City Council - Regular Meeting

cousins of pet before the weekend. Yeah, I like it on Friday so people meeting. Well, I like to do on Friday before the Good evening and welcome to the council meeting of March the 18th, 2026. Please rise and we'll start with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. Thank you. The clerk will call the role. Council member Hood here. Council member Ywanu here. Council member Luke

here. Council member Luther here. Council member Norris here. Council member Patel here. Council member Satel here. Council member Weshi here. We have all eight council members present. Next item on the agenda is the agenda approval. Make a motion for approval. Second. Motion's made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Satel for the approval of tonight's agenda. Council member Luther. Yes. I move to I make a motion to amend the agenda to continue to continue resolution 26-01 to a future council meeting.

Second. Motion's made by council member Luther, seconded by council member Luke to continue resolution R26-01 to a future meeting. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. It's continued. Council member, you have another one, Norris. Okay. Yes, sir. Thank you. Uh, I'd like to amend the agenda and switch um public comments E. Just flip E to G. So, we got ABC D G F E. You understand? Second.

So, we can flip that and make a second. Second. Motions made by council member Nor, seconded by council member Luther to make a change in the order of the agenda, flipping E to G and G to E. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Any additional changes? I hear none. All in favor of the amended amended agenda say I.

I. Any opposed? I hear none. The agenda is set for this evening. Next item on the agenda, we have appointments, presentations, proclamations, and introductions. Chief Misadi. No.

No. Oh, okay. Mayor and uh members of the city council, I appreciate you giving me a few minutes to this this evening to uh uh introduce our newest police officer, uh Tina Talbot. and she just started the police department a few weeks ago. Uh she's married to her husband, Michael, who's also a police officer with the city of St. Charles. Uh he comes from a law enforcement family. I think his dad's here, former police chief of Missouri. So uh she has a bachelor's degree in forensic science, graduated from Columbia College in, uh Columbia, Missouri. Uh she's a graduate of the Missouri Sheriff's Training Academy in Jefferson City. And officer Talbot comes to us from the St. John, Missouri Police Department with over 10 years experience. Uh her training, I just wanted to highlight, she's a type 2 breathalyzer certified uh officer, uh which is uh the ability to calibrate and train on the breathalyzer for intoxicated drivers, which is a great uh asset to have in the police department. Also, she's a field training officer certification. she has that and she's peer counseling certified. Um she's also got a lot of experience with writing grants too which we may tap into at a later date. But without further ado, I'd like to introduce Officer Tina Talbet, our newest police officer.

Um, thank you all and thank you for being so welcoming into this city. I'm very grateful for this opportunity. Um, everyone that I've met at the city has been fantastic so far. So, thank you. You all have made this transition super easy for me and a very good decision. The next item that I have, I'd like to call up our chairman of the police commission and Nancy, if you want to come up as well from the police commission, officer John Stone. Oh. So, this is a police letter of commendation for officer John Stone. and I will read to you uh this commendation that we're presenting to him here tonight. Uh on behalf of the police commission and the Bridgton Police Department, we commend police officer John Stone for his outstanding action and the performance of his duties. On January 6, 2026, while on routine patrol in the designated airport buyout area, Officer Stone observed a vehicle off the roadway under suspicious circumstances. He quickly identified a drier vent hose running from the tailpipe into the driver's side window. This indicated a potentially life-threatening situation. He immediately requested backup and took decisive action. Officer Stone safely awakened the driver, gained access to the vehicle, and removed him from the danger. When the indivi individual became combative, officer Stone demonstrated exceptional composure, sound judgment, and restraint, safely controlling the

subject until medical personnel arrived. Officer Stone's action reflect a high level of training, professionalism, and dedication, and his decisive response directly saved a life. His conduct is a credit to himself and to the Bridgton Police Department and exemplifies the standards of service we expect from our officers. Mayor and council members, I'd like to congratulate Officer John Stone. Get a picture.

Congratulations. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Proud of you. Somebody else wants to shake his hand. Officer right behind him. You want to step forward and then that way they can I'll be right here. All right.

Okay. Thank you, Chief. Congratulations, Officer Stone. Nice to have you on board, Officer Talbot. Next item I laid before you asking for your favorable reapproval of uh four board and commission members from Ward Three, Paul Schwagler. Ward three, Mike Goodall. Ward three, Ron Abernathy. And then Ward One, Doug Dale. I make a motion to approve all of the commission members. Second.

Motion is made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Luther for the consensus approval of all four commission or board members. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Thank you, Council Member Norris. Mayor, is it from March to Mar March 28? Is that when the their appointed time is? It's it's normally uh May or June. Okay. For the year. Okay. All right. Thank you.

Next item on the agenda, we have public comments. First, I'll ask for Soville Doseup. Would you like to come forward? Yes. Thank you. Please state your name and address to the city clerk. Sure. Good evening. Um, respected mayor and all the jur council members. I'm Sonel Doshi. Um, from the home address or the business address? Uh, business address, sorry.

