Citation in context
August 23, 2022 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
City Attorney O’Keefe noted that per the Charter there is nothing that will keep the City from redistricting in the interim if it is believed the population has become “skewed” and no longer supports the constitutional standards because of becoming incompliant between the Census undertakings - the City can redistrict if the circumstances have changed. Alderman Lintz stated that he feels that in the future the City would need to look at this again and is not sure he is in support of the recommendation.
08-23-2022 BOA Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 4 of 8
Alderman Berkowitz expressed concern regarding the changes that will be made to the neighborhood(s), specifically Wydown Forest, and he is not in support of the recommendation.
Alderman McAndrew expressed her agreement with previous comments and commented on the relationships as an alderman and the connection with school parents located in her ward. She noted that although she is comfortable with Option C where she would be moved and it kept a “clean” line, she agrees with everyone to try to find another option.
Alderman Buse commented that she agrees with the previous concerns as related to the neighborhoods and the “historical” value of the connections and relationships formed. She would also like to try to find another option.
In response to Alderman Patel’s question, City Manager Gipson stated that the neighborhoods were established via plats on file with St. Louis County.
Alderman Patel inquired as to how often the School District considers boundary adjustments for the elementary schools and noted that she would be interested in getting those maps.
Mayor Harris introduced a new Option “E” (attached) to be considered which will result in a 7.4% deviation.
Alderman Patel inquired as to the retention of neighborhood boundaries and the criteria used in determining redistricting. She commented that she feels the option violates the criteria in “dissecting” a neighborhood.
Kathleen Gund, 329 N. Bemiston Avenue, member of the Redistricting Commission, addressed the Board explaining the Commission’s, which included members Laura Horowitz and Lisa Humphreys, the process that resulted in the recommendations presented tonight. She added that all of the concerns expressed tonight were all taken into consideration.
In response to Mr. Bliss’ question, City Attorney O’Keefe stated that elected representatives represent people and not voters the jurisprudence is that it is based on population, age of the population makes no difference.
Motion made by Alderman Lintz to table Bill No. 6908, accepting the proposed boundary adjustment as recommended by the Redistricting Commission. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION – SHAW PARK COMMONS
City Manager Gipson reported that in March of 2022, the Board of Aldermen directed staff to put the Livable Communities Master Plan (Parks Master Plan) on hold for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2022. The Board’s preference was to monitor the All-Season Recreation Complex (Commons) fundraising effort and decide around October 1, 2022 whether or not to proceed with the Parks Master Plan in January of 2023. Funding for the Parks Master Plan is included in the proposed FY 2023 Budget. The Mayor and Clayton Community Foundation (CCF) have been engaged in fundraising efforts since that time. The CCF Project List approved by the Board of Aldermen includes fundraising for:
Upon review of the 2020 census data, the standard redistricting criteria, and supplemental materials provided by City staff, the commission reviewed four different redistricting scenarios. The commission unanimously selected “Option D” which would transfer the western portion of
Upon review of the 2020 census data, the standard redistricting criteria, and supplemental materials provided by City staff, the commission reviewed four different redistricting scenarios. The commission unanimously selected “Option D” which would transfer the western portion of
08-23-2022 BOA Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 3 of 8
Concordia Seminary from Ward 2 to Ward 1, the neighborhoods of Carondelet Plaza, Wydown Forest, and Carrswold from Ward 2 to Ward 3, and the neighborhoods of Davis Place, Polo, Country Club Court, and Remmerts from Ward 3 to Ward 2. The resulting population distribution is as follows:
Option D Ward Change Population Deviation 1 230 5,980 3.4% 2 516 5,797 0.2% 3 -746 5,580 -3.6% Total
17,357 7%
Ideal Population = 5,785.67 Maximum Total Deviation < 10%
It was the opinion of the commission that “Option D” meets the standard redistricting criteria and that it will be the least disruptive to existing neighborhoods.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing and requested proof of publication.
Steven Lichtenfeld, 8010 Daytona Drive, Ward 3, addressed the Board with concerns and opposition to the proposed recommendation.
Sara Evans, Davis Place Trustee, 7807 Davis Drive, addressed the Board with concerns and opposition to the proposed recommendation.
Rick Bliss, 7515 Westmoreland, addressed the Board with a question regarding limiting the boundaries to three wards. City Attorney O’Keefe confirmed that per the City’s Charter there are three wards.
Alex Berger III, 8025 Venetian Drive, addressed the Board with concerns and opposition to the proposed recommendation.
Alderman Feder expressed concern regarding the changes that will be made to the neighborhood(s) and his opposition to the recommendation.
