Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

Go ahead and call tonight's meeting to order. If you would please stand and join me in the pledge. 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. [Music] Pam, would you do a roll call, please? Mayor, here. Alderwoman Dobs here. Alderman Peggy here. Alderman Donovan here. Alderman Huy here. Alderman here. Alderman Stiger here. Alderman Print here. Alderman Ross here. Mayor, we have a quorum.

Thank you very much. At this time, we will look for approval of tonight's agenda. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Okay. That will move us along tonight. Uh we do have a personal appearance. We have Matt Clark and Christina Falford from the St. Genevieve YCA and they'd like to come and talk about the transition and what that's going to look like moving forward. So, have you guys come step forward? Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you, Alder and women. Thank you for having us. Uh my name is Matt Clark. I'm with YMCA. I've been there for about 25 years and have had the privilege to spend a lot of time here in St. Jen and uh learn a lot over the last several months. and uh Chris is going to talk here in just a second, but we had some updates for you um that we thought we'd share that's kind of relevant to some of the transition and the pieces that are going to be coming forth. I thought I'd start with the staff. Uh we're very fortunate that the staff are responding very very well. We've been spending a lot of time transitioning them from an HR HR perspective, training on our systems, all those things. Uh we're very pleased with some very high quality staff at the center. So, that's going really well. The other thing I wanted to share was uh some of you may have seen or participated in a community needs assessment survey that went out about a month ago. And uh this was really important to us to hear from the community what they were uh looking for and wanting from us as an organization. And uh some of the highlight uh highle overview pieces. We had 585 participants in the survey. Of those 585, 41% were ages 35 to 54. 33% were ages 56 to 74. So that's important because that's kind of the voice of of who's speaking to us in these survey results. 79% of the respondents have lived in the county for 10 years or more, which was our highest option to choose on the on the instrument. Favorites that they um really talked about favorite parts they liked. Library was way up there and we see that and we're working with Sean and having a we're looking forward to that partnership continuing. youth sports, fitness, and the pools were uh top on the amenities side or I'm sorry on the parts their favorite parts. On the amenities, they uh respondents really enjoyed fitness, senior social space opportunities, top watch or we call it child watch uh being included in their membership, group exercise, and then

again the pools. Their interests uh were fitness, group X, senior wellness, uh and then an interesting one that was unique was in youth and family. Um, in addition to the child watch and health and well-being, homeschool programs were requested at a high rate in the in the response, which is great because we have a history of working with various homeschool networks. So, we look forward to exploring those opportunities. Um they told us their uh ranked their community challenges or told us what they saw as challenges within the community and 51% said activities for youth outside of school hours was something that they really were looking to the Y to try to address and um join other community services of course but to try to address some of those needs. Um chronic disease was 38% and then right behind that was adult fitness programs at 37%. So that's just some of the high level of what we heard from the community and then I'm going to ask Chris to uh uh come up and talk a little bit about some of our plans in the near future.

Yeah. So good evening. I'm Chris Fulford and uh it's been a pleasure. I've only been here I think it's less than a month but um I've been welcomed with open arms and I just want to say it's a wonderful community and really excited to be a part of it and to really help lead the center into its next chapter. Um, so Matt kind of went over the survey results and what we hope you see as we step forward, the changes that we'll make are they're all based upon what we hear from the community. So everything that we do from this point forward will really be leaning on what does the community need of us, one of us, what are the things they feel like we're doing well and what are the things that they hope that we adjust or bring back. So some of those first things are going to be child watch. So, um, that used to be a service and we're going to bring that back. So, we're looking at the what's currently the yoga room and converting that into a child watch center. So, we hope to have that moving forward literally within probably 30 days of working on that and getting that pushed forward. So, by the time we get to the new year that we have a whole new topatch that will be in our child watch services. We've already started work on the group exercise schedule. So, um, there was a lot of requests for expanding the amount of opportunities we have for group exercise and, um, we've already looked at for December. We're going to be able to add a couple classes to the schedule for December. And then we hope to just keep growing that as we grow instructors and get new people into new certifications. And part of that will include the potential renovation of one of the rooms on the lower level that would allow a larger group exercise studio. um taking those two meeting rooms and turning them into a large group exercise studio which will also affect the one of the items that you heard about in the survey which is the senior programming because we can really fit a lot more people in for silver sneakers classes chair yoga type of programs if we move down to that lower

level we can fit more people in there so um and then in addition to that we're looking at providing access to the sports complex so progress sports complex as of December 1st We're working on all the details, but as of the 1st of December, we're actually going to open that up for pickle ball. So, pickle ball will move over there in the mornings. They're very, very excited about it. They know that. We've been chatting with them. And um we hope to have them over there and using that facility. So, that'll get a lot of usage in there in the mornings till around 10:00 is roughly when they start to leave. Um but then we also hope to push out gym schedules that will be up actually by the end of this week. Um we have an app, we're getting that app up and going. It'll have our group X and gym schedules on there, so people will be able to see when they can come in and just play pickup basketball in there. Now, that facility is heavily scheduled in the evenings for games and leagues. So, the pickup ball will be more towards the middle of the day at this time, but as it becomes available when we have breaks between activities, we'll have that as well. And then, of course, we're trying to increase the value of membership. So water park is now included in the value package of the membership as well as utilization of all of the YMCA's in St. Louis and of course Bloomsdale as part of our whole package. So um it's really helping to add when you add in Progress Sports Complex, you add in the water park, you add in the classes and we will be leaning into swimming lessons as well. That was also something that had bubbled up through discussion and we hope that by the spring we're bringing swimming lessons to the facility for youth in the community. So really pushing forward on a lot of fronts and so far said it's it's going well. It's being wellreceived. We have a lot of good membership sales on a regular basis daytoday. Um so we're really happy with the progress we've had so far and look forward to continuing to expand and grow. So does anybody have any questions or anything I didn't hit on that you'd

like to know? Um, one of the questions, well, I've got a couple questions and stuff. One was about the water park and how that uh was going to be blended in with the membership and stuff because now it's on a per use type of thing. Yeah. So, how how will that work out with the membership? So, if they have a membership to the St. Genevie County YMCA, it's included. If they do not, then they'll still have to do the traditional way of purchasing a season pass or paying a day pass fee for the park. So, so is that an unlimited pass then or is it a It'll be under the same premise that it was before where there's a season pass that they can purchase kind of almost like a membership to the water park. Um, or the daily fee, right?

So, and yeah, so the daily fee is obviously just one time, but then the season pass gives them the whole time. And then the YMCA membership, that's unlimited usage. That's as if they bought a season pass. Okay. Um the other thing was and you touched on the pickle ball thing and I know the county had provided that to that group free. Um is that still the case? So they are members. So if they're a member of the facility then they participate in pickle ball. So they don't pay an extra fee to be to play pickle ball. That's part of membership. So kind of like coming in to play pickup basketball. We don't charge for that. We don't charge extra for pickle ball. It's just open to our membership base. And all of those individuals were already counted. Uh, right. The last question and stuff was the youth hockey league.

Yes. You know, that was another area that was covered by the county, you know, as far as use and stuff. And I know these kids are probably not members, but how is that going to work? So, for this year, we're changing nothing. Um, we are starting that off just as it was done before. the way that it was um treated more like a rental for the facility um that they were actually renting to that league. They weren't actually managing that themselves. So, for this year, we're going forward with the same because it's kind of coming up quickly. But, we'll be looking at all of that to make sure that everything that we're doing is in the best economic and most efficient utilizations of the facilities.

Right. Cuz I know, you know, those kids can't be members and stuff and I don't know if their parents are or Yeah. Well, not all of them. So, what we do with sports, and this might help to answer this a little more clearly. So, like if we're running a soccer program, members and non-members can participate in that. So, there's a rate for members that's discounted and then there's another rate for non-members that's higher. Um, so right now with treating hockey as a rental, their level of membership isn't relevant because they're doing that through their league. But then if at some point, and I don't want to imply that that's absolutely going to happen, but if at some point that would to transition over, it would fall under our regular structure of member rates, non-member rates. We would not exclude anybody from any programming.

Okay. Thanks.

Uh I'm a senior citizen who's never going to use the water park. Is that a cons? Am I paying a higher fee so other people can use the water park or do you have an option to opt out? We don't do allocart service just because that's part of being um a membership based facility is that you're purchasing a membership and we're going to put as much value into that membership. So if you were to come in and say, "Well, I'm only going to use the fitness equipment, so I want a discount cuz I'm not using the track and I'm not using the pool and I'm not using, you know, the the group exercise classes." We don't pull all those different pieces out in all cart. So, we really build one membership package that has the best value that hopefully no matter what pieces of it you're using that you find that to be valuable.