So, we're here um located as a spiritual service organization at 11 1952 uh Natural Bridge Road. and um really appreciate this time um to present ourselves. I'm here on behalf of our director and the volunteer network um for a bridge to care, a volunteer-driven free clinic um that is dedicated to providing high quality, compassionate health care to the uninsured and vulnerable residents of Bridton and the greater St. Louis community. Our mission is inspired by the principle of love all serve all is to provide essential medical services, preventive care and health education to those who lack access um to affordable care due to financial barriers. Um for your reference um I have the um attached two copies of the mission vision and the letter um for the bridge to care clinic what we aim and what we have the vision. We are pleased to inform that the our clinic facility has recently um undergone a comprehensive renovation to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our patients and volunteers. Um, the space has been designed in full compliance with local building and safety standards, including proper layouts for clinical care and administrative functions. Um, at this stage, we are fully um prepared to begin operations and serve our community starting this June of 2026. Um, the only thing what we need is the final necessary regulatory approvals. Um so we um here to request the final fire safety inspection and also the occupancy certificate. I came this morning and then I was advised to um go ahead and

open the um business license online which I did try but there was glitches in the system so I'll take care of it in the daytime sometime and we'll do the needful that needs to be done online. Um just in general to present that our team is dedicated um you know um MDs, nurse practitioners and nurses. Um they're all um credential in the city of Missouri and we'll be doing um 100% volunteer work. And this is um to serve our community um is to basically you know the once the final completion um happens then you know we fulfill our vision of being a beacon of hope and healing for those in need within the city of Bridgton. So we really appreciate the opportunity and the attention and um collaborating with our community here um and support from the city. So thank you so much everyone for the time. I'm here for any questions if you have any

council as you know. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Have a good evening.

Next public comment. Mr. Matt Goldenberg.

Hi. Please state your name and address to Matt Goldenberg. Um 15271 Nuning Tree Court in Chesterfield, Missouri. Um thank you mayor and and council members for hearing me tonight. Uh I came in in u to speak to R26-01 to make myself available for any questions, but since it's been tabled, obviously that's not likely to happen. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to some of the council members that don't know me and let you all know that uh my team has had a relationship with the city that dates back to 1994. And uh we're looking forward to continuing that relationship and um if you need have any questions for me or need to get in contact with me, I'm happy to take your calls or meet with you in person.

Thank you, Matt. Yep. Thank you.

Next, Mr. Chief Jim Ashrey from the Patville Fire Protection District.

Good evening, Mayor Council. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you tonight. I just wanted to come before the council and provide information on the district's uh Proposition F, which we have on the April ballot. The Patentville Fire District is uh approximately covers approximately 28 square miles. We protect part of Bridton, part of Maryland Heights, a little bit of Saint Anne, and St. Louis County unincorporated. We provide fire, EMS, hazmat, and technical rescue. We respond to over 6,300 calls in 2025. And traditionally, our services are paid for through property and personal property taxes. In 2025, legislators passed a bill that allows fire protection districts in class one counties to ask voters if they would like to offset services in regards to paying for those services by 1% sales tax. Proposition F asks our voters how you would like to utilize the one if you would like to utilize 1% sales tax to offset that tax for fire and EMS services or continue to pay for fire and EMS services through tra traditional means. So, as we uh as we receive favorable response during our our campaign, uh I wanted to come before the council and uh provide the information. In regards to anticipated collection with sales tax in those coverage areas, we estimate 7.5 to eight million dollars in sales tax for that 1% sales tax, which is a cost savings of 20 to 25% reduction in real property taxes for our residents and our businesses. So with that, mayor, if uh however I can answer questions if you like.

Council, do you have questions of Chief Ushri? Question one, Council Member Luke. Yeah, thank you, Mayor Chief. Thank you for coming and um talking with us about this. So, we do we we love Patentville Fire Protection District. though it's not anything related to that but related to the finances um as you know the state is considering reducing or removing the property state I'm sorry oh I'm sorry

state is is talking about removing the property tax or I'm sorry the income tax and um that's where the city receives a lot of its revenue and Um, the fire protection district has opted out of any of the tax incentives as of SB870 in 2018. Um, should the residents pass this to give you this extra money or I won't even call it extra money because we don't know what's going to happen yet, right? if the state should pass this. Um, would the fire protection district consider opting out of SB870?

Uh, I had the the luxury of speaking with the mayor and the city manager in regards to that statement. And if the initiative passes and we see that collection, as well as I would like to see what uh this session in Jefferson City holds for us, um I think that's a discussion item for the board of directors of Patentville Fire District to have with the mayor and and city council if they choose to see. Um but as you know there are several bills out there to eliminate personal property tax uh income tax as well as uh um freezing real estate tax. All those affect our revenue in regards to paying for services for our EMS.

So uh at at a later date if I could um we would be open to that discussion. We just have to see what this session holds for us as well as uh um as well as the collection rate. Do you know um you know this came up kind of quickly. Do you does the protection district have a plan for how the money would be used? 50% of all revenue collected through the sales tax goes to reduce the real property tax and the other 50% would be for operating expenses and future development of the district. Is that in addition to your current operating budget? Is that new additional revenue?

