June 9, 2026 — Meeting Minutes
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THE CITY OF CLAYTON
City Council In-Person and virtual Meeting June 9, 2026 7:06 p.m.
MINUTES
Mayor McAndrew called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
In person: Susan Buse, Gary Feder, Jeff Yorg, Betsy Meyland-Smith, and Mayor Bridget McAndrew.
Staff: City Manager Gipson, City Attorney O’Keefe, City Clerk Frazier, and Assistant City Manager Burr
Absent: Becky Patel and Kami Waldman
OPEN FORUM
Natalie Dowd, 7536 Parkdale Avenue, addressed the Council regarding Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.)
Edward Fisher,8100 Roxburgh Drive, addressed the Council regarding the use of F.L.O.C.K. cameras.
A PUBLIC HEARING AND A RESOLUTION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 8109 MARYLAND, WINE BAR KNOWN AS RETTA JANE THE READING ROOM
Mayor McAndrew opened the public hearing and requested proof of publication.
City Manager Gipson reported that this is a public hearing to consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit submitted by Retta Tussey, owner of Retta Jane, for the operation of a multi-purpose concept which proposes a retail clothing space, commercial/office space for interior design services, and a wine bar space. The wine bar space is proposed as “The Reading Room,” and will offer drinks and light food options.
Retta Tussey, owner, addressed the Council to answer questions.
Mayor McAndrew closed the public hearing.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Retta Jane Boutique at 8109 Maryland Avenue. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed 5-0 on a voice vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes – May 26, 2026
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2. Resolution – Tree Top Playground (Shaw Park) Equipment Purchase Project. (Res. No. 2026-16) 3. Motion – Liquor license for Tora Asian House.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Councilmember Buse – Aye; Councilmember Feder – Aye; Councilmember Yorg – Aye; Councilmember Meyland-Smith – Aye; and Mayor McAndrew – Aye.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 140 RELATED TO THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AND THE COMMUNITY EQUITY COMMISSION COMPOSITION AND TERMS City Manager Gipson reported that the proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 140 related to the Sustainability Committee and Community Equity Commission terms and compositions to align with other boards and commissions to assist the City of Clayton in the development and communication of financial goals and strategies. While the format has substantially changed there are only three material changes:
• Broadens the eligibility for appointment to the Sustainability Committee as an ex-officio member. • Establishes a term limit of three consecutive full terms for the Community Equity Commission. • Eliminates the ward distribution requirements for both committees and establishes a strong preference for equal distribution.
Motion made by Councilmember Feder to amend Bill No. 7159, correcting an error in the draft ordinance - “Aldermen” should be changed to “Councilmember”. Councilmember Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7159, as amended, approving amendments to Chapter 140 regarding the terms and compositions of the Sustainability Committee and the Community Equity Committee to be read for the first time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7159, first reading, as amended, an Ordinance approving amending Chapter 140 of the Clayton City Code Relating to the Sustainability Committee and the Community Equity Commission by title only.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse that the Council give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 7159 on the day of its introduction. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7159, as amended, approving amendments to Chapter 140 regarding the terms and compositions of the Sustainability Committee and
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the Community Equity Committee to be read for the second time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7159, second reading, as amended, an Ordinance approving amending Chapter 140 of the Clayton City Code Relating to the Sustainability Committee and the Community Equity Commission by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Councilmember Buse – Aye; Councilmember Feder – Aye; Councilmember Yorg – Aye; Councilmember Meyland-Smith – Aye; and Mayor McAndrew – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval, was adopted, and became Ordinance No. 7017 of the City of Clayton.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROCEDURAL POLICY FOR APPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
City Manager Gipson reported that the City Council discussed the adoption of a policy for appointments to boards and commissions on May 26, 2026. A draft of the procedural policy for appointments was provided in the Council’s packet for review and proposed adoption. The policy outlines the procedures for the solicitation, submittal and review of applications, consideration of reappointments, application review, and the approval of appointments.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse to approve Resolution No. 2026-17, approving the Boards and Commissions Citizen Appointment Policy. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING CERTAIN SUCCESSORS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 7730 BONHOMME COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (CID)
City Manager Gipson reported that On March 24, 2020, the City of Clayton created the 7730 Bonhomme Community Improvement District (CID) for the property located at 7730 Bonhomme Avenue, now operating as a Le Meridian Hotel. The CID imposes an additional 1% sales tax on the hotel (including hotel room, restaurant and gift shop sales). The CID uses the revenues from the sales tax to reimburse the Developer for certain eligible redevelopment costs.
