City Council - Regular Meeting

Welcome to the January 12th, 2026 meeting of the Florescent City Council. Please stand and join us for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Clerk, please call the role. Caputo, here. Sheldro, here. Odano, here. Pagano. Parson. Harris here. Meganelli here. Egan here. The next item on the agenda is approval of minutes. Are there any corrections or additions to the meeting minutes and executive meeting minutes of December 8th, 2025? Hearing none, Councilman Sai moves to approve the minutes, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed?

The meeting minutes are approved. The next item on the agenda is hearing from citizens. This is a time to speak to this the council on any issue, not necessarily on the agenda for three minutes. This is not a question and answer period. If you would like to speak to a council member or the mayor, please stay until after the meeting is over. If you are here to speak on a public hearing, please wait and speak when the public hearing is announced. We have at le I believe at least one uh one speaker card tonight. Uh is uh Benjamin Bull here. Okay.

Good evening. Good evening. Will you or state your name and Benjamin Bull City 2435 Charbanire 975 Champion.

Thank you, sir. Uh, I just came to voice my opposition when I saw this on the request for a drink for Lewis Italian Ice located at 1616 Shackport. This is across the street from a middle school. I repeat, a middle school. This is not the place to be serving liquor infused shaved ice. I mean, I drink. I go to bars, but not across from a middle school. I hope there's some safeguards built in somewhere that you don't have 16-year-old kids back there passing it out and they're under constant supervision by somebody at least 21 years old. I mean, it's just not a good idea in my opinion. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Okay, seeing no further uh citizen comments, u the next item on the agenda is communications, of which there are none. The next item on the agenda is public is a public hearing. Public hearing number 2511 039. This is uh regarding the wing stop. uh notice has been read and this public hearing was posted to the date to to this date postponed to this date from December 8th. Uh we're now going to reopen this item for consideration. Is the petitioner present for wing stop? Okay, please come forward. I appreciate you being here tonight. Could you state your name and your city?

Oh, I didn't turn this on. All right. Please try Alan Copsick. Yes. Thank you. Uh tell us about your project, sir. So, it's a wing stop um that's going in. I think this is the second location in Florison for them. Um the operating hours are the same as the one that's um currently it is 10:30 to 1. Yeah. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Okay. Uh, we have a question from Councilman. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. I don't have very many questions. Um, you said the operating hours, is that seven days a week?

Um, yes, it is. Okay. And I saw that you're using two commercial spaces. What are you planning to do with the second one? So, the second one is the is for the freezers and cooler. Um, okay. They were trying to put it out back, but there wasn't enough room for that out back. So they rented the space next to it to uh accommodate for those. Okay. So you're not mer it's not going to be merged into like just one address. It's still going to continue to be two addresses. Yes, there's going to be a demising in there. They're just taking a small section of that uh of that side. Okay. I think I see how that's going to work. Okay. Um thank you. I think that's all I have for now. Okay. Thank you, Councilman.

Thank you, Mr. Harris. Good evening, sir. Uh, I've never been to Wingstop, so um I don't know much about it. Is this a place that serves alcohol? No, it's not. It's just chicken wings to go, or do can you eat them there as well? This location, there's a small eating section. Mhm. They do two different two different styles, but this one does have a little bit of a an eating area in it. Okay, that's all I have. Thank you very much. Good luck. Thank you, Councilman Egan. Councilman Kabuda. Thank you. Mr. President, would um your other store is will that affect the other store that's um on Lindberg?

No. So, you're going to have two of them in the actual? Yeah, there'll be different managers at both of them. Okay. Thank you, Councilman Manganelli. Um, welcome, sir. I thought the one on Lindberg uh does serve alcohol, beer and such. I'm not aware of any of them that serves alcohol. Really? Yeah. All right. That's that's all I had. Thank you.

I have been in Wing Stop several times and enjoyed the product and the service uh ability to order online. Um so, uh definitely I can see a need for two of these. Um, I haven't seen alcohol there that I can remember, but um um I don't see any more questions from the council on this. Okay. Um so, thank you for taking our questions. And now, uh we're going to uh before we close the public hearing, we are going to see if there's anyone in the audience who would like to comment on this public hearing. You may have a seat. Thank you, sir. Come on forward, sir.

Good evening. Would you please state your name? And

um Okay. My name is Scott Hoy and I just have a question about because I've been to Minktop before and there's always a big old long line of people waiting to get their food just parked in fire lanes voiding, you know, just parked out in the middle of the fire lanes. So, are they going to do anything actively to prevent that? Because it's that's a hazard, right? So, that's all I have. No, actually, uh the the one that we currently have is it's a parking lot. It's by like Pet Supplies Plus and Bandanas, and it's uh all the parking is out right on the curb there. So, um I I don't know that there's any fire lines there, per se, but I it's something it's noted for sure. Thank

I mean, I'm just going by the one in Ferguson. Oh, Ferguson. Okay. I'm not familiar with Ferguson. And yeah, I just know that, you know, whenever you go and block the entrance of an establishment, you know, that's a fire or not really a fire hazard, but it's still a hazard for the public to Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for making that note. All right. Appreciate it. Are there any more comments on this public hearing? Okay. Seeing no further comments, uh, Councilman Sy moves to close this public hearing, seconded by Councilwoman Parson. All in favor?