Well, we would reduce our property tax and personal property tax revenue by whatever if we get anticipated projected rates of uh for easy math, pardon me. Uh so 8 million, 4 million would go to reduce the the taxes across the board for real property for residential and commercial. And then the other four would go to operating expenses um and future development of services. So um uh the way I look at this as the chief administrator for the fire district is to uh provide those services as well as extend other um financial obligations that we continue to provide such as uh uh bonds or increase in uh taxes that extends the life of the need to go to those as an alternative funding source. Okay. I do hope to continue this conversation um with the fire protection district because we want a win-win for everybody. Absolutely. And you know, the sales tax is where the city uh gets its revenue from. And um we would certainly have to consider making some cuts of our own if if we needed additional income from a sales tax that the voters have to vote on.

Understood. Um, if I may, Councilwoman, so for clarity, this is an additional sales tax. It's not taxing your current sales tax. U, but I understand the concern. Um, andformational purposes only. This is only new to class one counties in the state of Missouri. It's been in place for over two decades in everywhere but class the five class one counties in the state. So, uh, we've seen tremendous success to reduce those property taxes from out of class one counties and and some have been able to roll back their taxes 100%. So, we're just asking the voters which way we want to pay for it, either through a sales tax to offset or through traditional means.

Thank you. I appreciate your conversation, Council Member Wesy. Thank you, Mayor. Um, just wanted to take a quick a quick second to comment. Um, I wanted to thank you for giving the 7.5 to 8 million on there. I know last week when I was at one of my board meetings, uh, they ended up asking me about it and I'm like, I don't know. I've, uh, I I'll look into it and I tried looking into it. I couldn't find the 7.5 to 8 million anywhere online. Um, so I reached back out to that lady and I told her to reach out to the fire department to see if they can get it. So, uh, since you were able to give that to me, I'll be able to, uh, give out that information to people that might ask about it. So, just wanted to thank you for that.

You're welcome, Councilman. And my phone is always on. You can always refer them to me. I'd be glad. I fielded several calls from residents. Council member Satel. Yes. Thank you. Uh, me, too. I'm glad we saw that for that that 8 million because that's kind of what we kind of estimated ourselves, figuring what that might possibly be. And that doesn't affect the Maryland Heights section, but it probably does affect what the Bridton section is. Um, approximately where did they come up with the only half of it going back to to real estate taxes and prop personal property tax. Is that a state statute that they can apply 50% only back? Correct.

Did you make a I never I couldn't find anything either that said why is it only half going back to to real estate and personal property tax? That's where the previous uh legislation was with the half percent sales tax in regards to rural Missouri and everyone outside the class one county. And I think they when they adopted it, they increased it to a 1% option for those people that asked the voters. Um but it was still a 50% uh reduction of personal property because I love the signs that I see because we we have five fire districts in this in the city of Bridton plus another, you know, station out there on the runway, right?

Um but I was like and I see all the signs in all the districts. So it's not just the Patville Fire District. It's all it's all of them that all inclusive and I guess it's all the districts all St. Louis County is what I imagine this is at one time right now. Is that correct? Correct. In St. Louis County we have 35 out of 43 departments and districts. Okay. Um running Prop F and it's under a common language so voters are not confused. So you'll see similar signs and okay and election uh materials, but um yeah, and out of those eight, there's one fire protection district in the area that's not running the initiative. The rest are municipalities uh municipal fire departments. Okay. All the others are running the 1% sales tax. That's all. Thank you.

Any further questions, comments? Chief, Council Member Norris, one more. Trying to get this where I um So, you feel the freeze on the property tax has created this situation. Do you feel

um I look at this question of the voters as as an alternative funding mechanism with the ability to offset real property taxes by a different method uh if you would a shared equity for those visiting and utilizing our services in our fire district as well as other amenities like in our south end where we see the amphitheater, the casino and all those all those areas um out of entertainment. So, in regards to the threat of some bills, I think it's a it's a it's a legitimate threat in regards to if we're going to reduce if we're going to if the voters say, "I want to take away all my personal property tax," that's a 23% hit to my budget, which has to be made up with alternative funding.

Right. And that would affect everyone, correct? Not just people who own homes. Correct. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Anybody else? I see none. I thank you for your time here. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, J. Thank you, G.

All right. Next item on the agenda, we have perfection of bills. Approval of the minutes. Mayor, I make a motion we approve the minutes from Wednesday, March 4th. Second. Motion's made by Council Member Luke, seconded by Council Member Luther for the approval of the March 4th, 2026 minutes. Any discussion, changes, deletions? I see none. All in favor of the minutes from March 4th, 2026 say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. The minutes are approved for March 4th, 2026. Now we'll go to perfection of bills. First, bill number 6536. Council member Patel.