The water park was never previously part of the community center. This has been added on as a requirement as part of membership. I wouldn't say it's a requirement. It is part of the value package of membership. So, we don't require you to utilize it. No, it it's part. So I would I would say that it is taking the membership that was there and making it more valuable. So the individuals who were did the membership price change?

Not for the individuals who are already members, but membership rates would likely increase. Well, they have already increased for the new people walking in the door. And then if we continue renovations and look at um say we replace fitness equipment, we would grow the rates to reflect the upgrades that exist. uh talking about kind of that same situation. I have a uh I'm a Medicare, you know, senior citizen also and stuff and I have a supplemental insurance that pays for my membership. How will that work out? I mean,

so there's a couple of different um supplementals that cover that. So there's like silver sneakers and Renew Active and Fit On. So for those programs, it's exactly the same as far as we do, we take care of those billings. So if it's one of those where they're re reimbursing us for membership, nothing changes for you. So like the silver sneakers, they still come in, swipe their card at our there's a silver sneakers portal that's always been up there. The same process, they come in, they swipe the card, and then we manage those billings. And then the same for the other third parties that we do that we manage those billings. The members don't have to do anything different. If you were eligible before, you're eligible,

right? Yeah. And I guess it's different by insurance companies. The one we picked just so happened to they all kind of align with something different. Silver Sneakers tends to be high in a lot of communities, but here what we're seeing is Renew Active seems to be a very heavily used one in this community. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah,

I got a question. As you know, we have a Parkinson support meeting there. Uh I'm not sure how it's going to affect this as far as relationship with the community center. Is there a possibility I can meet with you tomorrow morning? I will not be in the office in the morning due to some meetings in St. Louis. I'd love to meet with you sometime next week if you're available. Next week. Just give a call. Absolutely. And we extend beyond

figure. I wouldn't expect much change though. I'll tell you we lay lean heavily into our community health program. So we also the YMCA does something called exercise for Parkinson's. So um I know there's already exercise programming that's happening. So we might not need to adjust that at all. It might just feather in perfectly with our community health work. But right that's what we need to for our monthly meeting. For your monthly meeting I'll give you Absolutely. Thanks. Any other questions? All right. Well, thank you all very much for for being here and kind of running through the transition. We appreciate it. Thanks for having

uh next up tonight we have our city administrators report. David, go ahead. Thank you, mayor. Uh just a couple updates. The report at your seat is updated on number one uh concrete work on Parkwood, Oakwood, Brookdale, Brentwood, and Point Base is complete uh as of yesterday. Uh it's not open yet. Uh but the concrete pour is complete. Back fill and sealant will continue this week into next, weather permitting. Um Scott Street is complete. If you haven't driven it, please do so. Uh and then Ottabon Street tear out probably uh finished up this afternoon uh with uh paving to get underway tomorrow. You jump down number four. I just wanted to point out that uh planning and zoning approved the preliminary plat presented by McBride last week. I laid that preliminary plat at your seats just for you to see. That is 137 lots and it incorporates some of the changes that were cor uh 135 lots. It incorporates some of the changes that were requested.

It's down from what was 173 last? What happened? Uh if you see a large curve on Bowser Drive, they found a depression that they did not want to build over. That took away quite a few. And then they were informed by Mississippi Lime that the two existing vents that will stay cannot have a home within 100 foot of them. What comes out of that? What comes out of a vent that you can't be within 100 ft of it?

Well, steam, noise, uh, nothing else. But yeah, if you go to number six, I just wanted to point out the Port Authority will be holding a public hearing here at city hall at 5:30 on December 10th to get public feedback on their application for $100,000 in federal 5311 funds. Where is that one? Is it in Perry or St. Jane County that that this coming month? Where's the meeting? The port. Don't they switch? Don't they go back and forth? This is a public hearing that'll be held right here. Um, number eight with Can you go I'm sorry, Dave. Can you go back to number four? Uh, when's final plat approval anticipated?

That'll be up to McBride. Um, I would think they would want to get that in the next couple months, but um, not positive. Uh, number eight, one meeting this month in November. So, there'll be four weeks till our next meeting on the 11th. Um, city hall city hall is closed. uh Thanksgiving and the day after, November 27th and 28th. And I added number 10 down there. I want to give you an update. We met with Joker's Paving uh Corey and I uh to examine the sanitary sewer line on Fourth Street Wednesday. Uh they took some measurements while they were there and have agreed to make the repairs. Uh work will begin in two weeks.

That's the one 300 block right there with the steel plates still correct. And in two weeks, you think they'll be able to start in two weeks? Uh, they have already scheduled a gas line relocation and that'll be I think the week of Thanksgiving. Yeah. So, two weeks. That's all I have for city administrator. So, there's that gas line uh relocation. I mean, are is there a fee with that or is that I assume so. Spire doesn't usually do things for free. So, but I um Jokers will pay for that, right? Yes, sir.

Will jokers also pay for the street repairs? The insurance is going to be in the street. Th this this is their responsibility. Yes. Good. uh almond faith um that plot um that changed for about 40 minutes roughly um because of those requirements um by Mississippi line. So we did lose that and that you know that was a negotiation between those two private parties. So we don't know really what had transpired there but we lost that on 40ome homes um because of those negotiations between those two parties. So so it's kind of sad because we we're going to spend that $5 million no matter what. as an 25% reduction. I'm sorry, 25% reduction.

Yeah. too. I know you're looking at a big reduction and stuff, but I still think this is a much better layout, you know, but there's a lot more green space incorporated in there, and I think that'll make the whole subdivision nice. But there was a a decision uh PNZ wanted to move forward with sidewalks on both sides of all the streets. So there was a thought that maybe one sidewalk around them, but there will be sidewalks on both sides. It's intriguing to see that there was a depression or a sinkhole.

There are sink holes definitely on the lot three. Um they took 17 core samples beyond what we had done uh and found this depression and they chose not to build in that area. Uh yeah. Yes. So, thank you. And we'll move right into uh community development. Uh so,

you should have that report at your desk. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. Community development. Uh if you take a look at that report, I want to point out a few things. Um it says there the next Heritage Commission meeting will be 11:17. There's nothing for the agenda, so there will be no meeting next week. Um the 2024 historic preservation grant application, that contract is on tonight's agenda. There were five responses, three person committee scored them. Um that's part of a 6040 or 4060 grant. Uh so you'll see that on tonight's agenda. You go down to planning and zoning. Uh we'll have a public uh hearing later. Um planning and zoning approved a guest lodging special use permit at 135 North 3rd. Uh, I'll mention again, they approved the preliminary plat for McBride. Um, on the back page, I want to point out a few things. Uh, we've been keeping track of sidewalks and other projects going around town. The TAP grant that the county was approved for, uh, which I thought was on track for 2026 is currently being completed. So, that's the work that you see going on out there along Highway 61. Uh I was asked last week if that will continue on to uh the plaza or Bosler. It 45 is right there at Parkwood um where we just put a new street in. So uh that's where it'll connect. So, basically once our TAP project next year for sidewalk along street in front of the Legion but on the other side of the street uh is put in place, you'd be able to walk from here to the community center on a sidewalk.

Great. Awesome. Yeah,

applause is always Thank you. Um, we should somehow though try to connect that last part, that last block of uh the plaza from First A Bank over, there should be a sidewalk there to get across the way into the plaza. Um, if it's all along that last little bit in front of like what you call I guess tractor supply or even if it's just a a cut through to get right where their big sign is or so, we need to probably finish that. That would make a huge difference for that last little bit of walking and I don't think it'd be that much. to be a sidewalk anywhere from 10 to 20 feet or maybe the whole length down to the main entrance to the plaza. Maybe it'd be 150 ft. I think we should look at least that last little bit to be able to get pedestrians. Okay.

