APRIL - JUNE 2019
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Now that I’ve been serving as Alderman for two months – here are a few things that I’ve learned.
What you see is what you get:
Before being elected, I attended board meetings as a resident and was struck by the amount of debate and opinions that were aired by the board members. I remember thinking that these conversations would have occurred before the meetings, but that’s not the case. The conversations and debate that occur at a board meeting are true efforts by the members to share opinions and possibly sway other members to agree - all in an open and public forum.
In fact, any gathering of three or more board members where city business is discussed would be considered a public meeting, requiring public notification. Aldermen are even discouraged from “replying-all” to board related emails to ensure that aldermanic debate doesn’t occur outside of board meetings.
This helps to ensure public visibility for board decisions and debate. It’s not just a “Crestwood thing”, but is common across the just about all cities and counties.
Closed Meetings - Whenever there are topics that can’t be made public, the board can meet privately. However, the meetings are recorded and minutes are taken. Such meetings can only occur for discussions of legal matters, contract negotiations, real estate transactions, etc. At some point (after the matter is resolved), the minutes are published.
If you notice an issue with city streets, sidewalks, or even city trees – let them know about it.
To report issues, you can either email or call the Superintendent of Maintenance, Brian Hobdon, at bhibdon@cityofcrestwood.org, 314-729-4730.
Or – you can just let me know and I would be glad to contact the city on your behalf.
Here is a recap of some of the more interesting items discussed this quarter, and some of the items coming soon.
- Sign Code Changes – As discussed last time, the City is working on revisions to the entire city code, but is focusing on updates to the sign code first. I expect some debate regarding allowing additional “electronic messaging” signs along Watson. The Planning and Zoning Commission has discussed eliminating any new electronic signs, but various Aldermen have publicly opposed this position. Stay tuned.
- City Revenues – In June the City Administrator presented a financial report regarding city revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for 2018 and Q1-2019. Lots of numbers, but overall fund balances are up modestly and the City is in sound financial health. The sales tax losses associated with Shop N Save closure appear to be mostly covered by increase sales at Schnucks and Aldi.
- Whitecliff Quarry – As reported in a previous post, the City is hopeful that their $125,000 matching grant request will be approved, allowing for some very nice improvements to the Quarry area. Grant approval results are expected this fall.
- School Zone Speeding Tickets – Coming soon to the board of aldermen will be a discussion on increasing the fines associated with speeding tickets in school zones (when students are present) and perhaps even a new distracted driver ordinance.
- Status of the Mall - Although bulldozers have been spreading dirt on the west end of the property, no public announcements have been made by the developer regarding the future of the entire site. They previously stated their intent to make an announcement this summer with construction starting at the end of 2019 or early 2020. So they still have a few months to make good on that promise. Based on comments from residents, we are all feeling a bit anxious - so hopefully we hear something soon.
If you missed the 2019-Q1 Newsletter, here's a link.