Thank you, Mayor. Move for second reading of bill 6536. I'll second. Motion's made by council member Patel, seconded by council member for second reading of bill number 6536. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Please continue. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridton, Missouri, amending ordinance 1-31, section 105.380, subsection B relating to nepotism. Move that bill 6536 become ordinance number 26-15.

A second. Motion is made by council member Patel, seconded by council member Iwanu. That bill number 6536 become ordinance 26-15. Discussion. Council member Luther. Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Could we have some context for for the need for this change? I'm going to call in city administrator,

Mr. Brook. So, I I haven't been here for decades, but my understanding is that the the current nepatism policy that was put in place was a reaction to some situations that the city uh dealt with decades ago. Um, I've looked at this before and it it does go pretty far. Our nepotism policy, we we are kind of an outlier with this policy. The simple change that we made to the policy is that we don't allow family members to work within the same department. Currently, the policy doesn't allow to work for the city, period. Um, and this makes that change. Uh, I think it still addresses the uh the issue of direct supervision, which was what we wanted to make sure that we continue to to not allow.

Thank you for that. Thank you. Absolutely. You're welcome. Any further questions? I see none. The city clerk will call the role. Council member Satel, I. Council member Patel, I. Council member Norris, I. Council member Luther, I. Council member Luke, I. Council member Ywanu. I. Council member Hood. Hi. Council member Wesy. I

by a vote of 8 to nothing, bill number 6536 becomes ordinance 26-15. Next item on the agenda is second reading of bill number 6537. Council member Hood. Move for second reading of bill 6537. Second. Motions made by council member Hood, seconded by council member Norris for second reading of bill number 6537. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Please continue. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridton, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement substantially in the farm attached here too with Gateway Pyro Technic Productions LLC for Independence Day Fireworks Services at BMAC in an amount of $40,000 in 2026 and 27 and $42,000 in 2028. Move that bill 6537 become ordinance 25-16 be 26 26 20 26-16 second

motion's made by council member Hood seconded by council member Satel that bill number 6537 become ordinance 26-16 discussion I see none the clerk will call the role council member Patel I council member Norris I council member Luther I council member Luke nay. Council member Yawanu I. Council member Hood I. Council member Weshi I. Council member Satel I.

By a vote is 7 to one. Bill number 6537 becomes ordinance 26-16. Next item on the agenda consideration of new bills. First bill number 6538 for first reading. Council member Luke. Thank you, Mayor. I move for first reading of bill 6538. Second. Motion's made by Council Member Luke, seconded by Council Member Luther for first reading of bill number 6538. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Please continue.

Thank you, mayor. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridton, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement substantially in the form attached here too with Bluegrass Lawn Care of St. Louis LLC for the mowing of I270 and St. Charles Rock Road area number one and North Lindberg Boulevard and St. Charles Rock Road area number two in an amount of $43,170. The project budget includes a contingency in the amount of $5,120. Move to table. Second. Motion's made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Luther to table bill number 6538. All in favor say I.

I. Any oppose? Bill number 6538 is tabled. Next item, bill number 6539 for first reading. Council member Luke again. Thank you, mayor. Move for first reading of bill 6539. Second. Motion's made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Luther for first reading of bill number 6539. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Please continue.

Thank you, mayor. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridgton, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement substantially in the form attached hereto with Bluegrass Lawn Care of St. Louis LLC for the mowing of I7 and St. Charles Rock Road, area number three, and North Lindberg Boulevard and Whiteall Manor Drive, area number four, in an amount of $46,590. The project budget includes a contingency in the amount of $5,120. Move to table. Second. Motion's made by Council Member Luke, seconded by Council Member Luther to table bill number 6539. All in favor say I.

I. Any opposed? Bill number 6539 is tabled. Next item on the agenda, first reading for bill number 6540. Council member Hood. Move for first reading of bill 6540. Second. Motion's made by council member Hood, seconded by council member Norris for first reading of bill number 6540. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? I hear none. Please continue. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridton, Missouri, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement substantially in the farm attached here 2 with TNT golf car for the lease purchase of new golf carts for the Berry Hill Golf Course in the amount of $28,623.85. Move to table. Second. Motions made by council member Hood. Seconded by council member Norris to table bill number 6540. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? I hear none. Next item on the agenda, bill number 6541 for first consideration. Council member Luke again. Thank you, mayor. Move for first reading of bill 6541. Second. Motion is made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Luther for first reading of bill number 6541. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. Please continue. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Bridton, Missouri, amending chapter 1110, court and criminal procedure section 1110.060 fines and costs where paid deposited subsection B in the city's code of ordinances. Move to table. Second.

Motion's made by council member Luke, seconded by council member Luther to table bill number 6541. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. T bill number 6541 is tabled. Next item, discussion items, wayfinding signage. I'm going to call on council member Luther.

