Steve Carman

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call. Key discussions focused on new business items, specifically site plan and community design review petitions. The commission unanimously approved the petition for 720 Cherry Tree Lane regarding excess flat work for a pool installation, which included an approved mitigation plan for stormwater management. The commission also reviewed the petition for a new single-family home at 805 Avon Court, noting concerns regarding tree preservation, neighboring improvements (including a garden area and chain link fence), and required replacement trees; approval was subject to staff conditions and petitioner coordination with neighbors. Furthermore, the commission reviewed a draft text amendment to the light industrial district concerning data centers, proposing that data centers require special permits, a minimum lot area of 120,000 square feet, a 300 ft buffer, and performance standards for electric, water usage, and noise mitigation, although no formal action was taken on this item.

The meeting covered several key discussion points, including a review of upcoming board and commission term expirations and potential term limits, where it was agreed that letters would be sent to members with expiring terms regarding reappointment. Staff provided an update on the 2026 N Price Phase I STP-S Application for federal funds related to road reconstruction. Additionally, preliminary plans from Ameren UE for installing new underground conduits along North Price Road were reviewed, noting the project duration is expected to be approximately four months. Finally, the Council reviewed and agreed with the proposed implementation plan for the business outreach survey.

The Planning Community Design Commission meeting convened on February 5th, 2026. The commission addressed the site plan review for a new single-family home at 800 Braxton Court, focusing heavily on stormwater management, including consultant feedback regarding existing conditions, proposed detention enhancements, and potential mitigation for driveway runoff. The project was ultimately approved subject to staff conditions. A major discussion involved a text amendment for the LI Light Industrial District to rezone data centers from a permitted use to a special permit use. Proposed conditions for data centers included minimum lot size (over 120,000 sq ft), required distance from residential property (300 ft buffer), specific performance standards (electric, water, sound/noise), building/site standards (cooling, stormwater, lighting), and restrictions on generators/energy storage systems.

The City Council meeting included introductions of new staff, a report on delayed trash collection due to snow, and a review of upcoming city events and meetings. Staff reports highlighted fire department training, park maintenance, planning inspections, successful police events, and public works activities including snow clearing and salt delivery. The financial report for December 2025 indicated revenues were below expectations, while the Q4 2025 investment report showed a slight increase in holdings. Liaison reports covered economic development outreach and park commission activities, including a reciprocal agreement with Creve Coeur. A public hearing was held regarding a Special Permit Use for Mercy to operate a Centralized Ambulatory Pharmacy at 9321 Olive Boulevard, which concluded without public comment. Key actions included approving the Glenmary Road Curb Construction Project contract, authorizing a fee structure for CPR/First Aid Training, and formally approving the reciprocal facility agreement with the City of Creve Coeur.

The 2024 Comprehensive Plan Priorities and Schedule for the Planning and Community Design Commission outlines strategic initiatives across key areas including Housing Diversity, Transportation, Efficient Infrastructure, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Strategic Redevelopment. The plan details specific actions, responsible entities, and timelines for each priority to guide development and community improvement.