Any opposed? This public hearing is closed. The next item on the agenda is old business. The first item is bills for second reading. Substitute bill number 10157. Councilwoman Parson moves to accept the substitute bill seconded by Councilman Manganelli. Any discussion? All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carried and the substitute bill is accepted. Councilman Shelder off moves for a second reading seconded by Councilman Egan. Any discussion? All in favor?

Any opposed? Ordinance of the city of Florescent, Missouri, authorizing and directing the submission of a ballot proposition to the qualified voters of the city of Florescent, Missouri to consider an amendment to article 6, sections 6.3, 6.4, 6.8, and 6.9 of the charter of the city of Florison to eliminate position of purchasing officer, clarify certain budget appropriation requirements, and provide purchasing procedures are to be established or modified by ordinance adopted by the city council. Councilman Caputo moves for a third. Seconded by Councilman Egan. All in favor? Any opposed?

Ordinance of the city of Florison, Missouri, authorizing and directing the submission of a ballot proposition to the qualified voters of the city of Florescent, Missouri to consider an amendment to article 6 section 6.3, 6.4, 6.8, and 6.9 of the charter of the city of Florisonent to eliminate position of purchasing officer. Clarify certain budget and appropriation requirements and provide that purchasing procedures are to be established or modified by the ordinance adopted by the city council. Before the final vote is taken, is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak on this bill hearing? None. Clerk, please pull the council for the final vote. Caputo, yes. Sheldro, yes. O'Donnell,

yes. Parson I mean Parson I'm sorry. Pagano Parson Harris. Yes. Meganelli. Yes. Egan. Yes. Bill number 10157 passes and becomes ordinance number 9152. Substitute bill number 10158. Councilman Sy moves to accept the substantive bill seconded by Councilman O'Donnell. All in favor?

Any opposed? Ordinance to the city of Florison, Missouri, authorizing and directing the submission of a ballot proposition to the qualified voters of the city of Florescent, Missouri to consider an amendment to article nine of the of the charter of the city of Florison that would remove the existing provisions governing public improvements and provide that procedures governing public public improvements and special assessments therefore are to be established or modified by the ordinance adopted by the city council. Council Megan moves for a second reading. No. Third reading. Seconded by Councilman Caputo. All in favor?

Any opposed? Ordinance of the city of Florent, Missouri, authorizing and directing the submission of a ballot proposition to the qualified voters of the city of Florescent, Missouri, and to consider an amendment to article nine of the charter of the city of Florescent that would remove the existing provisions governing public improvements and provide that procedures governing public improvements and special assessments therefore are to be established and or modified by ordinance adopted by the city council. Before the final vote is taken, is there anyone in the audience who would like to speak on this bill? Hearing none. Clerk, please pull the council for the final vote. Caputo, yes. Shield, yes. O'Donnell, yes. Parson, Sam, yes. Harris, yes. Meanelli, yes.

Egan, yes. Bill number 10158 passes and becomes ordinance number 9153. The next item on the agenda is new business. The first item under new business is board appointments. Are there any Councilman Shelder? Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to appoint Taya Rodriguez, 229 Broward Lane to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Seconded by Councilman Egan. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The appointment is made. Thank you, sir. That's all I have.

See no more council appointments. Mayor Lowry. Thank you. I wish to appoint David Afairier to the senior commission. He resides at 605 Starllet. Uh Council Megan moves to approve the mayor's appointment. Seconded by Councilman Caputo. All in favor? Any opposed? The appointment is made. Thank you. That's all I have. Thank you. Next is requests. Um, let's see. Uh, do we need a move to suspend? Believe. Oh, yeah. Councilman Egan again. Here we go. You should You should make the motion.

Oh, let me make the motion first, please. Okay. Um, I will I'll move to approve the request. Correct. um for a full liquor license by the drink um for Louis Italian Ice located at 1616 Shackleford Shackleford Road. Is there a second? I'll second. Councilman Egan is second. Roll call, please. Nope. No roll call. Uh this is Councilman Egan. Discussion. I would make a motion to suspend the rules and ask the petitioner to step forward for a couple questions. Councilman Egan moves to suspend the rules. Seconded by Councilman Scholdoff. Uh all in favor?

I. Any opposed? Uh the rules are suspended. Will the petitioner please come forward? All right. Good evening. Good evening, Mr. McBride. Please state your name and your city. Jared McBride, St. Louis City. My company's in 1616 Florescent uh Shaka for Road. I appreciate you being here. Thank you for having me. Councilman Egan, good evening and thank you for being here, Mr. McBride. It's good to see you again. Yeah.

Uh a few months ago, I'm not exactly sure you you came to the council with this very same request and you were denied. And I I have some questions and I'm hoping by the time we get done with the these questions that I can support this.

