December 10, 2024 — Meeting Minutes
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THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen In-Person and Virtual Meeting December 10, 2024 7:01 p.m.
MINUTES
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order and requested a roll call. The following individuals were in attendance:
In-person: Bridget McAndrew, Susan Buse, Becky Patel, Gary Feder, Rick Hummell, Jeff Yorg, and Mayor Michelle Harris.
Staff: City Manager Gipson, City Attorney O’Keefe, Anna Krane, Director of Planning, and City Clerk Frazier.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
Kyle Johnson, citizen, (virtual) reported that the crosswalk buttons at the intersection(s) of Maryland Avenue and Brentwood Boulevard were inoperable and asked if they could be repaired.
Mayor Harris welcomed everyone and discussed the agenda for the night, noting that there will be no vote taken tonight on the proposed Big Bend Overlay.
A PUBLIC HEARING AND AN ORDINANCE - AMENDING CHAPTER 410 BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW ARTICLE, ESTABLISHING THE BIG BEND OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing.
Mary Campbell, Washington University, addressed the Board, to answer questions.
The following residents shared comments and concerns about the proposed project. Chuck Chagrin, 14 Southmoor Drive Anne Martin, Tuscany Park Ran Summer, 4 Tuscany Park W Summer, 4 Tuscany Park David Addison & Marilyn, 30 Southmoor (virtual) Joan Downey, 9 Tuscany Park Laura Horowitz, 70 Arundel Place Branko Marusic, 2 Tuscany Park Marie Bone, 28 Southmoor Carol Needham, Tuscany Park Jeff Gershman, attorney representing the Wiels Tina Holland, Wydown Forest John Hutkin, 11 Brentmoor Park Josephine Weil, 3 Forest Ridge Lee Johnson, 58 Aberdeen Place
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Mayor Harris called for a recess of the public hearing tonight and continue at the January 14 meeting. Meeting adjourned for a break at 8:55 p.m.; Readjourned at 9:03 p.m. Consent Agenda
1. Minutes – November 26, 2024
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to approve the Consent Agenda. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; Alderman Patel – Aye; Alderman Feder – Aye; Alderman Hummell – Aye; Alderman Yorg – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT WITH PARK TOWER CONDOMINIUMS FOR THE ISNTALLATION OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH COMMEMORATIVE MARKER
City Manager Gipson reported that this ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an updated agreement with the ECC to ensure the City of Clayton’s continued access to the interoperable radio system and its associated resources. This agreement formalizes the policies and procedures governing the issuance, maintenance, and use of the ECC’s communication equipment.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7048, authorizing a User Agreement with St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7048, first reading, an Ordinance Authorizing a User Agreement with the St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission for Participation in the Interoperable Radio System for Clayton Public Safety Departments by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 7048 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7048, authorizing a User Agreement with St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7048, second reading, an Ordinance Authorizing a User Agreement with the St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission for
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Participation in the Interoperable Radio System for Clayton Public Safety Departments by title only.
The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; Alderman Patel – Aye; Alderman Feder – Aye; Alderman Hummell – Aye; Alderman Yorg – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval, was adopted, and became Ordinance No. 6909 of the City of Clayton.
AN ORDINANCE RELEASING RESTRICTION INDENTURES FOR THE PROPERTIES ADDRESSED 7701 AND 7733 FORSYTH BOULEVARD
City Manager Gipson reported that the buildings known as Pierre Laclede Center were constructed in 1963 (7701 Forsyth Boulevard) and 1970 (7733 Forsyth Boulevard). At that time the city required that the uses and parking comply with provisions of the C-3 Office Commercial Zoning District and the property owner recorded restriction indentures to this effect for each property with the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds.
A new owner has recently purchased Pierre Laclede Center and has requested that the City release the indentures and regulate the property using the current zoning regulations. Review of the current zoning requirements compared to the C-3 District shows minor differences, which are not likely to impact the function or operation of the Pierre Laclede Center. Table 1: Zoning District Comparison, on the following page, highlights how some of the wording has changed with the modern zoning code, but the requirements are substantially similar.