Thank you, mayor. Uh, thank you for the opportunity to have this conversation, to have this discussion, and I wanted to bring up something wayind signage that it is two parts. And I want to give credit where credit is due. At a recent economic development advisory committee commission meeting, Jessica Perkins brought up the idea of signage and two type two types of signage really. And I'm trying to I'm not a signage professional. So you've got wayfinding signage, which is how do you get somewhere? And then you've got where are you, which is identifying Bridgton as where you are or whether you're in Bridton or you're passing Bridgton. And thinking about that, thinking about the work of the economic development advisory commission, thinking about the marketing efforts that we've talked about, thinking about the growth I think that we can all agree is happening on the rock road, particularly at both ends, maybe one end a little more than the other right now, that that this might be something that could be a group project that could include the economic economic development advisory commission, the subcommittee headed by council member Steven Weshi for business and community partnerships combined with some of the skills and talents of our beautifification committee and also with public works some of the staff that we have there. So the idea would be that we would look at the rock road which is our main drag have look at the east end and west end as a place for signage and I have some ideas. I don't know to the extent that we want to talk about them. I think we just want to start talking about them to to uh make not little post signs but actually signs that you see in other municipalities that would be in very visible areas that you know you're in Bridgton when you come on the rock road. The other piece of that is wayfinding. And we've talked about the amenities that we have in Bridgton and ways to market them and ways to bring

more people here to bring more dollars here into the city. And two two recreational sites that we have here, big ones that bring a lot of people in are BMAC and Berry Hill. And frankly, it's pretty hard to get to Berry Hill Golf Course unless you know where you're going. So, I'm even if you don't use those facilities, knowing that that Bridgton has a Berry Hill golf course, for example, on 270 and then think of all the people coming in for BMAC, just having signs there, that that would put us on the map for all that traffic on 270. They're seeing Berry Hill golf course, brid Bridgton Municipal Athletic Complex. So, the idea is that we would it would cost money and effort, no doubt. So, we have to look at that. But to the ex it would be something of a oneanddone meaning it's something that you do that doesn't have necessarily ongoing costs would be something we could do for our business community new businesses coming in and existing businesses coming in and it would be a way for us to to work together with the resources that we have to finish a project that is very very very visible in our city to many different people. So, I'd like to start that discussion and I mentioned some groups and I have some ideas in my mind. Again, they aren't my ideas. I'm stealing them from from I don't know what ward Jessica lives in, but

four four ward four here. So, I'm stealing some ideas from one of yours, but but I think it's an excellent idea. And also, as we talk about marketing and some of the things we can do, I think this is something we can do. It's finite. You finish it, it's done, and it looks good. So, I just wanted to bring that forward again with a little more detail and see if there's any interest in moving forward on council. Uh, let me make one comment. You can also get the V-Mac from 370. So, well, another There we go. That might be another area to put some signs to. Oh, and another collaborator would definitely be mod. Can't forget them. Collaborator or or other. Yeah. Good. So,

council member Satil.

Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I know we've been talking about a new um digital billboard going out there on 270. I don't know whether to process that. Maybe you can address that and say that because we could occasionally kick in one of those as a as a rotating advertisement right there on 270, right? That's close to BMAC and kind of halfway between there and the golf course both. So, along with maybe promoting the Rock Corridor. So, like we do advertising, promoting for for the Berry Hill golf course at the digital sign right now that's along 70 right there by Phoebe Road. So, maybe we could, you know, try to coordinate that together at the same time. I don't know exactly what the process is or maybe you can address when that might be in place or not. So, I know we've approved a lot of those things coming along. So, thank you.

Thank you.

Any further discussion? Council member Norris. Yeah, I I would like some directions. Uh I mean, I was just out in the Ellisville area and there's something there on Clarkson that there's a sign that directs them to their, you know, to their uh um rec center and it, you know, just points in an arrow. But that is, you know, we need to do it at our heavy, you know, something on St. Charles Rock Road that would be say that away to BMAC and then you know they can put it in their map quest but at least advertise that we have that you know so that might be what we need is in our main thoroughways that we have it beac that way Barry Hill that way whatever up that way but anyway so yeah I I would be really we're we we're have some exciting times so I think we need to start blowing our own horn or whatever you want to call it. But I think we need some signage. Uh I know we like to keep some of our things by, you know, for for our eyes only, but you know, we need to get generate money and marketing. So we need to share our wonderful city. So I think that would be a great thing to do is to do some directional and even if the sign is up there and there's just an arrow that gives them, oh, what is that? Let me look that up. So I think that would trigger some ideas. So I would like to somehow continue figuring out signs. Location, I guess, is the first start.

Okay. Council member, I'm finished. Are you sure? Council member Awanu. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say I I support the idea and um and moving forward and further discussion and pursuing this concept. Okay. Any further discussion? Good start. Yeah. Okay. I'm in agreement that we could use some signage, wayfinding signs, and also welcome to Bridton.

We we we need to uh boost up our um visibility here in Bridton. So, Council Member Luther again. Yeah. Well, if if I may, I see Robert Gun not looking up at me, but I I have heard Oh, no. But I have heard people from afar say that our public work staff is very very talented with brick laying and also concrete work. So uh let's let's let them shine too. They're going. Okay. C uh city administrator Kevin.