Okay. I appreciate you coming forward and answer a few questions. Last time I I denied this, I voted no against this and I had a lot of um questions and concerns. I I kind of want to go over there those reasons why I denied last time. You know, our ordinance prohibits the sale of liquor within I believe it's 100 ft of a church or a school. And as someone pointed out this evening already, you're directly across the street from a middle school. That was a concern of mine. I know that I believe the city measures doortodoor but uh I believe it's doortodoor and and I'm

I think that's fair to say as a practice I know that the property lines however were were within 100 ft. So that was one of the reasons I didn't like I also um asked the city attorney that could you change plans on this if you remember I said if we give Mr. McBride this full liquor license. Could he change plans? And she said in theory he could. And I had some some I had some issues with that as well. And then, you know, I think finally I I just had some some questions about if we we give an ice cream shop or a dessert shop a liquor license. Where does that end up next? And veterinarian offices, CPAs, oil change places, and the such. everyone alcohol is not necessarily the answer to the problem. So uh to your knowledge are there any snow cone stands, custard stands, ice cream shops that have

in Florison? No, but not in Florison, but there are Clementine is one. Clementine. So you have a Clementine's and you don't have one in Florison, but you have one in Central West End, you have one on the south side, have one in St. Peters. Um, there's a fourth one. You have one in Edwardsville. So, so Clementine's one. Actually, when I looked up on the and I, forgive me, I've never been to your shop. Uh, I looked up Italian ice and I couldn't find an Italian Ice placed anywhere that advertised with alcohol. Okay. Um, will you be allowing the people to leave your your shop with the drink?

No. So there there and I believe I I emailed the city uh attorney and essentially with the package and the rules I don't believe you're worried that you cannot do that if people can't come and buy the right spritzer. Is that what you're doing? I got spritzers. If I if I came in there and there was a bottle of tequila up there, could I could I get a shot of tequila from you? No. So you're not running not running a ball? So, I I I got my business license with the condition of me getting my liquor license because I have spritzers on my menu. That's something we have.

Um, and with that being said, I've met all the requirements and from your ordinance, it's supposed to be 250 ft from door to door. That's in your ordinance. So, I met all that. And then I on top of all that I am I am losing money because my customers I've have introduced Italian ice into the Florison area which I'm proud of and happy to do so. I love it. I've been doing it for about 12 years now. Um the past three years we have been putting spritzes on the board which is a hot seller because it is infused. So I am not a full bar. That is not what I am. But I do need the alcohol to make the product. The product is made and it is stored and there's a sealant on it so that you can eat it in there, but you got to break the seal. So, it's not just a open container that we're passing out. There's a seal on it. You have to crack the seal then then you can eat it.

Okay. Have you have you ever owned where where's the place where you're do you have more than one place right now? We have uh Florison. That's my because I used to live out here this way. So, I brought my store here first, but I'm looking in a place in the city. Okay. And U city. Okay. Do um have you ever owned a bar or been a bartender before? No. Um that is not my that's not my tent. That's not my forte. Okay. And and I I guess my ne almost last question. What about uh the people that work for you? Are they over the age of 18? Because in Missouri, you've got to have 18 of age.

I've read the regs. You can you can serve it. I mean, you can um cash out, but you can't serve it. You got to be 21 over. So, everybody that works for me is 21 and over. Of course, there some of them are college students, but they are 21 and over. And before we serve, we know we have to card and all that other good stuff. And yes, there is a middle school across the street from me. And I clearly understand that. That's one of the reasons why I picked my location because kids do love my product. But I do have a product that is for adults. So, I am clearly aware there's a middle school across the street from me, right? But the kids come in for the Italian ice. The adults come in for the spritzes. Okay. What uh one last thing. Are you aware what tips training is?

Excuse me. Are you aware of the term tips? Tips. Tips. It's an alcohol training. No, I have not. If we if we give you this, if the council votes for you to get this, I'd strongly suggest you get online. Class is about 40 bucks online. Yeah. and probably takes a couple three hours to complete, but it would give you some since you've never owned a bar, been a bartender. Try to own a bar. Okay. Well, I I got you. And I called the state, believe it or not. Um I did and I asked them, "Is there any way I can get a half a I don't want a full liquor license? Can I get a half?" Of course, the state said, they chuckled. Then they said, "No." Um but yeah, this is where I am with this. So, all right. I appreciate you taking your time and thank you.