In response to Alderman Lintz’ question, City Attorney O’Keefe stated that any deviation from Census data is to be avoided. There is one adaptation where on Census Day the Clarendale was being constructed and is now finished and currently there is approximately 54 people residing there which could be taken into account.
City Attorney O’Keefe noted that per the Charter there is nothing that will keep the City from redistricting in the interim if it is believed the population has become “skewed” and no longer supports the constitutional standards because of becoming incompliant between the Census undertakings - the City can redistrict if the circumstances have changed.
Alderman Lintz stated that he feels that in the future the City would need to look at this again and is not sure he is in support of the recommendation.
The Mayor and Clayton Community Foundation (CCF) have been engaged in fundraising efforts since that time. The CCF Project List approved by the Board of Aldermen includes fundraising for:
08-23-2022 BOA Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 5 of 8
▪ Shaw Park Ice Rink improvements to include: o Construction of new facility o Endowment for operations After meeting with potential donors, CCF would now like to enter into an agreement with three firms (architect, landscape architect and recreation consultant) for enhanced concept planning services. The goal of this planning process is to arrive at a concept that inspires support from donors through enhanced design and programming and sustainable financials. This scope would include a review of all previous plans, site analysis, limited community engagement, establishment of review and peer committees, needs assessments, development of a physical space program, operations analysis, facility planning and financial modeling. The outcome of this study may result in additions to the anticipated programming and/or a redesign of the facility. This effort will be implemented over an 8-10 week period and would be funded by donations. This planning process would be complete prior to the start of the Parks Master Plan in January 2023 if it were to proceed. It would also require contributions of City of Clayton staff time for sharing existing information and participating in review meetings. If the Board of Aldermen concurs with this direction for the Commons project, staff recommends that the CCF project list be updated to specifically include enhanced planning of the subject area in addition to fundraising. Sarah Melinger, Clayton Community Foundation, addressed (in-person) the Board to answer questions. Ted Spaid, SWT Design, addressed (in-person) the Board to answer questions. Chris Chivetta, Hastings & Chivetta, addressed (in-person) the Board to answer questions. Eric Schneider, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission, addressed (in-person) the Board expressing full support of this initiative. After thorough discussion the Board of Aldermen were in consensus to support CCF to move forward with the proposed plan as presented tonight. Motion made by Alderman Lintz to add/expand the details of this project to the Clayton Community Foundation’s project list. Alderman Berkowitz seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. Hank Winkelman, 7405 Maryland Avenue, addressed (virtually) the Board asking that the Board is considerate of the park’s open space, beauty, and relaxation during the proposed planning. AN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER THE 3RD QUARTER AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET
Karen Dilber, Director of Finance, provided the Board with a summary of the proposed 3rd quarter FY2022 budget amendment.
Alderman Lintz introduced Bill No. 6909, approving the 3rd Quarter FY2022 budget amendment to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6909, first reading, an Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Appropriating Funds Pursuant Thereto by title only.
Alderman Berkowitz seconded. City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6909, first reading, an Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Appropriating Funds Pursuant Thereto by title only.
08-23-2022 BOA Minutes August 23, 2022 Page 6 of 8
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman Lintz that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 6909 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman Lintz introduced Bill No. 6909, approving the 3rd Quarter FY2022 budget amendment to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6909, second reading, an Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget and Appropriating Funds Pursuant Thereto by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman Lintz – Aye; Alderman Berkowitz – Aye; Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; Alderman Patel – Aye; Alderman Feder – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval was adopted and became Ordinance No. 6766 of the City of Clayton.
FISCAL YEAR 2022 3RD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
Karen Dilber, Director of Finance, provided the Board with a summary report as provided in the Board’s packet.
AN ORDINANCE TO CONSIDER APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR MUNICIPAL COURT SERVICES – SPECIALTY COURTS
City Manager Gipson reported that St. Louis County Municipal Mental Health Court was established to focus on those individuals who suffer from mental illness and become engaged in the criminal justice system based on primarily misdemeanor/ordinance offenses. The goals of the St. Louis County Municipal Mental Health Court are to:
- Protect public safety; - Reduce the use of jail and repeated interaction with the criminal justice system for persons suffering from mental illnesses; - Connect or reconnect persons suffering from mental illnesses with needed mental health services; and - Improve their likelihood of ongoing success with treatment, their access to housing or shelter, and linkages with other critical support.
Program participation is voluntary for individuals who suffer from mental illnesses and referrals to the St. Louis County Municipal Mental Health Court are required.
Alderman Lintz introduced Bill No. 6910, approving an agreement with St. Louis County for participation in the Specialty Court Program to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 6910, first reading, an Ordinance for an Agreement Between the City of Clayton and St. Louis County Regarding Participation in the County’s Specialty Court Program by title only.