Yeah. I I just wanted to mention that the uh wayfinding signage out on Clarkson I had a part in and uh um those uh wayfinding signs identify city parks and city facilities. Um, and years ago we talked about that prior to the pandemic here, our previous planner. We had a really good discussion about wayfinding along the Rock Road and McKelie Fifi and we initially talked about our parks, our facilities, the golf course. Um, that that was put on the back burner through COVID. It's something that Zach and I have talked about um in the last six months. Um, but I think what you're talking about is certainly a much bigger process like you mentioned with MODOT and I certainly think that's that's doable. So certainly something that we're will we're willing to work with uh the council and the committees on.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion? If not, we'll move on to the attorney's report. We have Mr. Mike Talus with us tonight. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Uh, nothing to report. Thank you. Council communications. I'll start with Council Member Hood tonight.

Well, I'd like to say I had some good news, but we lost a very dear pillar of the city recently. This week, Coach Bob Bened Ben passed away. And I don't know if everybody knew him, but almost everybody I ran into did. And he's going to be really missed. He is survived by his wife and two sons. So I would ask that you keep their family in your thoughts and prayers. And since we are not going to be having the uh tablet training on April 1st, we will go ahead and have the uh Cove meeting at 6:00 p.m. So, Mayor, that's all I have.

Thank you, Council Member Norris.

Thank you, Mayor. Well, good evening to everyone. I'm so glad we got to, you know, we had a lot of things going on tonight. Um, as I said before, we have excitement in the city. Our three stores have finally opened at the Hilltop Center, Ross, Burlington, Marshalls. Had the great opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting at Marshalls uh with our with mayor uh and Kathy Luther. Um, and then I also uh donated uh some sales tax to the city of Bridgton that day. So, uh please uh please uh it is a beautiful store. And the next day we attended the Burlington mayor and myself at the Burlington store. I didn't get a chance to do any donation that day, but uh uh I did hear uh that the parking lot was overflowing on Saturday and Sunday. So, I love it. Hi.

Um I just wanted to remind this our residents that we have been working diligently on this. It's been seven years 2019 this started. We had many obstacles to owners the co but it ended up with a great success for by the developer and our staff. So I'm so excited that we have something new and we've been talking about it. So please please support our s our stores and take care of them. I we we want them to stay a long time. And I just wanted to remind um remember the retirement of party for Chief Msadi is March 27th 1 to 4 here at the city hall. Please come by and wish him well or send a card to appreciate the years of service. I do want to report from the design and review our next council will have a sign variance for Davidson logistics. They have a sign that we will need to take a look at. Uh we did approve a residential solar panel sign for the dental office. A um the the gas station down at the corner is going to do some really nice remodels. So, that is really going to be nice for our corridor. And then also a dumpster enclosure was approved. Um, I did I mean I hate to be in the paper uh for something negative, but uh we saw that that uh the uh person that had uh regarding the owner uh Miss Bobo at the old John Calvin. Um I just have a question. Will this be sold by the government? I just don't want another eyesore or an abandoned building which

is right at our main entrance to our city. So, and also I want to welcome our new officer Tina Talbot. She comes with much experience and congratulations to officer Stony on his citation. That was very I saved a life. Um, and then also, um, again, a spiel for my nonprofit. The Kowanas Pancake Breakfast is March 29th, 7:30 to 1:00 p.m. at the Bridged Recreation Center. $10 for adult, $5 for child, 5 to 12. And I do have tickets, but you may may pay at the door. Thank you for your patience,

Council Member Luke. Thank you, mayor. Again, congratulations to Officer Talbett. We welcome you to the Bridgton family. And then good work to Officer Stone. Uh he's truly an asset to our city and um I'm not surprised that that he did what he did. Um thank you again, Chief Ustri, for for coming and speaking with us tonight. And Captain Barnhart, thanks for being here as well. Um, I want to give my reason for my no vote on the fireworks. I love fireworks. I think that what we do with the parade and the fireworks in our city is a wonderful thing. I think it's um wonderful to propose having new signs. I think it's wonderful that we have been fortunate to be able to mow where MOD dot does not. All these little extra things though add up and the state is getting ready to make a decision which will most likely pass that um there will no longer be an income tax in state of Missouri. From the MML capital report the house perfected the bill by an 85 to 48 vote and then subsequently passed it 98 to 54. Now, it's going to move on to the Senate for further consideration. Um, given that and that we have also there's also a grocery tax bill which is $2 million to the city of Bridgton. Um, I do have to say that that's most likely that one's not going to pass, but that's this time. What about next time? We already know and we've talked about it publicly that we need to tighten our budget. We need to tighten our belt. So, I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but considering all these things, all these

revenue changes and expenses, that was the reason for my no vote. In addition, Mr. book out. Um, city council has not received a financial report since September 2nd and that was for the month of June. The city charter section 701 number five says the finance officer will submit to the council through the mayor a monthly statement of all receipts and dispersements in such detail as to describe fully and clearly the financial condition of the city. I don't currently know the financial condition of the city because we're not getting these reports. Effort was made by our finance office. We received the January January 2025 monthly report on May 30th, 4 months late. We received the February report on June 20th, four months late. Things started picking up and getting better. We received the March report on June 29th, 3 months late. three or sorry, three months after the fact, we received the April report on July 12th, three months after the fact. And then in May and June, we received those two reports only two months after on July 20th and September 2nd. I believe we get the reports two months after the fact. I believe that is on time if I remember correctly. So, we were up to date as of last June and then something broke loose and we've not received a report since the Sikitch auditor's report dated July

