment regarding lighting equipment.

The committee meeting focused on enrolling and passing several Board Bills related to Chapter 99 redevelopment plans and blighting studies, which included proposals for tax abatements for construction projects such as townhomes, apartments, and residential property renovation/sale. Specifically, Board Bills 76, 79, 108, 109, 110, 116, 125, 128, 130, and 131 were reviewed and advanced with due-pass recommendations. During the review of Board Bill 128, a discussion arose regarding the consistency and presence of fiscal impact studies for taxing jurisdictions across the various board bills, leading to a decision to withhold signing Board Bill 128 until the required fiscal impact information is provided, although the bill was already enrolled.