Thank you. And I appreciate it. Thank you. My last request is that if you whatever response you give, could I get a letter this time? I didn't get a letter last time, so is that possible for me to get that, please? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Well, we do have some more questions. Oh, more. Okay. Thank you, sir. I thought I appreciate that. No, I got uh three more lights on right now and I may have some follow-ups as well. Um let's go with Councilman Shilra.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. McBride. um three couples come in and uh unless you go through the tips training like Mr. Egan said, how are you going to regulate when you cut these people off? You know, they you know, uh the husband has three of them and then the wife has three and then the other couple has two a piece. Where do you see where I'm going here? Um

very good question. So, everybody has a different tolerance. Okay, we're not pouring. This is actually mixed. It's prior made again. It's frozen. It's stored. We have a seal on it. So, I'm not saying that no, no one couldn't get drunk off of it, but the likelihood is is slim. It's only for the taste. It gives a little bit of a kick, but it's not it's not nothing where you're gonna be slamming down six beers and all of a sudden you're gonna be flopping all over the place. You would probably have to buy 20 Italian 20 spritzers probably to get get drunk off that.

Okay. I would agree with Mr. Egan on that. Um I think you would benefit from Yeah. Yeah. Of course. I never owned a bar before. That's that's not an issue. It's not an issue at all. That's all I had, sir. Somebody else had a question. Okay. Uh, let's go with Councilman Manganelli. Excuse me. Actually, Mr. President, my question's been asked. Okay. Thank you. Uh, Councilman Pagano. Hi. Hey. Well, as a patron of yours, I'm sorry.

As a patron of yours, I'm I'm going to stick by my original vote and I'm going to say it again. I thought we were all good. your family to your establishment to me is a very family orientated one.

Not a lot of seating in there. And I don't believe I'm sorry. I don't believe that when I take my grandkids in there, I have to have an alcoholic beverage. I mean, I like to be able to go in there, sit at the few tables that you have and do it. I I I'm thinking down the road if uh Hackabe's little hut for snow cones once I give it to him. Did I just open a door to let the other snow cone place have alcoholic beverages? And I don't think that's how you need to to make a business, especially the business that you have that I think is very wholesome. So, with that, I have a problem. And I'm going to have to uh still go with my with my gut on this one. I like that it's it's it's a place that even those who suffer from alcoholism or whatever, they have a place where they can go that they don't even have to be tempted and they can bring their children. So, my next question is you say that the the cups are sealed. Um, I understand that like with the tape and that. So when you get busy and I don't know if you put more tables in since the last time I I've been there, but when it gets busy and there's no what what who's stopping that person from walking out the door when their three kids are running with their Italian ice and the two adults have one.

Well, this last time I've hired someone to help me. Last time you came in, I was pretty much by myself. So, we do have uh stops in there and we have people watching the cashier and all that. Myself, of course, I'm not there all the time, but I will have a manager there. They will understand that. Never heard of this thing called tips, but myself and my management staff will be taking that class, so we're clearly aware of that. So, yes, we'll definitely have somebody monitor just like we have somebody carding. We're not giving it to kids obviously, you know. I got kids myself, you know. So, no, I understand. I I wish you nothing. Listen, I understand. I used to have a very hard

difficult time with this one and what door I'm opening when I do it, right? I understand. So, um you know, but I'm only one of nine, so we'll go from there. Good luck. Happy New Year. Okay. Uh over to Councilwoman Parson. Mr. President. Thank you for coming, Mr. McBride. So, um, I've been to Clementine's long, long time ago. Um, and I am aware of the infused ice and ice cream.

So, for those people that may have never been there before, um, please make sure that I understand how it goes. So the um product that comes in the ice cream or the Italian ice um you need a liquid substance in order to make it um more pleasing to the palette. And in order to do that, some people would put the um the alcohol in it. Correct. That's why it's infused. Correct. Okay. So, is there on the menu that states this is infused with

Titos or whatever it is? I'm not a drinking person. So, whatever the alcohol is, is there a spot that says this is infused with this so that it is not um given to someone underage? Yeah, mine on my menu it says spritzers and it has it listed on there. All right. Thank you.

Thank you, uh, Councilwoman Parson. Uh, so I I was very excited, you know, and I am still excited to have you in my board. You know, you and I, we've come in many times. We brought other kids in. We've sent other kids in with money. You know, uh, I always enjoy visiting with you. Very friendly. And I know just from being in there when customers come in, they know you, right? I really like the feel of the place. Um, good location. Um, I think there I just want to clarify that in the ordinance it's 200 feet.

200 feet is so somewhere in between, you know, there, but it's actually 200 feet. U which, uh, door to door, you know, you have you have room. So you're clear on that. Um, before my concern was uh I think when you and I talked I I still had a concern uh and before the first vote, right, that uh that people would be leaving, right, with the alcohol and it seems like

you've changed on that. So, so there's a change since the last vote and this vote on sort of how it will be handled there. Um, I know there was a comment earlier from a audience member about uh being concerned that that a 16-year-old or someone younger might be serving alcohol or receiving alcohol. Um, and and I know that that that that's not going to be the case for you. Um, and I know that you had been looking for employees or an employer, assistant manager that would be 21 years old for that reason. Yes.