30th, 2025. Comment number one. As part of our review of the city council minutes from 2024, we noted the internal financial reports being presented were approximately four months behind the previous month's end. An important accounting control is to present timely relevant data to decision makers to ensure appropriate and informed decisions are made by the city council. Recommendation. We recommend internal financial reports be premier be prepared on a more timely basis. Additionally, this is the city of Bridgton annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended December 31st, 2024. Page 58, letter D. The city council is authorized to transfer budgeted amounts between departments with any fund and to alter the total expenditures of any fund. dot dot dot unencumbered appropriations lapse at year end and must be reappropriated at the onset of the following budget year. We have a habit of making things happen in the following year. So things that were approved in 2025 budget are happening now in 2026. We also saw that when things were approved in the 2024 budget happened in 2025. I understand some things like vehicles that are approved for parks and wreck or public works or the police. I understand that sometimes there's a delay beyond our control. We still don't have the employee compensation plan. The review that was approved for the January 1st, 2025 budget. Today is March 18, 2026. I have at least two more council meetings, perhaps three depending on

when the board of elections approves the results. I will not vote in favor of any additional expenditures that on our not that are not required. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Luther.

Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Well, first I want to comment on some of the remarks you made about the about numbers and getting financial reports because we've talked about this before and it's come up before and I would like to say that even quarterly reports would be helpful and there is a lag closing a month or closing a quarter takes a while but but I think having those we we just don't have a we have a muddy picture and it's difficult. You know, we're looking at a changing landscape for dollars in and dollars out and Bridton is in pretty good shape right now. But it's just like you're managing your home budget. You need to know. You feel like you're doing pretty well until you find out this happened. Well, you didn't know that. So, you spent money on that. Well, you wish you'd hadn't. So, I do think even regular quarterly reports for us, I think, would be acceptable. I I don't think there was uh a a specific schedule of monthly rep of reporting. I think internally typically that's monthly but I think for us we just want to know when we're getting reporting particularly when it comes to budgeting and and talking about new things or existing things more money for existing things and with that I I will move on so I support that and and thank you for your comments. I did want to comment on the new stores opening and I said this when the developer was here from Savo Property. It isn't just about a Ross opening. In my opinion, Ross opening or a Burlington opening or a Marshall's opening. I I said this and I believe it. There's an emotional impact this has on Bridgton. And I don't know if you feel it, but I sure felt it when I would drive up the Rock Road and look over at that empty building and then the empty building next to it and then the empty building next to it and then drive to get to the airport and see Northwest Plaza sitting as it sat. And you know, it was depressing. And to see all the junk and trash accumulating there, it wasn't it didn't make me feel proud to be here. I'll be real honest with you. It's like, what is this city becoming?

And I think to be able to bring these back, and I know a lot of people were involved with that didn't happen overnight. I wasn't involved in most of it, particularly with the the res the commercial development. But what a difference it makes to see those businesses there. And what a sense of we're here, we survived. I I I've said this before, you know, we've survived two tornadoes and we've survived a lot of hits to our retail corridor. I mean, here we are and we've done it ourselves with a little bit of help, but not a lot. A lot of us just been, you know, rolling up your sleeves. So, I think emotionally, I think we should be very proud of that fact. And I think that we owe a lot of to people sitting here and people before us. And I just wanted to make that comment. So, uh I personally am delighted to see I don't I don't it doesn't even matter what's in there. It's just good to see new businesses in there and a lot of traffic there. Lots of cars there. I wanted to congratulate Officer Stone uh particularly working closely with the Cove subcommittee and welcome officer Talbat. That's terrific to see and I'm really looking forward to further discussion and involvement to the extent that I'm invited to be involved on wayfinding signage and I guess I'm trying to think of the word city signage. City you're here in Bridgton signage. So, I think that could be terrific for all of us. So, that's it.

Council member Patel.

