Citation in context
September 28, 2021 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
09-28-2021 BOA Minutes September 28, 2021 Page 6 of 7
Mayor Harris added that she takes offense about the use of the word “decorate” because they are talking about an artifact that is meaningful as it relates to the community, and it is their job to look out for that artifact wherever it is placed. The Task Force recommended placing it as an educational display at the Center of Clayton, which is a great idea to include a narrative to be created. Afterward it will come down to the Board as to where it will be placed next. It is not a matter of “decorating,” it is a matter of safe-guarding and putting an artifact of the community that so much of Clayton’s history is embedded, good or bad, in a place that we think is appropriate as a Board. She is okay with the words “should or could,” and in the end this Board will decide on how to portray the painting. Alderman McAndrew commented that a decision has been made to take the portrait down from the council chambers and she would be okay with the words “could” or should” which leaves it open for the Task Force to look at what is created at the Center with the display. Once it has been there for a while then the Task Force could evaluate and possibly decide/recommend on where it should or could go. Motion made by Alderman Lintz to accept the recommendation by the Commemorative Landscape Task Force as presented to the Board. Alderman Berkowitz seconded.
Alderman Patel commented that she is not interested in being in the business of deciding what goes on the walls of City Hall or other public buildings. She stated that what is relevant as a Board action specifically in this case is in fact, we are removing the portrait from the council chambers which is the key aspect. She believes it warrants and requires Board action and prefers not to dictate or specify precisely what happens to the portrait when it is taken down. It should not be prominently displayed in council chambers where we work to foster an inclusive community. Alderman Buse commented that the memo reads as a recommendation of the Landscape Task Force, and it is a concern that she has with regard to the process as previously expressed by Alderman Berkowitz. Her preference would be to leave it up to the CCF and the Landscape Task Force to find the appropriate place to best display the portrait, a decision that this Board should not make now. Mayor Harris stated that she sits on the Task Force and feels that it is probably accurate that the Task Force did not deliberate as much as they (the Board), are doing tonight over the words “could or should, but they certainly deliberated over many well-chosen words on the recommendation. Her understanding from the Task Force discussions is that it was viewed as fine if it goes back to City Hall at some point, which would be appropriate, but not in the council chambers.
Mayor Harris stated that she sits on the Task Force and feels that it is probably accurate that the Task Force did not deliberate as much as they (the Board), are doing tonight over the words “could or should, but they certainly deliberated over many well-chosen words on the recommendation. Her understanding from the Task Force discussions is that it was viewed as fine if it goes back to City Hall at some point, which would be appropriate, but not in the council chambers. The Task Force did talk about location, but only as a brainstorming discussion, but that they may come up with other ideas.
Motion made by Alderman Lintz to accept the recommendation by the Commemorative Landscape Task Force as presented to the Board. Alderman Berkowitz seconded. The motion passed by 6 – Ayes; 1 – Nay (Alderman Feder). FISCAL YEAR 2021 3RD QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT
Janet Watson, Director of Finance and Administration, provided a summary of the FY2021 3rd Quarter Financial Report previously provided in the Board’s packet. Other
Alderman Berkowitz reported on the following: • Missouri Municipal League (MML) Conference – announced that City Manager Gipson received the J.T. Bell Award • Plan Commission/ARB • St. Louis County is interested in placing three 85” television screens on the outside wall of their administration building for the purpose of announcing the public hearings. Alderman McAndrew reported on the following: • Clayton High School Homecoming parade – thanked the City staff for finding a good solution to routes due to street closure. Alderman Buse reported on the following: • Clayton Equity Commission subcommittees met. Alderman Patel reported on the following: • Attended various sessions at the MML conference
Alderman Feder reported on the following: • Clayton High School Homecoming parade • Jazz Fest
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Mayor Harris reported on the following: • Jazz Fest • Art Fair numbers • Downtown Design District H3 Tour • MML Conference • MYAC
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
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Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ City Clerk