Right. Um, and so I I know that you had that in mind. I do want to clarify that um that a special use permit, you know, which you have right now in order to operate a uh Italian ice shop um is separate than the liquor license obviously. So when you say that, you know, it was kind of like that was the plan all along. It might have been, but I don't recall that, you know, and and really getting one does not mean you get the next one. You see what I'm saying? So um I want to clarify that. Um, thank you for explaining the the tape. Yeah. On there. Um, so

you know, really, you and I have talked about this before that if someone were to walk out with it, even if they had the tape on there and they walked out, right, um, obviously you're not going to see them, but if you start to have problems on your property or if there's issues, um, I would say you and I are both responsible in some ways for that because it's a community issue. and and uh so um for me um I I'm going to be a yes. Um but I want you to know that like the last couple years we've been pretty serious about it, right? And so if something were to happen, we just have to make sure that that we address it and you know, we all take responsibility for it. Can I say something here? Yes, sir.

I had a conversation with the guy at the end over there called Paul Maganelli. He stopped in my shop often and he and I had a real heart to heart on this issue. Um I understand that Florison had some problems in the past. Totally get it. And I reminded him of my days when I was an officer in the army and my soldiers would go out and party on the weekends and get in massive trouble and I had to discipline them. Um, but at the same time, I did never restrain them, but I did lay the hammer down and let them know there is a recourse and repercussions if myself or the first sergeant got to come and get you. And as I was explaining to Paul, I'm clearly aware that a liquor license is given, but it also can be taken away.

Correct. So, I'm also know there's some major repercussions with that, like lawsuits and things of that nature. I'm no fool. I am clearly aware of that. Again, I'm not a bar. I don't run a bar. I just want I just need Actually, we're not even buying um for my my um recipe. We don't even not even buying alcohol bottles. We buying shots. So, um because I don't need that. that cost me too much money because I'm not a bar. So, I am I've been doing this again for quite a while. So, I'm I'm very aware of what it is that I'm doing here. And I'm going to make sure that my customers are safe so I can stay in business. I didn't get in this to to to go out of business,

right? Um one one more thing. Um I don't I I've seen your menu many times. I know it says Spritzer. Um to Councilwoman Parson's point, uh I don't know if it does say alcohol alcoh but I explain people don't know. So I tell them that's alcohol. Okay. So they they're clearly aware of it. I tell them all the time that's alcohol, but I can change my menu and put that underneath. I think so that they fine. That's not an issue. Sure. Thank you. Um Councilman O'Donnell. Thank you, Mr. President. I u Good evening, Mr. McBride.

How are you, sir? Good sir. Thank you. Um I I have a um um a a a new level I guess of comfort uh just by your presentation. Um I I I think the discomfort that I would have had would be my my own uh predetermined I guess u image of what uh would happen. That is I I just had an image of uh people mixing having an ice and then mixing throwing you know shots in and things like that. Um, but as you stated, um, with the the spritzers, with the pre-prepared, um, I just, uh, have a a different level of comfort with it now. So,

it has to it has to sit because the alcohol is a it's not a freezing agent. So, I just can't, if you came in and I had to pour it, it's going to be a mess. So, I have to pre-make it, let it sit for at least about six hours, sometimes overnight. So, what myself, what I won't be doing. going to be hiring somebody, they would have to make them and then let them sit in the freezer um probably overnight to let the alcohol adhere to it. Otherwise, it's it's a mess and then it's all it doesn't taste right. So, we're not sitting there pouring alcohol. I understand.

You know, it's made it's pre-made. It's stored. It has a sealant on it and everything else on it for protection. Well, thanks for explaining that. Yes, that's all I had, Mr. President. Thank you. Okay. I don't see any more comments. I think Mayor, you have Mayor Go ahead. Actually, I got a question for the city attorney. So, if they give him this license, though, he could certainly turn this place into a full bar. How how do we regulate that this is all he does? If if they pass, I have no idea what their thoughts are, but how can you regulate that this is the one thing that he's allowed to do when he does have a full liquor license by drink?

So, You're right, mayor, that our code doesn't allow for liquor licenses for just, for example, spritzers once you give a liquor licenses for liquor. Um, and so, you know, there's nothing that would stop him other than if if his business license or um a zoning permit, for example, was limited in what he could do. Those would be restrictive. The liquor license itself would not be restrictive, but it is up for renewal every year. Um and as part of that renewal process, if um he's changed the the business model, if he is um selling essentially become a bar and selling drinks, certainly the council could reconsider, you know, given the location next to the school, etc., whether or not this is the appropriate location for that business. So just because it's granted, it is um discretionary. It is not a matter of right, which means that the council could the council could take away if there was a change in his business model.

Okay. Thank you. I just No, no, no, no. Just and and I had to Paul, my lease does not allow it. My property manager now, we already had this. I mean, he signed off on it. He's good, but I can't I mean, he can sue me. He can take he can come in and change the locks and then I'm out of business. I cannot be a bar. Okay. Very good. Appreciate you. Yeah. Okay. Uh, Councilwoman Pagano. Yes. Just a little bit of clarification with what you had said. So he can have that, but he can he put like liquor bottles on a shelf.