I know it's a mod thing. Try to get there. Um but that would be that's my community development report. Any questions? Okay. Uh, and of course we got a full lineup of staff reports tonight with our this being our only meeting in November. Next up tonight we will have our tourism director, Aaron Smith, Rising Star, tourism director. And I remind everyone,

uh, thank you gentlemen. Uh, tonight of course I have a lengthy report because it's my year in review, but I'll try to get through this quickly. Uh as uh David Boba was saying uh we've secured funding for the ferry from Illinois. Uh so they are going to match MDOT's 88,000. It's going to be just for this year, but it makes it easier for them to apply for that funding for next year. Uh you know, I sent some 40 plus emails out really leverage my um sort of relationship that I'm building with the Chicago French Heritage Society. and in the acceptance letter from MODOT saying we're excited about funding uh the ferry because of its cultural significance and French heritage. So I think that was a that was a big win there. Um picked the agency uh to carry out the UGC PR campaign. Um, so I want to use 20,000 of my $43,000 uh marketing line item uh to run PR UGC campaign, which uh to get out of the lingo is basically we're inviting cool people to come to town and and make content for us. Basically, you know, inviting publications to come do stories on us and influencers to come and and make um uh sort of videos and and content like that. Uh I received five submissions uh and I decided to uh had a committee help me score the proposals and in the end I went with Jasper Paul out of St. Louis. That's an area we're really you know we're working on overnight markets right now but I think we really need to hit St. Louis hard and stay in St. Louis. Uh this is their specialty um PR and marketing. They know all the cool kids in St. Louis. So this you know they've got a great lineup of of content creators um and they have a St. native on staff who is chomping at the bit to like really, you know, see uh this move the needle for St. Jen. So, that's exciting.

Cool kids mean there nobody from the alderman's group?

No, I think you guys are all cool kids. I think it's uh I I think cool kids are all ages. You know, you you're still you're still a cool kid. Don't don't short yourself, Patrick. Um we're producing a brochure right now. I'm really excited about this. We've needed a brochure since I've arrived, but since we've got the new branding in place, uh I think this is something we need to accelerate. This was on uh this was part of our 5-year marketing plan. It was going to cost $20,000. Uh it's going it's being donated by YPR agency. That's a new local agency. Uh and the stuff that I've seen so far looks really good. And I'll bring you guys a sample when that's ready to go. Um jumping into my year in review. Um it's a lot of information. And I want you guys to really uh jump in and read this um you know in your spare time. Um but basically I have my 2024 year in review and basically what I'm I I was trying to say is you know 2024 was about establishing uh what the community feels like or the problems in tourism. So I really you know wanted to get that get get the lay of the land here. Uh, and then this year was about building that foundation, rebuilding that infrastructure. Like I said, my job is to take out ads. That ads are supposed to push people to our website, and our website is supposed to get people here, right? It's supposed to make it easy for people to to book a trip. Our website was a mess. Um, and even our our branding and our messaging was was sort of a mess. And so this year, uh, enacting year one of our 5-year marketing plan, uh, worked with McDaniels to build out a print and digital marketing plan. We used $60,000. 30,000 of that was a match from the state. Um, and we hit six different overnight markets. Um, I also uh produced a professional video uh commercial this year that was uh thrown

into that marketing plan. So, they used that as content and I think that did a great um job. pushing people to our website. Um the rebrand initiative I think went great. I think we picked the right agency for that. Um and that like I said is our really our ground zero. And that branding is really supposed to start addressing the problems that people see with our uh you know with tourism putting that foundation in for how we're going to promote St. Genevieve. Uh alongside of that um this year 2026 was supposed to be when we redesigned the website. I got that done last year. It launched alongside of our branding so we didn't have a lag in that. Uh I thought that was pretty important and it looks great. We're still working on the you know copy and and making it optimizing that. Um but that that's coming along. Uh and then alongside that we were able to create an an app for St. Genevie for the more techsavvy uh cool kids to come in and use that app and and find a way to uh to plan for St. Jen. And also that app really works with our website to add plugins and maps and things like that that are really helpful uh sort of new age uh technologies for for people to use. Uh I've got a list of some national publications that I advertised in and then measurable measurable impact. I just want to highlight a couple of things through that that marketing spin that we did with McDaniels. We've seen 120% increase in web traffic. M

so you know if we had 50 people we had 120 people this year go to our um website and we have a 98% engagement rate which means if someone gets on our website they are going they're clicking through different pages. Uh our web master said that you know the normal engagement rate is like 60 to 70%. So we're well above that average. Um and another thing I want to this is kind of the big one. Are we moving the needle? Uh so down at the bottom of that is visitor traffic. We've had uh 13,000 additional visits over last year. Um and I I I that's kind of been holding steady and I've been saying that we're about 10,000 less visitors, but I was looking at why that is. Um we had 5,000 less visitors this year than we did last year and we had the eclipse which brought in an additional 3,000 people on a Monday that wouldn't have visited. So that accounts for 8,000 visits. So, we're really down 2,000 visitors. So, we're up four 4.5% in terms of visits and down 1.8% in terms of visitors. So, I think we're really get seeing some bang for our buck there. Um, then I also have a a segment on new grants and funding that I've secured uh just this past year. Some of it's for 2025, some of it's for 2026, but we have 164,573 new dollars um being spent on tourism that we did not have uh last year. This is not counting the 40,000 that we get for our program grants year-over-year. This is 164,000 new dollars there. Uh recognitions and awards. Uh got the rising star as I said. Um, you know, I have a uh talk about the events that I really want to focus on. Uh, Loga, Kings Ball, the French Heritage Festival. These ones that are really rooted in our French heritage, the ones that we really need

to make uh, you know, one, they get they get all the publicity and they are uh, what we need to hang our hat on. And so improving those is is paramount. Um, and then I just have a section about what I'm doing for 2026, all the all the preparation I've done so that we can hit the ground running. Um, and the things that we need to do. So, any questions, concerns? Yeah. You know, we know one of the problems is we can't advertise. We never know when the shops are open downtown. Never know when the restaurants are open. They change our hours constantly. I have trouble living here trying to figure out who you know about. So how do you advertise something like that to the people out there and say, "Hey, come Monday, Sunday, enjoy San Juan or how do you overcome something like that?" And I understand why the people don't there's no tourists.

Yeah. Well, that we got a chicken egg problem and I I've talked about that from the beginning and so you kind of have to be strategic about that. And there's a couple of different thing problems that I I I like I like you say not enough tourists so shops don't stay open and then the other thing that I uh you know kind of establish was people love the town as it is and they don't want tourists to take over right so with these I I kind of have a solution that that works both of these problems for you know the people who don't want tourism to take over I go okay well we need to do more with less we need to go with quality over quantity so we need to uh get a more a affluent demographic coming to town, people with disposable income. And actually, that's kind of perfect for, you know, we don't want to promote that the shops are open. We don't want to pro promote something that we can't deliver on. But what St. Genevie does have is, let's say you're, you know, a businessman in St. Louis and you're like, God, I just need to get out of town. I need to go get my head straight. Well, what better place to come than, you know, go stay at the main street end where it's nice and quiet, relax. Uh, go walk the street at night where there's, you know, you're not going to like rub be rubbing shoulders with people or even on a weekend, you're not going to be bumping into people like you would in St. Charles. So, come here, decompress, you know, uh, just walk the streets. uh you know and and uh you know know that this is a a thriving community where people you know they they're on their own time and you know they have things to do and so if they need to close up their shop uh they're going to but you know that's what you expect come here and just immerse in the community and relax and so that's

very peaceful at night nothing going to walk the students he just he absolutely we'd like them to be spending those dollars. But I I think they'll find a way to somewhere. I think they'll find a way to spend dollars to spend their money. Yeah. Right. I'm just saying that to me that's your main issue. Is you going to figure out how we're going to get tourists in here? I've talked to people that been here and one of their things is, "Have you been to St. James? Oh, yeah. Nice town and everything, but there's nothing to do. Why you won't come back?" Why? Why would I come back? I've seen all the history. That's right.

You know, I'm sorry, but that's what I'm hearing of things. We have no attraction to bring tourists in. We've had 13,000 more visitors this year than uh than we did last year. You know, we we are bringing people in. Um and and yeah, I think, you know, we do need some things that are going to bring people here year over year. And you know, uh, we do we we do see how the, um, festivals swing year over year. You know, things have been down as far as festival visitations, but it's kind of like one of those things they come and they see it once and they go, "Well, do I need to go back?"