The CID is governed by a five-member board of directors appointed by the mayor with the consent of the City Council. The CID is requesting that Dennis Bond (replaces Jennifer Metz), Frederik Houben (replaces Taylor Umscheid), and Matt Korsos (replaces Andrew Hargis) be appointed for four-year terms to expire March 31, 2030.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7160, approving the appointments to the 7730 Bonhomme Avenue Community Improvement District Board of Directors to be read for the first time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7160, first reading, an Ordinance of the City of Clayton, Missouri, Approving the Reappointment of Certain Board of Directors for the 7730 Bonhomme Community Improvement District by title only.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
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Motion made by Councilmember Buse that the Council give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 7160 on the day of its introduction. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7160, approving the appointments to the 7730 Bonhomme Avenue Community Improvement District Board of Directors to be read for the second time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7160, second reading, an Ordinance of the City of Clayton, Missouri, Approving the Reappointment of Certain Board of Directors for the 7730 Bonhomme Community Improvement District by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Councilmember Buse – Aye; Councilmember Feder – Aye; Councilmember Yorg – Aye; Councilmember Meyland-Smith – Aye; and Mayor McAndrew – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval, was adopted, and became Ordinance No. 7018 of the City of Clayton.
AN ORDINANCE FOR AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE FIRE AUTHORITY FEASABILITY STUDY
City Manager Gipson reported that Municipal fire departments in the St. Louis region currently face mounting cost pressures from skyrocketing equipment prices, increasing personnel salaries and obligations, and the high cost of maintaining modern apparatus as well as service fragmentation which can lead to inefficient operations. Establishing a regional fire authority (RFA), municipalities may be able to eliminate redundant administrative functions, standardize equipment, thoughtfully deploy apparatus throughout the service area, and enhance our market position resulting in improved firefighter/paramedic recruitment and retention, while leveraging economies of scale for large-scale purchasing. The model implements borderless response and training systems with improved response times, standardized training, consistent standards and leadership.
The proposed scope of services outlines a comprehensive feasibility assessment for a partnership between IAFF Local 2665 and participating cities to create a user-fee-based consolidated fire authority with a projected start date of January 1, 2028.
The ordinance authorizes the City Manager to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the cities of Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, Olivette, University City and Webster Groves for the Fire Authority Study. The cost of the study will be divided evenly amongst the partner cities, with an initial cap of $40,000 per participant.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7161, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for a Fire Authority Study to be read for the first time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7161, first reading, an Ordinance Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Among the Cities of Clayton, Olivette, Richmond Heights, Maplewood, Shrewsbury, Webster Groves and University City for the Fire Authority Feasibility Study by title only.
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The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse that the Council give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 7161 on the day of its introduction. Councilmember Feder seconded.
The motion passed unanimously (5-0) on a voice vote.
Councilmember Buse introduced Bill No. 7161, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for a Fire Authority Study to be read for the second time by title only. Councilmember Feder seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7161, second reading, an Ordinance Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Among the Cities of Clayton, Olivette, Richmond Heights, Maplewood, Shrewsbury, Webster Groves and University City for the Fire Authority Feasibility Study by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Councilmember Buse – Aye; Councilmember Feder – Aye; Councilmember Yorg – Aye; Councilmember Meyland-Smith – Aye; and Mayor McAndrew – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval, was adopted, and became Ordinance No. 7019 of the City of Clayton.
OTHER
Councilmember Buse reported the following: • Events o Music & Wine Festival o Shaw Park Social • Cool Cities is holding a “Show Me Less Plastics” workshop on June 11 • Reached out to Art Fair staff regarding the non-use of plastics for this year’s Fair
Councilmember Feder reported on the following: • Events o Music & Wine Festival o Shaw Park Social
Councilmember Yorg reported on on the following: • Municipal League of Metro St. Louis Installation dinner o Honored outgoing/retiring elected officials o Ryan McClure, Exec. Dir. Of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, was the guest speaker; provided an update of their work
Councilmember Meyland-Smith reported on the following: • Parks & Recreation Commission o The tennis center light project is currently underway o The Oak Knoll Park light poles are scheduled to be installed this summer • Clayton Community Foundation o A Wydown Boulevard Community meeting was held; future plans to meet with LJC Design regarding the Wydown Restoration Project
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Mayor McAndrew reported on the following: • Special Business District Advisory Board o Presentation provided by the Marketing Department staff; design revisions to CityViews • Economic Development Committee o Subcommittee - Small Business Support • Municipal League of Metro St. Louis Installation dinner o Guest speaker Ryan McClure, Exec. Dir. of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation great update on downtown restorations at the Arch
Mayor McAndrew announced that the Friday, June 12 Council Session is cancelled.
Motion made by Councilmember Buse to adjourn. Councilmember Yorg seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote (5-0).
There being no further discussion, the City Council adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________ City Clerk