So again, it would depend on if the the liquor code allowed that. I don't think that there's necessarily a prohibition against that like a a bar, right, which he says he doesn't want to be. Correct. But there is nothing in this that says he cannot put bottles of Don Julio and Titos up on the shelves. That's right. Correct. There's nothing on it. So, oh, I want to address that first

if by chance and once once this is granted and as special uses and then uh someone else wants to go in there, say he goes out of business, am I tied to this? And how do again? And how do I stop doozles or fritzes or this is where I'm going with this and I don't I don't know what I can do. So let let me do you know if this is a special use permit. It is a special use for ice cream or a restaurant?

For a restaurant. Okay. So if it's a special use permit for a restaurant and and under the restaurant he was allowed to serve alcohol then um in theory he would the next person would be able to continue to do it. However again that is under the zoning code and not under the liquor law. Under the liquor law you can review it every year. Um it's not set in stone like a zoning code is like a special use permit. doesn't run with the land. So, if there is a change in the way the business is operating, then uh we'll go back to that section that says the council gets to consider uh whether or not it's that same section about whether it's next to the when it's next to the school. Um the council can consider whether or not the location um is appropriate given its proximity to a school etc. and in the best interests of the locality. And so that's a yearly determination that you get to make once just because you give it one year. If you the council were to determine next year that this it's not working, right?

Kids are drinking or you know something about this is changing the character of the neighborhood, you don't have to renew it. Can I address your um your question and my other question about excuse me the other questions about other establishments,

right? And so what what what would be under the special use permit is that he they would get to continue to operate, but that is under the zoning code. That's not the same as the alcohol code. So the zoning code special use permit would say he could continue to operate a restaurant, but just continue to operate a restaurant doesn't mean that you have to continue to renew the liquor license if there are some change circumstances. Okay. So, granting him one, did it just open a door for every other one is my is my question.

So, the liquor license would be based upon again the in this case it's based it's near a school and so there's a lot more I think restrictive ability because code explicitly says that um you can consider the location for someone else. D does it already exist in Florisonent and do they sell alcohol? Okay. And so then it would be a you could have your consideration for that location as well. It doesn't necessarily mean so for example, Mr. um Mr. McBride is saying he sells preackaged drinks. I don't know what this other place is going to sell if it's a different character if it's

or if it is. I'm just asking. It might open because you said that it is pretty well a full still a full liquor license. It is. So he if he wants to put the bottles up on the shelf, the bottles can go up on the shelf. Correct. I mean, you're saying that he's saying he's not. And do I trust you? Yes, I do. So don't don't think I don't. But I'm just saying if I say yes to him and and another location comes up and one says, "How can I? He's close to a school. The other place isn't close to a school. Where where it where's my line?"

Yeah. Each application is going to stand on its own and you're going to have to consider on a case by case basis. I I understand the point. Um and I understand the concern. Um, it's it's valid, but each one I don't want to give give you an opinion. I'm just one of these that I like to jump ahead because I don't I I don't know what's coming down the pipe, right? But and so if I open the door, am I opening the can of worms and then there's no getting back to it other than, you know, again, it's it's yearly. And so, um, but that doesn't that doesn't help me for 365 days. Okay.

I'm going to draw a distinction and then I'm going to let Mr. McBride respond. I know he wants to to comment on it. Yeah.

Um, one distinction I see between Fritzes and um, Dooles and this operation is Fritzes and Dooles is a walk up window and drive-thru. And this is they they have a in the store they have, you know, tables and things like that. I mean, it's a small distinction, but it is a distinction. And uh, you know, it makes sense to me that every time a restaurant or a business comes up and they ask for a liquor license, we consider it based on that particular business, right? And uh, so I don't think it means we have to to hand out licenses to other places just because

Yeah. We've opened up the can. I mean, he's not selling any food at all. It's strictly Well, the can's open because it's a model of business like anywhere. So, Well, that's again, Mr. McBride, would you like to respond?

Yeah, I want to uh respond to respond to Councilwoman Pagano's comment about the bar the bottles on the shelf. Um, no co I can't. It's in It's in my lease. So he is very we have defined that and again I don't want that that brings added people that I may not want in my in my establishment. You understand? So it won't be any bottles on the shelf and anything like that. Matter of fact, I don't even want you know what I got in there. So no bottles on the shelf.

No, no. I I get it. I totally understand what you're talking about. I just have to look at the big picture. Totally understood. Understood. I'll still come in. No, whether it or not, I'll be there with you. Of course. I'm waiting on you to come in. Okay. Are there any more uh comments or questions before we Okay, I see none. Thank you, Mr. McBride. Thank you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a good evening. So, um we need a roll call, please. Caputo, no. Sheldro, no. Oddonnell, yes. Pagano, Parson,

Sam, yes. Harris, yes. Manganelli, yes. Egan, yes. Passes. Okay. Uh, motion carried and liquor license is approved.

We have another Uh, another request. Um, Councilman Egan moves to accept the application for transfer a special use permit number 9030 from Gossup Pasta LLC to Circle Empire LLC for the operation. Oops. This restaurant's located at 557 Howardshell Road. Seconded by um Councilman O'Donnell. Any discussion? Suspend the rules.