Teddy, I'd have to respectfully disagree. I mean, uh, the coordination that's happened now in the last 2 years, the promotion, content creation, special projects, working with the festival, working with the Ferry Project, doing the Main Street Connection that just started on Monday night is is amazing. Uh, some of the music events that we're having now. Um, I I'd say just the opposite for a town of 4,500 people. Uh, a new YMCA starting up. I mean, we got some stuff that's going on here. That's is Is it Vale, Colorado? No. Is it St. Charles? I don't want to be like those places. So, we're not going to get everybody coming back that says, "Hey, it was a great town. I got to shop all weekend long." I I don't know. I mean, do we want is that all we want is a shopping experience for some of them. I get it. Some of the businesses are closed and that's their prerogative and maybe they won't be in business, but we're trying to drive as much traffic as we can and we're trying to be smart about it. And Aaron, I think what you've done in the last two years is astounding because I mean, there is a lot of moving parts to this. I mean, you

it's creating an ecosystem. I it really is, you know, and and bringing in Missouri Main Street, it will help us hopefully help us uh you know, uh this is another organization that has a national umbrella. They they know how to get economic vitality going in a community and you know, uh our business owners just need a little bit more training. They need a little bit more wind under their sales and this is one of those organizations that can do it if we get the right people in. I mean, if you look at all the PR marketing companies that you've been dealing with and interviewing, the city, the county, the the uh the port authority, the state groups with the state tourism and economic development, all the local agencies and groups that you're involved with and working on, the Chicago group, the French Heritage Group in Chicago. I mean, kudos for you for pulling all this stuff together and dragging us along with you because I'm impressed. So,

you've done excellent work. Thank you, sir. And I And I tell you what, Erin, in the almost 25 years that I've lived here, I've never had this much interaction between um the people and like you guys, you know, I've never seen it. This is the first. I mean, we have to be out there, right? You know, it's So, that's great to hear. And I work together. I'm trying.

Well, and I'll to your horn one more time with Dave as well. your guys' push to do some economic development along with that and trying to get people to move here permanently and doing some of those things and and happy before when he was with uh Parkland Ready and stuff. So, so those are some of the things that are driving uh some change and some development here. So, um kudos. Appreciate it. Anything else? I think it's an understatement to say that there's not a lot of moving parts to this thing. There is a lot of moving parts. So, appreciate what you're doing. Yeah. Thank you, Bob. Appreciate Thank you. Next up tonight, uh, we have Chief Al. [Music]

I don't know if I can that. Uh, you guys all have Mark board. I don't really have a lot. Uh, main thing I want to focus on is the grants that we've been applying and receiving. We got a lot a lot of stuff for the dog, a lot of stuff for the PD. Uh, blue shield was just awarded. You guys will have a resolution, two of them actually coming out, uh, for fully funded side by side and brand new MBTs, six of them. You want to explain what that is to the public? So, so the blue shield is basically

Governor Kho put it in place for cities that are focusing on the community. Um, make sure the law enforcement is well equipped with everything and you have to be a blue shield city to get these grants. We are I did all the stuff at the beginning of the year. We got selected as a blue shield designated city. So, with that, that puts us in a different pot of money just for us. Nobody else gets to apply for it unless they're a blue shield city or county.

Tonight we have two items that you're getting and and consent agend. So So the first one is a Polaris Ranger. Basically what we're going to be using that thing for is Georgia Fed County Fair parades. Uh when we get to flooding like we have, we can get in and out of places with that thing. Uh we're going to have it marked. We're have lights on it. So can you do day-to-day patrols with that? Well, you can patrol downtown with it. I mean, I think that's clearly Does it have windows on it or is it open? It's It's got a windshield. It's got a windshield. We had a previous city admin that was big on that about, you know, when you have all the windows down, you become part of the community. You know, you're not driving by with, you know, tinted windows.

I drive my window down all the time. I think that makes for a good appearance for your

That's That's what the whole side It's got. It's multiunction for everything. Um I mean officers are chomping up the bid right now to give controls downtown with it, you know. U so that that is part of the resolution. U so we can get that if we get it, it'll be tomorrow when we get that thing. So it's it's being held right. Uh the MDTs, that's our computers and the cars. Uh they're very expensive. Um that takes the burden off the city. Um, I'm actually working on another grant to get five more and that will replace every single computer we have in our cars with brand new ones. Um, again, it's all reimbured back to the city. The turnaround rates pretty quick right now. They want to hurry up and get it all submitted and pre-closed so they can reopen it again here in June. And then one other thing is looking for the blessing of the of the board here. uh looking to add another K9. Got a call for a grant, fully funded K9. They purchase our dog, they outfit our car, they pay for the training, and they put a kennel up at the house. So, I'm looking for the blessing on that. Uh we are It will increase dog food, but we are actually in the middle of working on a grant for dog food right now to be fully funded. So, well, do I need it or is it just a free deal?

Uh, no. I So, we do need it. Um, I like one on each squad. Right now, we have one. I've been messing with the schedule to try to benefit both squads for this for this util utilization of this dog. Um, it's just sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Having this extra dog will give me will give the police department a dog on seven days a week. Um the plan is to have the schedule fixed where that dog is pretty much all day long where we're going to fix use is drug detection. What's that? Is it the primary use? Drug detection. Yeah. Anything else outside of

drugs and apprehension? Uh locate items, you know, throw a pin out in the woods, dog's going to find it. Tracking. Well, it's a dual purpose dog. Uh so it'll help load lighten the load up a little bit on our current K9 right now. Uh we take the dogs to the schools for PR events. We walk the schools. Uh and it it just gives the officers the extra dog. It It's very beneficial. So kind of just You talked about two squads. I mean that's not day and night. It's just during seven days a week during the day.

We have two squads. Uh, we got a squad and a b squad. That's how one squad will work two days, whatever. The other squad on their days off. So, one squad works, the other squad's off. The other squad comes in, that squad's off. So, and right now, the way I have it with the dog right now, he's floating in between two squads. So, his days off are a little different. So, he doesn't actually get his 3-day weekend on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. He gets a Saturday, Sunday, Monday. So, no requirements for days off. They like their weekends. But do you have a handler interested or do you have

So I've got four officers that are chomping up a bit for that. Um I actually I started doing a whole process back when I even had a detective spot. I do an interview panel. U they have been on with me when I did detective. I get detectives from another agency and we do a full-blown interview on these guys. We're going to do the same thing with K9. Uh we want to ensure we get the right officer there. We want the dog out. We don't want it just sitting around. So we'll have the same thing. We do another interview panel. We'll have K9 handlers. Um one of the handlers that trains dogs trains our dogs. He's going to be there. So we got a whole different process for all that. So what's the lifespan of one of those dogs or or what can they be active in their role?

They they vary. Um so you get 10 years, 5 years. It just kind of depends on the dog. I guess he just had another question. Out of these 467 calls uh in October and stuff, uh what percentage of those are during the day and after of an evening or the night shift, whatever. I do not have that broke down. It that's varies so much. Uh some days we won't have anything during the day and then at night's getting hammered and then some days it's busy. Let's the other yesterday we were busy during the day. I was out helping with calls. So, it's just everywhere. So, we still have two officers on at all times,

right? Is uh if if the the board's generally in favor of pursuing the the grant for the second K9, would you be coming back with like the grant proposal to be approved by the board or what are you looking for? Y Okay. So, so right now you're just trying to figure out if the board's admit against it. Otherwise, you'll come back. Yeah. I I'll bring I'll show everybody everything for show you guys that it is everything is covered with it. Yeah, it's through an organization. So So Chief's kind of looking for your feedback and then we can bring the grant proposal back in December. Yeah, it's a good idea. I'm for it. I mean, so sounds good. Is good.

That's all I've got. Chief, I got on a different note here. is the window tent meters. Mhm. But we don't have any of those now or Nope. Well, we do now. We got six of them. How How do you enforce that? Uh we have an ordinance for window tent. Windows only supposed to be 35% up in the front. Is that for for police vehicles? And police vehicles are exempt from that. Pardon? Police vehicles are exempt. Are exempt. I had one other thing that was on the consent agenda. Uh and that was uh uh getting rid of surplus property. How do we get rid of 11 shotguns? I mean, we just can't.

Uh dealer uh a firearms dealer would take it over there,

right? All right. Thanks. Any additional questions for Chief? All right. Thank you, sir. Last up tonight, Gory with Alliance. Good evening. You guys got my board things done signs are up. We have one more to put on be done tomorrow. for one short get that clean a couple more so we'll get that up um well three and seven are clean now three was 400% improvement on the output on that seven 14% not a huge increase but uh I mean it's concrete from Pinky Park which is uh poured in be set next week uh BT was here today for the generator, the water plant to get that working up. Be back tomorrow, hopefully finish it up. They they've touched on four street choker stuff. There's two plates up there now, so we kind of took some cold mix around it to kind of make it smooth it can be. It's not great, but um it is. And um lot city will be receiving $16,580 back from Alliance from the repair budget here.

Buy those new heavy duty bearings for the street sweeper. What? I'm sorry. Is that to buy those heavy duty bearings? They won't be that much. But yeah, right. Street back together. It's out. tonight. Yeah, I'm sorry. Working tonight. Yeah. Yeah. Working 40 plus hours a week. Actually, I'm working on Fridays. Doesn't go down the street. Doesn't look like it's very or very long, but I had paid any attention to that water loss percentage before. Is that normal? The 6.38?

