Andrea LaBarge, 111 N. Forsyth, stated that she is a cyclist and is supportive of continuing the Great Rivers Greenway connection.

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Meg Huber, owner of a Florist at 8103 Maryland, expressed her concern about the safety due to the lane reduction.

Matt Schaumberg, 79 Aberdeen, expressed his support in the plans.

Gary Heifitz, 8146 Westmoreland, expressed his concerns about the location of bike lanes as related to parking and the opening of car doors, and the traffic.

Andrew Galakatos, 8025 Maryland, complimented the Board for all the work and meetings that they have had to discuss this issue. He urged the Board to do an in-depth comprehensive review of the bike path.

Julian Hess commended the Board stating that this is the opportunity to make a statement and be progressive, referencing Complete Streets. He supports the proposal and feels it is the right thing to do.

Alderman Berkowitz stated that he really appreciated all the comments made tonight. His concern is (1) dealing with traffic and (2) how it is going to affect retail because that strip of Maryland Avenue is very important to everyone. Referencing the traffic study, it doesn’t appear that there will be inconveniences to a whole lot of people. He has heard from a lot of people regarding to slower traffic, which would be a positive. He has done his own research and relies on the data collected. Most data show that parking was taken away in many of those instances, we are not taking any parking. He feels that we would be adding to possible customers for the retailers. He expressed that he is in favor of the project.

Alderman Winings commented that they have spent a lot of time over the last few months and he appreciates all the input from the citizens. They decided some time ago that they wanted to become a walkable, bikeable community which was at the top of the priorities list since he began on the Board. He feels this is a good opportunity to give some life to that vision and expressed his support for the project.

Alderman Boulton stated that right-of-ways are meant for all the public, not just for cars/parking. They heard and looked at all the concerns and issues on how it would impact traffic by reducing lanes. It is now time for people who want to bike safely to have a little piece of that right-of-way. She supports a protected bikeway as long as it can be done realistically.

Alderman McAndrew stated that she too is grateful for all the input heard – what a great way to engage the community. This was not an easy decision in terms of traffic and safety concerns. She uses Maryland Avenue at least 10-15 times a day and it is a busy section. She counts on the experts for guidance and the reports/data showed that the commuters will experience a 2 - 3 minute delay at the worst 10% of time. She loves the Maryland Avenue shops and she struggled to find other communities who have done this experience retail closings, but that has not been the case. She stated that due to the traffic back up she is in favor of a shared lane from Forsyth to Gay; and a protected lane from Forsyth to Hanley. She noted that she is comforted by the fact that if this does not go well the city can fix it.

Alderman Harris stated that she attended a conference today on climate change and all of the regional leadership (East-West Gateway, Green Building Council, Great Rivers Greenway, Ameren, etc) were in attendance. She was marveled at how much these stakeholders are contributing and how committed they are to a more sustainable region. She stated that long ago the city committed to being sustainable, Pure-Power Community, Complete Streets, etc. and we must continue being a by going forward. We are trying to attract young people (and families) that are active. She wants to protect the Williamsburg shops and she likes the ideas that the

We are trying to attract young people (and families) that are active. She wants to protect the Williamsburg shops and she likes the ideas that the

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team has presented. This can be a test and we can monitor key attributes (traffic cues, delays, increases/decreases in retail sales, etc.) and if it’s negative enough we can take it out. She strongly supports the project.

Alderman Berkowitz inquired about the cost to remove if the project does not work.

Matt Malick stated that it would cost about 50% of the project.

Paul Wojciechowski, Alta Planning, addressed the Board to answer questions.

Mayor Sanger stated that this was difficult for him, he is a data driven guy and the data showed on the research that he did on “bike lanes and business” and “road diet and business” showed many success stories and he found one city in Jacksonville, Florida where they reversed the road diet which wasn’t in an urban area. The city has an obligation to take steps towards attracting more young people. He referenced that the city is looking into the ECab service for downtown. He noted that he is opposed to having bike lanes from Gay Avenue to Forsyth Boulevard. He noted that Alderman Lintz (who is absent tonight) has expressed his position as “no” and is opposed to the plan. He suggests that tonight the Board approve the plan as submitted.

Mayor Sanger with the four-lane marked sharrows from Gay to Forsyth and then protected to Hanley and per Alderman Boulton, include taking the alternate route, connecting Gay Field to the Centennial Greenway.

Alderman Berkowitz added that he is in favor of the plan, but he suggests and would like to see a green painted path that specifically indicates one-lane on one side and one-lane on the other side that this is a bike path that is used and shared with a bicycle rider. That rider has rights on the road and should be given their respect and the protection that they deserve.

Alderman Harris noted that the owner of 5-Star Burgers sent an email of a picture of a shared bike lane in Denver. She said that the green striped lane is expensive and may also be expensive to remove and suggested an alternative striping such as the example in Denver.

Alderman Winings concurred with Alderman Harris adding that he would still like to see a shared bike pedestrian path on the south side of Maryland Avenue.

Mayor Sanger adjourned the meeting for a break at 9:52 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 10:02 p.m.

A PUBLIC HEARING AN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER APPROVING THE PROPERTY TAX LEVIES FOR TAX YEAR 2018 (FY2019) – 1ST READING

Janet Watson, Finance Director, provided a summary of the proposed property tax levies for tax year 2018 (FY2019). Ms. Watson noted that previously the City voluntarily reduced one rate, the Police Building Debt Service personal property rate, in the amount of $0.002 and can now reset that rate to the voter-approved tax rate ceiling. Similarly, the calculation of assessment changes, growth, cost of living adjustments, recoupment, etc. results in three other rates – general fund residential ($.006); police building debt service residential ($.001), and special business district residential ($.007) – eligible to be reset to the voter-approved tax rate ceiling. These changes can only be made in non-reassessment (even numbered) years.

Mayor Sanger reported on the following: • St. Louis Region Proposition D information meeting at the Maryland Heights City Hall o Discussed the fuel tax proposal; would like to promote this initiative in the community

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• Limebike Data o Usage during the time of July 6-August 27: 840 users; 1300 trips

Motion was made by Alderman McAndrew that the Board adjourn to a closed meeting, with a closed vote and record, as authorized by Section 610.021(1), (2) and (3) Revised Statutes of Missouri, relating to legal issues, real estate and/or personnel, and to discuss matters related to negotiation of a contract pursuant to Section 610.021(12), RSMo. and/or proprietary information pursuant to Sec. 610.021(15), and/or information related to public safety and security measures pursuant to Section 610.021(18) and (19) RSMO. Alderman Harris seconded the motion.

Alderman Winings – Aye; Alderman Boulton – Aye; Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman Harris – Aye; Alderman McAndrew, and Mayor Sanger – Aye.

There being no further regular business the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

____________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________ City Clerk