November 26, 2024 — Meeting Minutes
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THE CITY OF CLAYTON
Board of Aldermen In-Person and Virtual Meeting November 26, 2024 7:06 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.
Mayor Harris called for a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of long-time Clayton resident Gary Krosch. Gary was an original founder of Forest Park Forever, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Clayton Community Foundation. He served on various boards, Economic Development Advisory Board, boards of the Contemporary Art Museum, Fontbonne University, and others, and worked for many years to just help improve the lives of indigenous people in the United States northwest, and a special friend and advisor to many.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
None
Mayor Harris welcomed everyone and discussed the agenda for the night, which included making a decision on the South 40 Overlay and considering suggestions for the Big Bend Overlay.
A PUBLIC HEARING AND AN ORDINANCE - AMENDING CHAPTER 410 BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW ARTICLE, ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH 40 OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
Mayor Harris opened the Public Hearing.
City Manager Gipson provided a brief summary of the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Harris closed the Public Hearing.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7044, approving an Ordinance for an Amendment to Chapter 410 of the Municipal Code to Add a New Article Establishing the “South 40 Overlay Zoning District” to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7044, second reading, an Ordinance to Substantially Enhance Clayton’s Ability to Regulate and Constrain the Spread of Institutional Land Uses in Residential Areas of the City by Amending Chapter 410 of the Municipal Code to
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Add a New Article Establishing the “South 40 Overlay Zoning District”, and Other Actions Related Thereto 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. 6906 of the City of Clayton.
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.
Dr. Tom Eggers, President, Concordia Seminary, addressed the board, expressing his support for the South 40 overlay and the partnership with Washington University for shared youth athletic facilities. He emphasized the importance of the seminary's private property rights and the benefits of the proposed development for both the seminary and the community.
Mary Campbell, Washington University, and Tom Kirk, architect, addressed the Board, to answer questions and discussed the proposed plan(s). She provided an estimate for the timeline for the development of a site plan at 2 to 3 years.
Questions were raised about the potential for Wash U's athletics department to upgrade their plans for the multi-purpose facility or field house, the possibility of designing the facility partly underground to minimize impact in the neighborhood(s); and the need to understand the height requirements; and the possibility of overlapping the fields with Concordia. Suggestion for the removal of allowable uses for commencement performances and campus programs, which are not athletic in nature was discussed. The Board stressed the importance to understand the actual (concrete numbers) needs/usage, of the athletic department to determine the appropriate size and number of venues.
Concerns were raised about the uncertainty of the community's comfort with the proposed changes, particularly regarding traffic and density issues.
The Board emphasized the importance of maintaining a commitment to being a good neighbor and part of the community also expressing a need for further analysis of the use of the Fontbonne campus.
The following residents expressed concerns about the proposed sports complex and overlay. Key issues raised included noise levels, traffic - with some residents advocating for vehicular access to be restricted from Big Bend, and the potential impact on property values. Some residents suggested that the overlay should be more restrictive, with lower decibel limits for amplified noise and limitations on when it can be used. The residents also expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and the evolving nature of the proposal. They commented if the complex should be evaluated under the existing conditional use permit (CUP) process or the overlay district ordinance. The residents expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and trust in the process, particularly regarding the intentions of Washington University. Chuck Chagrin, 14 Southmoor Drive Josephine Wiel, 3 Forest Ridge Jonathan Katz, 3 Tuscany Park Jay Kanzler, 20 Southmoor Drive Mary Vone, 28 Southmoor Drive
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Obi Griffith, 104 Arundel Dave ______, 5 Southmoor Drive Patty Heyda, Hillcrest neighborhood Joan Downey, 9 Tuscany Park Michelle Dillon, 4 Southmoor Drive Steve Kissell, 521 W. Polo Carol Needham, Tuscany Park Dimitri Sideriadis, 7 Southmoor Drive Andrew Lieberman, 1 Southmoore Drive David Anglin, 6360 San Bonita Jeff Gershman, Attorney representing the Wiels Rodney Wilkenson, 10 Southmoor David Addison, 30 Southmoor Drive Kyle Johnson, 8500 Maryland Avenue John Hutkin, 11 Brentmoor Park Mayor Harris called for a recess of the public hearing tonight and continue at the December 10 meeting. Alderman Hummell expressed concerns about the Big Bend overlay, stating that it was premature, lacked sufficient information, desires the use of the conditional use permit application process, potential impact on neighboring properties, and lack of a cohesive plan for the site. He expressed that the overlay process should be delayed until more information is available and that the city should work with Washington University to address the concerns raised by residents. Motion made by Alderman Hummell to terminate Bill No. 7045, consideration for the Big Bend Overlay District. Alderman Buse seconded. The motion failed on a roll call vote: Alderman McAndrew – Nay; Alderman Buse – Nay; Alderman Patel – Nay; Alderman Feder – Nay; Alderman Hummell – Aye; Alderman Yorg – A Nay ye; and Mayor Harris – Nay.
The Board focused on discussing and finalizing the language for various sections of a document related to the Washington University project. The Board discussed the need for more information from Washington University on certain topics, such as the use of parking spaces and the potential for shuttle services. They also discussed the need for clearer language regarding prohibited uses and the need for more information on the number of facilities required.
The Board also discussed the need for more information on the use of sound systems during varsity events and the need for more specific decibel levels for different areas of the site.
The Board discussed the need for more information on the use of trees to support wildlife habitats.
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes – November 12, 2024
Motion made by Alderman McAndrew to approve the Consent Agenda. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
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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 on October 8, 2024, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved a recommendation from the Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force to commemorate the former First Baptist Church. It is proposed that the marker be placed perpendicular to the sidewalk along N. Brentwood Boulevard as shown in Exhibit A, which is located on Park Tower Condominiums property. To place the commemorative marker, the City must enter into an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7046, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7046, first reading, an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker 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. 7046 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7046, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7046, second reading, an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker 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. 6907 of the City of Clayton.
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE TWO CHANGE ORDERS WITH BYRNE AND JONES CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION AT REMEMBRANCE PARK
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City Manager Gipson reported that on March 14, 2023, the Board of Aldermen approved a contract with the low bidder on the project - Byrne and Jones Construction – in the amount of $526,400, plus a $26,300 contingency to construct Remembrance Park. Due to numerous utility issues at the future park, the allotted contingency for this project has been used. As the project nears completion, Byrne and Jones has submitted two change orders for approval, which will add an additional $39,050 to the total project cost.
Toni Siering, Director of Parks and Recreation, was in attendance (virtual) to answer questions.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7047, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker to be read for the first time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7047, first reading, an Ordinance Approving Two Change Orders with Byrne and Jones Construction for Construction at Remembrance Park 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. 7047 on the day of its introduction. Alderman Buse seconded.
The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Alderman McAndrew introduced Bill No. 7047, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Encroachment Agreement with Park Tower Condominiums for the Installation of the First Baptist Church Commemorative Marker to be read for the second time by title only. Alderman Buse seconded.
City Attorney O’Keefe reads Bill No. 7047, second reading, an Ordinance Approving Two Change Orders with Byrne and Jones Construction for Construction at Remembrance Park 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. 6908 of the City of Clayton.
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 10:52 p.m.
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Mayor
ATTEST: ______________________________ City Clerk