Yeah. Um but our yearly is rough ticket this year was like 7 8 now but it's right right kind of where we hang that so I guess that includes like water main breaks and yes that's right flushing jetting anytime we use them one bas report the report uh Corey sent me a report about an hour ago. So I have not had time to read it yet. It it is complete Joe or whatever. So maybe I would interview. Yeah.

Well, I mean you can certainly talk about if you want some of the uh solutions to the point base INI.

Yes. So our our analysis of the situation which included the the PCBTV footage and the smoke testing and and just our working knowledge of of the issues out there. Um it really appears and so the the pipe is structurally sound. We didn't see any smoking gun so to say with with with any major defects. We did see a couple there were a couple occasions where the joints were separated but again nothing nothing really notable in the way of defects. Um and and there were some laterals that were installed incorrectly which would attribute to the backup issues that some customers are experiencing. But all that to say, it it really seems like there's a capacity issue here and not an issue with the pipe itself, which is going to be a long-term um uh solution that needs to be addressed by Cochran. They're working on that, that comprehensive sewer study for you. So, this will actually be something they need to look at for a long-term solution to resolve. In the short term, we do have some ideas that that we'd like to um run out um see what they can do for us. One of them is going to be purchase some flow monitors and install them in the manholes in these locations. And that would give us an alert, a signal notifying us that that that manhole is search charging and perhaps we can get on site and jet the line or pump that to prevent an SSO or backups from happening. So that's one thing is is to purchase flow monitors and um hopefully get out there before the situation uh becomes dire. Um, another thing that we'd like to do is work with the city to maybe uh beef up the ordinances as they relate to the disposal of debris, grease, rags, just try and prevent um as much of that as we can from entering the systems. Um, what was the what was the third thing I three things? Yes, check valves. So for the customers that are

experiencing issues with the backups, the city is currently providing check valves to install on their laterals and we'd like to continue um encouraging customers to have those installed. Is that all we can do is in ask them to install them or I mean is there any leverage that the laders are privately owned so the city doesn't the city would would install and then they take responsibility for one of the comment the guy made when they were out there doing this crawler camera and I didn't uh take time to ask But you talked about that system being hydrolocked out there in this one particular area. Uh what does that mean?

I'm pretty sure he was talking about the the dip in the pipe that was it was over the head of the camera. So that at minimal flow it's still still has that sag in it. So it's it's full capacity all time in that pipe there cuz he he made the comment that we couldn't add any more capacity, right? You know that it was hydrolocked and stuff. So is it a matter of um you say there was nothing major out there, but that sounds like a major issue having that dip in that pipe. So

well there there were no major cracks is what I meant by by no major issues. It is a major issue that it is at capacity. That is absolutely a major issue which is something that Cochran will need to to look at and and provide uh recommendations for um what that solution is. Yeah. Right there park that main when we 19 foot we were completely underwater the whole way. So that was on a dry day with no precipitation about 3 weeks or so. Well, I'd like to congratulate you on the uh 18 trees being installed uh in the last uh month in the start of our reforestation project. They look great. Any other questions for Cory and Erica? Oh, I had did have one more. Um, at the end of Persock Lane on the new Ninth Street project, there's a a manhole cover there. That is a pretty big dip in the road. Uh, and I know they kind of beveled the black top around, but but that's pretty annoying there. Is there anything?

We'll take a look. We'll see if order me that to me.

Okay. All right. Thanks. on uh Washington Street between fourth and fifth. Uh the paving is good. There's an area there where the storm drain goes down. There's a hole there where the asphalt is. It's not marked, you know, on on the right hand side. You go up the hill, the person is to drive in that you you could have an accident. I would recommend either at a minimum of painting a yellow stripe around that so you can see it or possibly one of those um bendable delineators there or what I guess you call it somebody from driving in that you know cuz if you're not paying attention or moving over or something like that you could go in there and and possibly damage a car. Okay. Yeah. Well, there you go. Thank you guys. Thank you. At this time, we will open up the floor to public comment. Would anybody like to address the board? My name is Gina Bennett. I'm a retired person who is a disability advocate. I tend to go to city or county meetings as I can, trying to encourage looking at things from a different perspective. Um, I want to give a big adab boy to the city and county. In the last four to five months, I see 180 improvement. Some areas way more than 180. It's like 360. I don't do math well, but really good job. The police department especially. I got a ticket the other night. I was so impressed because the officer Harris was so respectful. My headlight kept blinking off and on. I didn't know why. Uh Joe Prince told me why. And we fixed

it. And I couldn't find my proof of insurance because the geomagnetic storm really messed with State Farm's app and my brain. But I did have insurance and I was given a ticket that says this is how you don't have to pay something. So that was really good and I was impressed. Um, I think the town needs more volunteers and interns. I've spoke with the school board president, intend to go to the schoolboard meeting about that. The town, Aaron's doing an awesome job. I think he could use help with the volunteer network like we used to have back in the old days. you know, old ladies like me are interested in certain things and there's a lot of young people who would love the resume padding things. Um, the YMCA, amazing. I'm so impressed with everything they're doing. Um, I didn't get to go to the county meeting today cuz I was going to tell them all the same boy doing good. Um, I'm kind of throwing around the idea on St. Genevie. Here's a local scoop. And with another local group of doing a countywide business Christmas display thing where you award different categories. It's it's a very loose idea. Tree, window, yard, something, and then giving prizes. I talked to Dena at the Chamber of Commerce and also downtown St. Jen. So, that's something I'm just throwing around, you know, maybe to do something in the not the same week as the Christmas festival, but like maybe before it or something or after. I don't really know. So, that's just some of the stuff I've been thinking about. Also, I had a GFWC meeting in uh November. We had the crisis aid international people

talking about uh the house of hope and technology and internet safety for parents. I got an extra brochure. I gave some to the police a long time ago, but if anybody's interested, I have this. Um, and I think that's pretty much it. the rest of the stuff would be addressed to like the school board or the Y or different things cuz I see the need for emotional/trauma people support groups that are weekends and nights. Community counseling can't offer that. We have Parkinson's pals, but there's really not a whole lot of stuff for parents and adults with neurode divergent stuff. And if you don't know what neurode divergent is, Google it. There's a whole lot of stuff out there. So, that's pretty much it. Thank you all. Doing good.

Thank you, Jean. Thanks, Any other public comment.

Hi, I'm Darwin Lesie. I'm a resident of uh retired resident of St. Genevieve. And something that I got to uh be a part of was the uh the uh the museum had a presentation with Bill Nyer where he spoke about the 200 200th anniversary of St. Genevate and uh currently the um the museum is putting together a display on that 200th celebration. But that 200th celebration is soon to become a 300th celebration in the year 2035 which is just short of 10 years from now and time goes really fast. And I was watching um DVD about Mark Twain. He's turning 200 years old. in 2035 or so. I mean, so there's a lot of history. Um there's a lot of potential here for really doing something big in St. Genevie. And I'd like to get the ball rolling in there because I don't hear anything going on. I just never on anybody's agenda. I I I went to the U Main Street Connections group and I asked the presenters, do you know that we're turning 300 years in 10 years time? and they were not aware of it. These things need to be start to be built in and and what it does is it sets us a goal in 9 years from now. What what things can we achieve in 9 years and and so I think there needs to be sort of a planning process needs to be started to get things organized and uh and pulled off the way and it and it's not just this board. It's it's everybody. It's the churches, the fairground, the national park, the state park. I mean, the all these uh groups need to be and and somehow we need to wake them up and

start to think about this. Uh because, you know, it's just the city of St. Genevie can't do it justice. It's got to be the county. It's got to be the state. And I I think, you know, there should be a St. Genevie Day proclamation with the US government. I mean, so there's I mean, there's a full scale of uh resource or support that we could draw on, but but I think I think we need to start, you know, what are the possibilities? What can we do that that's a little bit different than what we normally deal with on a day-to-day basis, you know, like passenger train, we could have a there there's BSNF has got a passenger train. They could come and visit us for a week or a day or whatever. But, you know, there's there's a lot of different things that um we could generate ideas on and and maybe pull some of these big things off there. There was um I saw in the paper the U river boat landing in New Burban uh is is something that's being developed. Well, you know, an ideal deadline would be 2035. Let's get that done before 2035. I mean, there's a whole bunch of things that we could set these goals up for. the one year, the 5year and the 10 year now becoming a 9-year plan. Uh these these things need to be kickstarted and I think it starts it should start being on the agendas of of our different groups of of the churches of you know all all the all the people who have any interest in the in St. Jenny. It should be part of that planning process and it's it's out there but that time is going to come by real fast and a lot of things take time to develop. So, you know, we need to start putting it on our agendas and start making it more of a focus than just something that's going to happen. So, that's Thank you.