Staff does not believe continuation of the deed restrictions enhances the city’s regulatory ability or is necessary to serve any current or foreseeable city land use regulatory objectives for these existing buildings.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7049, releasing restriction indentures for the properties addressed 7701 and 7733 Forsyth Boulevard to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7049, first reading, an Ordinance Authorizing Release of Restrictive Indentures for the Properties Addressed 7701 and 7733 Forsyth Boulevard by title only.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew that the Board give unanimous consent to consideration for adoption of Bill No. 7049 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7049, releasing restriction indentures for the properties addressed 7701 and 7733 Forsyth Boulevard to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7049, second reading, an Ordinance Authorizing Release of Restrictive Indentures for the Properties Addressed 7701 and 7733 Forsyth Boulevard by title only.
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The motion passed on a roll call vote: Alderman McAndrew – Aye; Alderman Buse – Aye; Alderman Patel – Aye; Alderman Feder – Aye; Alderman Hummell – Aye; Alderman Yorg – Aye; and Mayor Harris – Aye. The bill, having received majority approval, was adopted, and became Ordinance No. 6910 of the City of Clayton.
DEMUN TRAFFIC CALMING DISCUSSION
City Manager Gipson reported that in response to resident concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety on DeMun Avenue, staff conducted multiple meetings with residents and Ward 1 Alderpersons, and the area was evaluated under the City’s Traffic Calming Program.
A preliminary analysis was conducted in April of 2024. Radar speed signs, which serve both as enforcement tools and public outreach measures, were deployed by the Police Department to collect speed and traffic volume data. The analysis determined that traffic volume exceeded the maximum for inclusion in the Traffic Calming Program. The analysis further determined that the observed speeds would not have met the program’s criteria to qualify for traffic calming treatments. Being that the traffic volume exceeds the program maximum, the decision whether to install traffic calming measures is made by the Board of Aldermen, rather than prescribed by the program parameters.
Further discussion with residents, staff, and aldermen led to a request for staff to develop traffic calming options for resident feedback. Public Works presented several alternatives, including speed tables and raised crosswalks, along with cost estimates and examples of similar installations.
The residents who initiated the concern have shared the options with neighbors for input. The preferred option, mid-block speed tables between Alamo Avenue and San Bonita Avenue, is estimated to cost $11,000–$15,000. This cost is not included in the FY25 Budget.
In considering the resident requested improvements, the Board of Aldermen has the following options:
• Make no improvements to the roadway. • Amend the FY25 Budget to include a traffic calming project in the current year. • Direct staff to include a traffic calming project in the FY26-FY30 Capital Improvements Plan.
Matt Malick, Director of Public Works and Rich Wilburn, Public Works Principle Civil Engineer, were in attendance to answer questions.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to include Option #2 – to amend the FY25 Budget to include the traffic calming project in the current year. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
DISCUSSION ON THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT PROJECT COSTS.
Gary Carter, Director of Economic Development, provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Board on a proposed Black History Month event project.
DISCUSSION ON THE MARYLAND AVENUE BIKE LANE MARKINGS
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City Manager Gipson reported that the parking-protected bike lane along Maryland Avenue was designed in 2020 and installed in 2021. Through discussions with the Board of Aldermen during the bike lane design, it was decided that the durable green markings made with MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) to supplement the bike lane at crossing areas would not be installed to allow flexibility and cost savings if the city decided to revert to the original configuration.
In response to a recent inquiry from the Board of Aldermen, City staff identified the bike lane related items from the original bid tab and updated the unit costs for pavement markings along the Maryland bike lane.
Matt Malick, Director of Public Works, addressed the Board to answer questions.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to spend $10,000 to implement a plan for bike lane markings on Maryland Avenue, including additional bike symbols. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
There being no further discussion the Board adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST: ______________________________ City Clerk