Councilman Egan moves to suspend the rules. Seconded by Councilman Schro. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Uh the rules are suspended. would like to invite the petitioner for gossip to please come forward. Hello everyone. Hello. Welcome. Will you please state your name and your city? Okay. Hello. My name is Precious Mills and I am the owner of Circle Empire trying to relocate in the prior business that was Gossip Pasta. Okay. Thank you. Um, Councilman Egan. Well, thank you again. Welcome. How are you today? Great. How are you? Very good. I I've got a few questions for you. Okay.

And um Yeah. Is your plan essentially because you're taking over a special use permit to essentially operate the facility as it's being operated now? Yes. It's a restaurant. Okay. And and the reason I ask is because this has been this was a Cecil Whitaker for probably 35 years

and then uh for a brief period of time Solanos open ran it and that was just an offshoot of Cecil because that was the um I think general manager's last name. Uh that's a very very small shop. It's very very tiny. I think uh u maybe 34 seats are in there right now. So my conf not my confusion my concern was when we granted the uh special use for uh gasup pasta we were told that they were going to ex operate it the same way and then they came around and asked for a liquor license and a full liquor license

and they started building it as an event center. Now I went to your I went to your place today over in airport road and basically you're a takeout grill. Is that fair? Yes. Yeah. So, right, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. I was going to say, so right now we are a small family-owned business on Airport Road that I have. So, when uh my landlord introduced us to this one, I was like, "Okay, great." You know, cuz some of our customers love to eat in. We do soul food sometimes. So, they want to sit down and eat. So, this uh the size will be great for us because we really don't have a eating space as of now. So, now we a free a few customers will be able to sit in and eat their food.

Sure. Now, I was at your place today and you guys weren't open. I I'd hoped you were open, but you weren't. Sunday and Mondays, right? Yes, we're close. So, um, first of all, the lot was very clean, which I appreciated. I noticed. And you had the trash can right up front. It was full, but I know you're closed on Sunday and Monday, so uh the on the side of the building there was like a big um box, like a trailer. Is that was maybe an old food trailer or Yeah, it was uh somebody else's. Is that coming to Florison? No, that won't be a part of it. And uh so the only other thing I have is when the other place was operating, they called themselves an event center.

Uh and they had several um events uh that back to school event and I just want and I think they had a grand opening event when in Florison when you do those type of things you can but you have to get a special permit to do that. Yes. In Berkeley as well. Okay. Very good. So, well, I I know you're you're going to be jam-packed in uh an area where there's lots of takeout grills. There's two other ones within a quarter mile of your location, but if you have the best food and the best service. All right, that's all I have, Miss Mills. Good luck. Thank you.

Okay. Um I see no other council comments or questions at this time. Thank you for coming forward and talking to us. Thank you. Um and so uh we have this motion on the floor to accept this application. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carried and the application is accepted. Resolution number 1076. Resolution to the Florison City. My computer just went off. Hang on a second. I got it. One moment, please.

I got to go manual. We got this. Always have a backup. Okay. Resolution of the Florida State Council adopting a change to the benefit program of covered employees changing to benefit program L6 in accordance with 70655 RSMO. Councilman Shiloff moves for a second reading seconded by uh Councilman Siam. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Any against?

Resolution of the Florison City Council adopting a change to the benefit program of covered employees changing the bene changing to benefit program L6 in accordance with 70655 RSMO. Councilman Caputo moves for a third reading. Seconded by Councilman Maganelli. Roll call vote, please. Caputo, yes. Sheldro, yes. Odono, yes. Pagano, Parson, Sam, yes. Harris, yes. Meganelli, yes. Egan, yes.

Resolution with Thor and City Council adopting a change to the benefit program of covered employees, changing benefit program to L6 in accordance with 70655 RSMO. Before the final vote is taken, is there anyone in the audience who would like to speak on this resolution? Seeing none, clerk, please pull the council for the final vote. Caputo, yes. Shieldroth, yes. O'Donnell, yes. Pagano, Parson, Sam, Harris, yes. Meganelli, yes. Egan, yes. Resolution number 1076 passes. Thank you. Resolution number 1077.

Resolution of Florida City Council endorsing St. Louis County's grant program for the city's waste reduction efforts. Councilman Caputoa moves for a second reading. Seconded by Councilman Egan. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Against. Resolution of the Florison City Council endorsing St. Louis County's grant program for the waist city's waste reduction efforts. Councilwoman Parson moves for a third reading, seconded by Counciloman Manganelli. Roll call vote, please. Caputo, yes. Sheldro, yes. Oddonnell, yes. Pagano, Parson, Zam, Harris, yes. Manganelli, yes. Egan, yes.

If the final voters, the city of Florida City Council endorsing St. Louis County's grant program for the city's waste reduction effort. Okay, plug that in. Um before the final vote is taken, is there anyone in the audience that who would like to speak on this resolution? Hearing none, clerk, please pull the council for the final vote. Caputo, yes. Shelroth, yes. Oddonnell, yes. Pagano, Parsons, Harris, yes. Meanelli, yes. Egan, yes.