Well said. Thank you. Thank you. And if anybody hasn't seen Bill Nagger's presentation on 200 years of celebration, it's on YouTube. I think every alderman should look at it because it's really impressive what this little town did 100 years ago uh in terms of resources and monies. The state gave them $100,000 or something uh to get this going and the state of Missouri. I can't imagine what they would do now, but uh we have to start looking for those kind of resources to really elevate this and make it we're the only town in Missouri that can say that we'll be 300 before anybody. Yeah.

What kind of followup would we do on that? You think we should get a committee commission? You can't have anybody over 70 because they may not be here. I thought you just said you were a cool kid. I eliminated myself. Well, I think Aaron could probably help us. I'm I'm already He doesn't have anything to do. He's already brainstorming. Returning. Returning. I've got I've got some stuff that works. I think we need Mayoral Muscle behind it. The agenda should work. just we'll turn around. It'll be 5 years.

I'll go to the governor's office. We'll knock on his door and see what's going on. All right. Any other public comment at this time? All right. If not, we will move along to tonight's consent agenda. David, I have a question kind of in general. uh to I can you know when I see money issues on here or things costing money even though they're grants does that uh keep us from having to pass them as a normal expenditure?

It doesn't. No, I mean they can be resolutions. The the consent agenda is basically non-controversial. Two of these grants are 100% funded. Uh Chief How talked about them, right? Um, and the other one is a grant that we've talked about for probably a year and a half now. Um, it's a 4060. You know, I a year and a half ago I came to you about applying for the grant. Then we talked about what kind of grant. Uh, we're finally to the point where we have someone to contract. It's been approved. It's in the line item. We can certainly pull it out, but I was just kind of curious why, you know, uh, if certain things, you know, because they were grants or something that they didn't have to go to a normal resolution and stuff, but

Well, this is a normal resolution. It's just it's not an ordinance, but they're 100% funded. So, that's why I placed them here. And the other one, we've talked about it for a year and a half, right? No, I'm fine. Okay. Motion to approve. Second, this I'm sorry, a second in the consent agenda. Yes. Yep. [Laughter] Okay. So, I have a motion and a second to approve tonight's consent agenda. All in favor?

Any opposed? Okay. Um, at this time, the mayor and the board of alderman will hold a public hearing to consider a request from Jason and Ashley Stackley for a special use permit to operate a guest lodging room at 135 North Thirdrd Street in an R2 general residential district. We will open up this public hearing at 7:06. So, we received an application from the applicants uh October 10th. Also, the filing fee at that time. Notice of the meeting was mailed to the applicant and adjoining property owners. Uh also sent to the police and fire department on October 20th. I received the application back from the fire district on October 21st. No issues. Back from the police department on November 3rd, no issues. Meeting notice was sent to the media on November 2nd. uh planning and zoning uh held their meeting on November 6th and voted to recommend approval to the board 503. Uh and that leads us to tonight a public hearing uh November 13th. I have received no remarks from any adjoining property owners concerning this special use permit.

I had just one question in the terminology here. It's called a guest lodging room. It's that it's a Glogic establishment. It's the entire building. Entire building. Okay. I mean, it's a shotgun house, so you may only have one, but yeah, it's basically one room. One room. Yeah, one room. It's a cool house. This is the one that Martin lived in. It is one of Martin. And is the last shotgun house in town? Correct. Correct. Didn't somebody I didn't hear what they said and stuff, but didn't somebody say that was a Sears and Robuck house? No, it's a shotgun house.

Just a shotgun. Okay. Um, any other questions at this time regarding special use permit for the public hearing? Okay. If not, we will close the public hearing at 7:08. And that will take to some old business. We have a second reading of bill number 4694. This is an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a proposal for professional services with Cochran Engineering for a citywide paving program. Motion to approve. Second. Motion and a second. Pam, would you do a roll call, please? Alderman Stiger, yes. Alderman Prince, yes. Alderman Ross,

yes. Alderman Eidman, yes. Alderman Huey, yes. Alderman Donovan, yes. Alderman Beehe, yes. Alderwoman Dobs, yes. Eight, yes. Zero. No. Bill number 4694 now becomes ordinance 4618. Thank you very much. And then next up in old business tonight, we have a second reading of bill number 4696. This is an ordinance approving a budget amendment to the city of St. Genevie for the fiscal year 2026 budget relating to the various revenue and expenditure increases. Motion to approve. Second. Motion in a second. Pam, would you do a roll call, please? Alderman Ross, yes.

Alderman Prince, yes. Alderman Stiger, yes. Heidman, yes. Alderman Huey, yes. Alderman Donovan, yes. Alderman Fy, yes. Alderwoman Dos, yes. Eight, yes. zero. That was bill number 4696 now becomes ordinance 4619. Thank you very much. We're going to move along to some new business tonight. Uh first up we have resolution 2026-06. This is a resolution appointing Stephanie Gekck to the St. Genevie Housing Authority Board. Motion to approve. Second. A motion and a second. All in favor?

Any opposed? Okay. Thank you very much. Uh next up tonight we have scheduled for a first and second reading. I think that's at uh the direction Aaron of you you requested that correct? Okay. Okay. Uh so first up, this is a first reading of bill number 4699. This is an ordinance authorizing the interim city administrator to execute an agreement with Jasper Paul Marketing LLC for limited public relations and marketing services for the city of St. Genevie, I do want to point out that you have a revised contract at your seat. So, what was the revision? Uh, the city attorney advised to remove two. I'm sorry, Mark. Go ahead.

That's okay. I I I review the I uh asked them to remove a waiver of all warranties. They had a waiver all warranties and I changed some language to confirm that there's any dispute it'll be in St. John County Circuit Court. I think yeah uh indemnification. So we're not identifying them for and a couple clerical changes. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Any oppose? Thank you. You're seeking a second reading on this?

Uh he has requested a second reading. And the reason for that, Aaron, uh, just so we can get started. We're not going to get started until January, but we need to plan this out. Um, so I want to be ready to go by January first with this. time is kind of of the essence as far as getting, you know, these campaigns out before springtime [Applause] cuz that I mean we do only have one meeting left.

Well, I get that, but I don't think there's going to be any opposition in December. But does this meet the criteria we've usually used to have a second reading? I don't know what the criteria is. It's really what you all decide.

I think historically we've had two readings in the November and December meeting. Uh Aaron, like you mentioned, would like to get started with these folks planning. I don't have a problem with it, but I could have brought it up. I figured I'd bring it up since I could probably do it quicker than somebody else that's longer winded when he brings it up. So, um, if it if it doesn't if there's no conflict of of having a second reading, I make a motion for a second reading. Second. Okay. I have a motion and a second for a second reading of bill number uh 4699. Uh, all in favor? I.

Any opposed? Okay, this will be a second reading of bill number 4699. This is an ordinance authorizing the interim city administrator to execute an agreement with Jasper Paul Marketing LLC for limited public relations and marketing services for the city of St. Genevie. Move to approve. Second. A motion and a second. Pam, would you do a roll call? Alderman Qy, yes. Alderman Donovan, yes. Alderman Fehey, yes. Alderwoman Dob, yes. Alderman Idman. Alderman Stiger. Yes. Alderman Prince. Yes. Alderman Ross. Yes. Eight. Yes. Zero nos. Bill number 4699 now becomes ordinance 4620.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Uh next up tonight also scheduled for a first and second reading or recommended requested. Uh this is a first reading of bill number 4700. This is an ordinance approving a special use permit for Jason and Ashley Stackley that will allow the operation of a guest lodging business at 135 North 3rd Street. Motion to approve. Second. Okay. Have a motion and a second. All in favor? I. Any opposed? We got to make a motion for a second reading of bill number 4700. Second. Okay. Have a motion and a second for a second reading. All in favor? Yes.

Just please state your reason for a second. Um I can only imagine uh you know with what they've done with those two properties down there. I think it's been a big asset and u more power to them for what they've done and let them get started. Fair enough. Right before the holidays. All right. I believe I have a motion in a second for a second reading. And it's on the floor. All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Okay. This will be a second reading of bill number 4700. This is an ordinance approving a special use permit for Jason and Ashley Stackley that will allow the operation of a guest lodging business at 135 North 3rd Street. Motion to approve. Second. I have a motion and a second. And would you do a roll call, please? Alderman Donovan. Yes. Alderman Behe. Yes. Alderwoman Dos. No. Alderman Huy, yes. Alderman Iman, yes. Alderman Ross, yes. Alman Prince, yes. Alderman Styer, yes.

