She stressed that they are constantly worried about this so when a development comes along, they must pay attention, they are not doing their job if they don’t pay attention. She asked that they

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try to understand that they are trying to do the best for everyone, but at the same time they must pay the bills and they are looking at a potential deficit of $2 million in three years. She encouraged the audience to come to the City’s budget meetings as well.

Alderman Lintz stated that this has been an interesting project and that there are a lot of good things that can come out of this project. He likes the colonnade idea, walkways, and gourmet market. He said that obviously it doesn’t quite fit the picture of the neighborhood. He feels that one of the things that was missed when starting the RFP process was perhaps finding out what would work there to make everybody happy. We have a very old master plan, this is the second round of the RFP because the first proposal we sent back because we didn’t like it; this is the second and we’ve sent them back a couple of times because we didn’t like it. The City is not just throwing anything out there, but nonetheless we obviously didn’t hit the mark. He expressed that at this point he is not ready to pursue, but instead would like to go through and complete the process.

Alderman Berkowitz stated that his opinion has not been keep a secret during this time period and his feelings about the Wydown District are very strong. He stated much appreciation for everyone who showed up tonight to show how much that care about the neighborhood, whether it’s the old-world European charm, or if it’s Zoe’s restaurant, or enjoying the walkability. Change is difficult when you enjoy what you already have otherwise you don’t care if things change. What he hears you saying is that you like what you have, but could stand something different, but would like it studies, and to also be a part of the decision. He stressed that although you are here tonight it is important that they maintain their involvement and be a part of the process because in a year from now they could end up with a plan that says this is the answer. He added that the City does have a responsibility to pursue development; he provided a brief history of important budget information. It’s important that everyone understand that when pursuing these things, we are trying to represent the City’s best interests. In this case we all got the message, we learned from each other and hopefully a good plan comes out of it.

Alderman McAndrew stated not being repetitive everyone has said some insightful and important things. She thanked everyone and expressed appreciation for the public sending emails, telephone calls, coming to the meetings, and their opinions – the Board does listen. Clayton gets developers coming to the City, it is a great place to live and we are lucky to draw them, i.e. John Pennington, Tyler Stephens, who want to build in Clayton. She is concerned about the project and does feel that they are not at the right place now to go forward with the contract.

Alderman Buse stated that she has the advantage of saying “ditto.” It is not her first time with a packed room at a Board meeting and it is critical – we are your neighbors, we do care, we go to your restaurants, businesses, walk your sidewalks, and attend the schools. Everyone does listen, we do care, and Mayor Harris has done a good job managing. She’s excited about going into a much better plan that recognizes both the neighborhoods and all working together as a City. This process created a lot of emails, telephone calls, including analyzing information and the work done by the developers and architects has pushed the thinking and that is good. The input heard throughout this process has brought out what the values are for that neighborhood and what those visions can be in order to move forward and that is helpful. She agrees that they are not ready to go forward on this and thinks it is going to make whatever is done stronger and she encouraged the citizens to continue providing their input.

Mayor Harris stated it’s been important to all of us but especially to me as a new mayor to have the support of all of you and many others who are not here tonight who have expressed their

She agrees that they are not ready to go forward on this and thinks it is going to make whatever is done stronger and she encouraged the citizens to continue providing their input. Mayor Harris stated it’s been important to all of us but especially to me as a new mayor to have the support of all of you and many others who are not here tonight who have expressed their

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views to me. They did their research, they made comparisons and spent time trying to help us get to the right place, which is invaluable, and we appreciate it all. The city has invested a lot of time and energy into this effort and our staff, Gary Carter has worked tirelessly with the developer and with the Board trying to work out any and all options there might be. The hard work and time invested by the developer and his associates where they worked hard when we asked them to try to communicate with the neighborhoods and the community, even on a one- on-one basis. The whole community has come together around this and that is a important piece that we have in Clayton that needs to continue. The Aldermen are right that it is our job to continue to look at growth opportunities for the City, because cities that don’t grow, die. Although, we are Clayton, rich by many standards, we still have expenses that continue to go up and revenues that remain flat with the exception of new growth, new building, and new revenue streams. It is our fiduciary responsibility to always thoroughly evaluate those things and sometime even if the project is not perfect, by going thru the process as described by Mr. Lichtenfeld we might get to perfect, or almost perfect – that’s why we have that process in place which gives us plenty of time throughout months to get that input and try to reshape, remold something that will fit a particular area and is compatible.

She explained that she lived through the recession on this Board as an alderman and for about nine years with zero development and the “lines” crossed resulting in a loss of staff due to cost cutting, but luckily the economy turned around and the City recouped and are now in a stable position, but then we used about $10 million of the reserves for 4-5 years. We as a Board take that seriously and try to do a thorough job, because if we don’t it is not doing a good service to you, the taxpayers.

With me as a new mayor, going into a new decade, getting a new city manager, with several newer Board members, it can be a time of doing things differently which I think all my colleagues will agree. It is time to step back on this to take another look at this corner and the character that is there, and the charm that is there and see if there isn’t something that moves us forward as a City and yet preserves the things we like about that corner. Please stay tuned and pay attention, please continue to be involved.

Motion made by Alderman Winings that Bill No. 6769, consideration of the Sales Agreement for 602 S. Hanley Road be withdrawn. Alderman Boulton seconded.

The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

MOTION TO CONSIDER APPROVING APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Interim City Manager Watson reported that the following individuals have expressed interest in being appointed to or continuing to serve as a member of the following Boards or Commissions of the City. Mayor Harris has reviewed and agrees with the recommendations for appointment to the respective Board or Commission and, therefore, submits the following nominations for the Board’s consideration.

Board of Adjustment Anne Bishop Ward 2 (Appointment for a 5-year term through June 30, 2024)-moving from alternate to member-replacing Ward 1 opening

Community Equity Commission Laura Horowitz Ward 1 (Appointment through June 30, 2022)