Resolution number 1077 passes. Bills for first reading. The next item on the agenda is the bills for first reading. All right. Bill number 10150. Ordinance to amend ordinance number 6669 to allow for a restaurant in the B5 plan commercial district located at 14049 and 14055 New Holl Road. Bill number 10161. Ordinance to authorize the mayor of city of Florison to enter an agreement with St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners to allow for officer Andrew Hail to serve as instructor at St. Louis County Police Academy. Second.

Councilman Egan moves for a second reading. Second by Councilman Manganelli. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Against? Ordinance to authorize the mayor of the city of Florison to enter into an agreement with the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners to allow for officer Andrew Hail to serve as instructor. instructor at St. Louis County Police Academy. Councilman Egan moves for a third reading. Seconded by Councilman Meganelli. Roll call vote, please. Caputo, yes. Shield, yes. Odano, yes. Pagano, Parson, Sam, Harris, yes. Meganelli, yes. Egan, yes.

Ordinance to authorize the mayor of the city of Florison to enter into an agreement with St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners to allow for allow allow officer Andrew Hail to serve as an instructor at St. County Police Academy. Before the final vote is taken, is there anyone in in the audience who would like to speak on this bill? Hearing none, clerk, please pull the council for the final vote. Caputo, yes. Sheldro, yes. O'Donnell, yes. Pagano, Parson, Sam, Harris, yes. Meanelli, yes. Egan, yes. Bill number 10161 passes and becomes ordinance number 9154. Bill number 10162,

ordinance authorizing the acceptance of ownership assignment of real real estate properties held by St. Louis County Collector of Revenue through the collector's deed. Bill number 10163. Ordinance authorizing appropriation of $50,000 from the general revenue fund to account number 10155350103, resident hazardous tree program to fund hazardous tree program removal program. Bill number 10164, ordinance authorizing the mayor of the city of Florison to enter into a program agreement for federal funding for project number STP 56622602 for the improvement of R St. Dennis Street. Bill number 10165

ordinance to authorize the mayor the mayor to sign land acquisition services agreement with Lock Mueller Group for St. Dennis phase 2 improvement project. Bill number 10166, ordinance authorizing transfer of special use permit numbers 9030 from Gossip Pasta LLC to Circle Empire LLC for the operation of a restaurant located at 557 Houndell Road. Bill number 10167. Ordinance authorizing the mayor of the city of Florison to enter into an agreement with Alco Wrecking Company for demolition services. Bill number 10168. Ordinance rolling over appropriations in the fiscal year 2025 budget to the f fiscal year 2026 budget for incomplete projects.

Bill number 10169. Ordinance amending the fiscal year 2026 budget. Bill number 10170. Ordinance appropriating the funds for lumpsum payment for general fund from the general fund and public safety fund reserves to the city's logger pensions plans to preund the upgrade to an L6 benefit plan. We did it. bill or the next item on the agenda is council announcements. Councilman Egan.

Thank you, Mr. President. On January 24th, 2026, the St. Patrick's Parade Committee will kick off the parade season here in the city of Florison with our green tie masquerade. If you are interested in attending the Scala, you can go to the St. Patrick's Florescent Parade website, which is exactly what I just said, and there'll be information on how to get a table or a seat. Thank you. Wonderful. Councilman Sheldrath.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer my congratulations to Jeannie Blandon and her family on the 70th 70th year anniversary of BJ's Bar and Grill on uh St. Ferdinand. Uh the mayor uh had a nice proclamation from uh himself and the city council and I had the honor of presenting it to uh Genie on the 26th of December. It's a well-known establishment all over the metro area and uh I'm glad they've been here for 70 years. Thank you, Councilman Caputo.

Thank you, Mr. President. Yes, I would like to congratulate Railsker. He was um he got a letter the other day. Um he's going to be inducted into the St. Louis Hockey Hall of Fame um under refereeing. So um that's a pretty good honor. We have two people from the Florison area that are actually inducted in the St. Louis Hockey Hall of Fame. Another one was retired police officer Kevin Bosert is also in there for refereeing. So I would like to congratulate Mr. Sneder. That's all I have. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh, next item on the agenda is the message from our mayor.

Just got a couple quick announcements. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, just want to make everybody's aware that all planning and zoding meetings of 2026 are going to be moved from 700 p.m. to 6 p.m. here in the in the council chambers. And those meetings are the first and third Mondays of the month. And tomorrow, please come out to the Forcing Senior Office and JFK Center and meet our new center director, Sarah Fluger from 10 to 11:00. She's extremely qualified, very pleasant person. So, if you have time, stop by and say hi.

Thanks. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, the next regular meeting for the city council will be on Monday, January 26th, 2026. Councilman O'Donnell moves to adjourn the regular meeting, seconded by Councilman Maganelli. All in favor? Any opposed? The meeting is adjourned.