Seven, yes. One, no. Bill number 4700 now becomes ordinance 4621. Thank you very much. And last up tonight, we have a first and potential second reading of bill number 4701. This is an ordinance to amend section 115.190 appointment qualifications of the ordinances of the city of St. Genevie, Missouri. Discussion. Yes. Yes. Go for a little bit about what I'm not really sure what this is about. Uh I drafted it. Just it just removes a requirement that the city administrator be a resident within the city limits. That's the only thing.

That's the only change. that can be reversed at some time vacancy in the job or for sure. I

I don't know if I'm completely comfortable with removing all residency requirements. So, I'm not sure I'm going to vote for this uh just the way it reads unless we maybe amend it. Um, we have uh an applicant that um I understand the reasons and I I I think removing the complete residency requirements uh maybe something of the county or within a certain minute range that we just had this issue with the chief and we've had this other issue before and I think removing completely the the residency is the wrong uh thing to go. I think anyone that says not being a resident of this town or at least this county um is I misguided I guess. So I'm not sure.

Can we put a stipulation in there to that they have to at least be a resident of the county? Yeah, you can. I mean I mean I I would feel more comfortable at least having that part of the restriction stay. I don't like getting rid of the the whole thing. No, I think there should be a limit as far as they should at least live in the county, right? That's what I said. But how far in the county are we saying? Uh, as far as response uh because you know, we had somebody that want to live in St. Louis and then commute here.

I think that's too far to be involved in the city. So, we need some limitations. But what do you what would be the farthest if you were out in Wulmarmac or uh what would be I mean you might get 40 something minutes I would think probably to get to the heart of the city. I think some of those addresses might be 40 plus minutes. 40 minutes. Yeah. So I I I think maybe even the county might be stretching it a little bit too. I don't know. I mean I I'm open for discussion on that. I would say within Can we limit it to like within 20 miles of city hall? I mean, we can't go east obviously, but

yeah. The problem we've got, Joe, is we're all the way on one side of the county in the city and stuff. So, I mean, if we had a bridge, that'd be one thing, but we don't. So, yeah, I the mileage thing I think would get too complicated. I think the county I agree the county for this purpose. I I think we should at least keep the county clause in there. Yes. And then if in the future we need to revisit it because they're an hour away but they're still in the county then you know we can revisit it at that time. But for this particular purpose I'd like to at least keep the keep it countywide or anyway. Yeah. But you go too far. I mean

we got a lot of rock roads out there and it's not fast traveling right there. All right. All right. Hold on. He's working on those gravel roads. Yeah. I didn't say it right now. I don't care what you're doing. But I also would like to encourage them. It's too takes too much time to get there. If you're traveling from a country place way over by, you know, or some place to make your way over there,

I think can I'm sorry. Can I make a suggestion? uh it's your prerogative you want to do but the next I think the next item on the agenda is uh is the mayor's appointment of a city administrator and so that is why this item is immediately before that item is because it's contemplated that somebody who lives in the county but not the city would be appointed and so it's appropriate to change the qualifications so that you're not appointing someone that's not qualified according to the ordinances. So if if everybody would be in agreement that um the ordinance should be limited to u you know county uh resident then perhaps you would consider passing this tonight and then next month uh we could we can amend it for all future employees for that position to the county or within 30 miles of the of the city within St. Jennings County. Uh there's some places in like you mentioned St. Jim County, they're probably a longer drive than my house in Texas, you know, uh by time. But but if if that's the concern, that can be dealt with at the next meeting. We move forward with uh the the rest of the agenda. However, it's your prerogative. It's your ordinance. Um so I thought, but because it doesn't seem to be an agreement, perhaps you put up a work session. Um if it's going to be, you know, or you could just have an a discussion item because it's hard for me right now. Of course, you're not done talking. and I interrupted you, but if it came to consensus, I would have to draft the ordinance, the change, whatever you kind of generally agreed to, and then we put on an agenda.

So, we can't just say we approve this with the amendment that we we can we'd have to read the whole thing uh or we'd have to make a quick print out available to the public. So, in order to read it by the title, like we always do, we have to have a copy available to the public. So the alternative to that is to read the whole thing straight through with the added language and then we type up a more professional version for it to be codified. So if you want me to, we can handr write in the changes, but then we have to read it word for word. I'm sorry. Uh or or we can you make a a really quick change, print them out, make it available to the public, and then we read it by title. So there's a way to do it. There is a way to do it tonight. To be honest,

I have a little time here. You can play. I think what you're saying is uh do one reading on it a night and then do another reading on it. No, I'm No, I'm suggesting you pass it both readings tonight if you're inclined to um and and resolve that issue and then you discuss the uh a more restrictive uh residency requirement later if that's if that's the only hold up. But I'm I'm getting grasp of what's going on. Yeah. So, just keep in mind that we allow our police department to travel 35 miles home and back and take the cars home. So, I don't think this is too unreasonable to put into effect that the CA can actually live in the county.

I agree. But what we're doing here is there is no restriction at all. Yeah. And we need to put the county in there. I agree. I'm with So, I'm not inclined to pass this tonight the way it reads now. So, I I will not vote for this tonight. Okay. So, as it reads now. Fair enough. Is is there a consensus among the board? Yes. For county? Yes. Yeah, I am. I'm for it. Yeah. Yes. County. Well, that mean Patrick. Oh, say he Yeah, he's good. Okay. So, how long would it take to reprint it? Well, I could read the whole thing. It's fine. I

I think we should go ahead and rule on it. Make the change. We could probably add it in just a minute. Okay. So, is it just within St. Jude County? I think with technology this to read get to a meeting must be a resident of St. J County because even if they're in a city [Music] resident of St. Genev County. So, we could add a sentence on the city administrator shall reside in St. Genev County. Is that acceptable? Yep. Let's go with it. Um, so do you want do you want to did I send word for you? Um, I Yeah, I can go to real fast. Did I send a two word? I think I did. You said that sentence and I

print it out. We'll just have to make copies available to the public. All right. Can we talk about another subject in the meantime? It depends how long will it take. It's up to Not long. Is it another agenda item that you're wanting to talk about or is this just No, about possibly changing the date of the one meeting in November. It always comes up the Thursday before deer season and a couple of deer hunters here, you know, so it would be nice. Chief seems to be excited. Great. But, you know, it would be nice. I had plans, but I just wrote that on the calendar.

Pardon me. So, your proposal would be to do it like this third Thursday potentially because that's going to be in the middle of the Yeah, like the Wednesday before you I mean we can you can adjust we can adjust the meeting as long as we provide the proper notice. The 18th is that December 18th. Bob, do you want an earlier meeting? November. Yeah, that's fine. the one that we're the one the one that we're presently in now. So, you're talking about next year? Yeah, next. This would be next year. Right. November. Not that dedicated of a hunter, but I do like to get away. So,

and I know Jeff is too. Yeah. I mean, I do want you guys. It's all I got. Well, I think I'm not even this weekend. We'll need to address that probably next September, October. And I'll meet whenever you all want to. How about that? You You leave on Thursday. What? You leave on a Thursday? It takes time. I mean, got to get to get everything, you know, a lot again. I guess that's the two days. Correct. You smell like Irish Spring out there in the gear. Exactly.

Got to get the cologne off. You got to cure out. [Laughter]

That done. I said I didn't know. I mean, they make a spray, you know. You can but it don't cover up bounds very well. Probably doesn't cover up a bounce sheet very well. I washed my house with like hunting gear and that sent up and then I used a dryer sheet. I'm not trying to probably Yeah, I don't think he's been hunting since it's been years come in and surrendered my porch for me to get one. I'd probably send him next hunt if it's above 40°. You only hunt if it's above 40? above 40° and stuff and dry.

I went hunting one time with him and I it's too loud. I never went again. He never took me. It is important to be quiet. I know. That was a helping nap. Are we going to get two tonight? Yeah, that's a good nap. Lucas, are we going to get two ratings tonight? Just leave the volume on two ratings tonight or don't I I don't know what the hurry would be at. Two ratings tonight, especially with

especially with changes like this. I think that would be like I could say no. I don't care. I don't. Let's see. How many did we have? I just went pretty. [Music] Yeah. Three.

I would too. Three out of one, two, three, four, five, six, 50%. Sorry, I had she [Music] So with this change on the county. Mhm. We we are pursuing two readings and that's up to the board. I I I don't know why we need two readings this. Yeah.

Now why can't we have one and one in this nourishment? At least she's energy. That's totally up to the Now her dogs are attacking. I mean, I think clarity in the position is a good thing. Um, with us only having, you know, one meeting this month, it complicates things. I mean, normally we're meeting, you know, every couple weeks and it's not that big of a deal. If he lived over there one time, I mean, we would like to have another meeting in November on 47.

We could certainly do that. I would think you could do it in need. Sorry. He only said one. Get a new car. You only said one. [Music] Oh, I don't know. I didn't call. I get car. You just said what happened. They came out of the factory headlight. You got your choice if you want. You add all your car. Do they readjust those headlights? I have a lot of fuel for myself. when I meet a police car.

Arman Stiger, you got any shout outs you want to give? I know you like to give out some shout outs at the end of our [Music] We're kind of Are we adjourned or what are we doing? We're filibustering. They do. They just put extra lights on. Not a popular term right now. The way it is. We're just killing time, right? Well, we're not so we probably filibuster. No, people are like Are we in a government shutdown?

That's City government shut down. I guess we can have those two, can we? The government shut down. The city government. Let's not do that. Nothing. Guess if we were in a budgeting class, I guess we could. There's a terrible safety issue. I don't know if that's ever happened at city here, but I'm sure other places I'm sure you know what I'm talking about LED light bar on the front. Not me. They're not supposed.

No, they they don't heard that correct. It's just I can ask her now. I can talk to her too.

It's just my uh my diesel. That's what he was right in the windows. Yes. Kenmore. That thing had worse headlights on it. A whole lot of non-committal answers. I'll probably try to be a blind. Mhm. There's nothing you can do. What are we talking about? Signing up. College. Oh, they don't do it. My old farm truck. Just give me your

water. You know, I read the proclamation. Yeah. 70 mph speed. Yeah. I thought she'd just now speak. Of

course, you're done. And to me, as far as blind, it's far more I mean, everybody knows when you're I'm glad to see I'm glad to see the the 10 issue on my I can't wait for the next I can't wait for the next the I swear I just can't wait for

it. and save the end. I said everything

about 42 one one digit off. Actually, I had them both. That one and then they came. I mean, we're against every memory. [Music] So say you're just talking to manufactured the same it's hard to manufacture. [Music] I think it might have been faster.

What that got hurt? I don't know. They were attached to back here. Spanky mark around this thing here. She was angry. She was angry about the headline. Yeah, she told me that I've got seats.

Most people are done in the morning. You just got to keep going. Some days I don't know about that. Uh I'd be bouncing on these walls. You'd have to pull me down from down.

Sure. the 10. I don't say my computer just memor. No, I want to turn them off. See that usually means somebody floors. [Music]

Did you guys get copies of this?

All right, we're good to go. All right. Uh So, thank you to Pam and thank you to Mark for uh making that quick change for us within quick uh bill number 4701. So just to recap um read read the just the title just like any other we just had to have uh the same version that you guys have available to the public by title ordinance but since we need to change we didn't have copies available to the public either online or Okay. All right. Um

I move to approve it. I I thought you already did. I don't I did I did read it. Okay. Yes, it has been read. Move to That's where we stopped. Move to approve bill 4701 first reading as uh amended here on this page. Second. Okay. I have a motion and a second. All in favor?

Any opposed? Okay. Thank you. I I don't think we need a second reading on this tonight. So, I know you're asking for a second reading, but I don't understand the urgency to have a second reading on this. We have an interim city administrator that gets paid extra right now that we're fully functional. There's no lack of any reason why we would need to have a second reading um to do this tonight. We can approve this again traditionally as we always do the second reading in our December meeting.

Okay. Can I can I can I flip that on you and say why why wouldn't we because we have an interim city administrator is getting paid extra and there's no reason to have two readings tonight. There's no urgency to have the stuff. There's no urgency to have we just made a major change and we're not getting the public very much input. So I have a real problem have a second reading tonight on this and there's no reason to do it on the input of the residency requirement. Yeah, this is a big change to an ordinance and we're not letting the public come. We gave them five minutes. We just changed it. Well, they they had the nuts and bolts of that prior.

And they also know that we try to traditionally have two readings on separate meetings. We have two meetings in a month. Well, I see your point, but I mean without the second without a second meeting. I think that does put a factor in here that needs to be talked about at least. But

we can continue the meeting and we can have the next agenda item on here and and we can we can vote on that. Um I if if there is no second reading tonight bill for if we don't have resolution if we don't have some kind of decision second reading and a decision on bill number 4701 then we will not proceed with the appointment this evening. So, so we don't

why are we expediting this through through this? Why don't we just do I always thought second readings was something goes we going to do it right now because oh there's a deadline. There's a deadline or something. I don't see it here. All I see is do it do it in December. Appoint the person. I don't So what if we don't have a quorum? What if we don't have a quorum in December? Then we're all be all dead. I don't care. But I'm just saying there's no rush

Dav anyway. I don't see any rush in. I just think we're exceeding this two readings and one night. Move to go into close session for personnel. That's not on the agenda. It would be would not be appropriate to go into close session. I still move to go into close session for person discussion of personnel recommending against it, but you can I mean that's not what we're on right now and that's not on the agenda. Motion on the floor.

Well, but we're turning around and doing right there. We're not giving the public an opinion or time to even though close session is close session, but I I hear your points, but um you know, it's not a matter that we're going to miss a deadline. Pardon me. We're not going to miss a deadline by delaying this.

Okay. So, what I what I'm gathering is that you uh the board um does not want to proceed with a second reading of bill number 4701 tonight. Um and that that's okay. So, we will reserve the second reading for our next meeting which would be December 11th. And so, given that um the uh appointment of city administrator will wait till that meeting. So, there will be no discussion on that topic tonight. And I would like to make a motion or a suggestion that we do have an opportunity for close session on the next agenda for personnel. To discuss what?

What do you mean? I said personnel. The employment. He's requesting a close session. Please put it on the agenda. there. If this is in regards to where this appointment is going, then let me let me just say I I solicited feedback. We were all involved in that process. From that I took your feedback and I have made a decision on appointment. It is my appointment and not no close session is going to change where I go with that.

The problem is not the appointment. There there are some questions uh some question about uh other organizations and stuff. I just want to get clear exactly what he is talking about when that questioning go. Well, then that that would happen and then then you can ask those questions. Those questions can be asked in in the public eye. I I I don't think there's any reason to go into close. I mean, if you're same thing as having an interview, we don't have interviews in open session. You can't open. Well, we don't we have already conducted the interviews and this is

the initial interviews and we have some more questions and I'm telling you that my appointment is that I've made

and that's fine, mayor. We're okay with that. We have some additional questions that we'd like to address and they're of a personal issue. So, we'd like to go into close session and discuss that. We'll have to have further discussion on that prior to December 11th on whether or not, you know, that that warrants any kind of close session discussion at this point. Um, and I don't mean to intrude in your prerogative, but you know, going to personnel is permissive for close session. It's not mandatory. You don't have to have all those discussions in close session. Same thing with litigation and any other topics. It's permissive. So there's an argument to be made that any discussions about the appointment of the city administrator um should be in in open session uh because it's it concerns the public. Now currently um a c a candidate is is an employee and so there of course you have a mixture of personnel. So it's it's up to um the group you know whether or not it's in open session or close session. Uh but it doesn't have to be. So we can just pass Dave now in open session here and his thoughts are on it. He wouldn't be part of the close session. So we we're not going to discuss Yeah, we're not going to discuss the topic tonight. Um if there's no like I like I mentioned, if there was no decision made on bill number 4701, the following agenda item was is not going to be discussed tonight. So it will go on the next agenda.

Okay. I just have one question then. mayor. Um, was your your decision to make an appointment was that based on an overwhelming majority of the board's input? There was a consensus among the board on the decision. There was a a person that was selected first on a majority of the ballots. There was a person that came out the same person came out ahead if no matter how you scored it from all of all of the feedback from the board of Alton. So yes sir, did your decision how to say this this ordinance here? Did that have any weight with your decision?

Would you know um what exactly? Maybe I didn't word that correct. Yeah. What do you if you know if this person did we have to do this in order to make that person fit? I guess maybe that's the word I'm looking for. The ordinance did need to be amended to to did we get the appointment to ensure that our qualifications align with the appointment? That was my question. Yes, that that would be correct. Thank you.

Okay. Um if there so we are we're going to conclude our scheduled business. Is there any other topic of discussion tonight amongst the board at this time? Okay. And before we journ I'll I'll wish uh Valley Catholic good luck tomorrow night in their district championship game. So hopefully they win and continue on. And since we will not see you, um, hope everybody has a happy Thanksgiving, enjoys the holiday season. And we'll be back on December 11th. Same time, same place. Clock fix. We will fix the clock. Journal.