Thank you, Mayor. Some of this is going to be redundant because my fellow council women have already discussed this, but um I'd like to congratulate Officer Talbot. Um, welcome to the city. Thank you to Officer Stone and congratulations for his outstanding service. Ward One and Ward Two uh will have a meeting on March 25th at 7 p.m. here at city hall. Uh Brendan, Mr. Kaine, if you can address, I would just like to know about potential um tournaments and things that might be coming up for BMAC if we have that just for revenue purposes and what that looks like as far as revenue. Uh Mr. Gun, I would like to have an update on the Mallister sign, which has been forever that uh the sign doesn't work and it kind of doesn't look nice. Um, also the Dutch Brothers Coffee Company, if you have any updates on that, the ETA of when they might be opening. Uh, thank you to Councilwoman Luther for the wayfinding signage discussion. I think that's great. It's a great start. So, thank you for that. Um, a lot of you know Ferd Fesh. Uh, if you want to keep him in his prayers, his health is declining. And I'll let Mayor perhaps talk a little bit about that if he would like to. If not, um, in the coming days, you will find that his health is declining. So, it's important to uh let everyone know that. Thank you to Chief Yusri and to Captain Barnett for coming in and trying to help us navigate the Prop F. And um I was also at the Ross Grand opening. And I'm also happy to see that the new shopping plaza has finally opened. And I know that many residents are excited that they may not have to drive over the bridge or go the opposite direction to do a little bit of shopping because all we really have is Kohl's and Target and Walmart. So, it's nice to see a refresh on that. So that's all I have. Thank you, mayor.

Thank you, Council Member Awano.

Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. I would like to uh thank Miss Do for sharing information regarding the Bridge to Care with us. I'd also like to thank Chief Userie for taking the time to speak with us and answer questions. And uh, Coach Ben was a former council member uh, and a member who is a pillar of our community for decades. And I would like to extend my formal condolences to his family. Warmest congratulations to Officer Talbot. Welcome to the Bridton family. We're glad you're here. And Officer Stone, wow. I'm deeply moved by your actions. I think often as citizens we forget or don't know about the humanity involved in the line of service in the line of duty and so congratulations on this welldeserved commendation and thank you for your service and chief well it's it's full public knowledge that you will be leaving us and I think this might be your actual last council meeting with us and I want to say that it's truly been an honor to serve of Bridton in this community with you and uh I've appreciate I appreciate all that you've done and given and uh though I'm very excited about this next chapter that you're embarking upon, I can't help to feel a little bit of sadness because your bright light in your presence here will be dearly missed. And I wish you all the best today and always. And thank you so much, Chief, for your service. Council member Satau.

Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Well, I I agree with all my previous council members comments about all the topics that ran across. So, I'm just going to bring up just new topics because I I know you're duplicating a lot of these right now. But, uh earlier this month, uh back on on March 7th, we had the with my wife, she's she's a part of the Pat Education Foundation, which helps do fundraisers for the school district. And it was it was an honor to have our our mayor with with it with his with Sally along and we also had uh you know Becky Patel with with us there and myself uh you know that was there and other group a lot of Patville people show up to this too but it's an honor to have a lot of the communities represented there when they come and participate with that. So you know I'm really appreciative that they also participate to help the the Patville district moving forward. But uh uh I'm also really grateful that the fire district showed up and answered questions that we we all have at multiple times and I think we'll work through it. It won't not be really an ending problem, but I think it's something we got to keep an eye on how all our finances move forward. So I I love seeing that. Um I'd also like to talk about the the officer that was just sworn in. Um, it's it's strange that we, you know, she was actually sworn in or sworn in earlier on her first day, but actually not got pulled over by her and her her assistant, but I was working trimming some bushes down the street from Becky's house and and and and she was driving and the officer training is like, "Am I getting arrested here for trimming the bushes in the city right away?" You know, so I was, you know, giving some, you know, personal, aren't you the one that just got sworn in? Because I got an email, you know, say we got sworn somebody in that first Monday. I think this is on Tuesday, the her very second day. It's like I'm a councilman, not in trouble. So, but I'll make sure you keep a sense of humor about, you know, when we hire new people. And I'm really, really, really excited about Officer Stone and getting the recognition. So, thank you very much. That's all.

Council member Wory,

you didn't forget about me. Uh, first of all, thanks everybody for coming out. Um, I was going to uh end up uh reminding people about the pancake breakfast just because I was hoping I could say it before Joanie could, but she beat me to it. So, um, April 25th, we have the, uh, plant giveaway going on up at, uh, the community center. Uh, that will be, um, starting at 9:00, ending around 10:00. Uh, you have to be a Bertton resident, so bring an ID and I'll be talking about it again here in the upcoming meetings as well. Um, as uh uh my co-consel Bula ended up saying, we do have the W one and two meeting coming up next week at 7 p.m. If you're not from Ward 1 and two, you're welcome to join as well. Um, let's see. Uh, I was wondering if there been any updates on the, uh, idea I proposed a while ago about, um, getting the solar panel, uh, ordinances updated to meet more of 2026ish instead of 1985ish. And also I was wondering if um there was any updates on the ordinances that uh you were working on, Mr. Gun, about the uh lawn lawn lawn ornaments and all that fun stuff. Um I did notice a couple days ago it looked like some of the uh there's been some work going on at the old BP that's been out of commission for what feels like a few years now. Uh next to Walmart, I was wondering if there might be any updates you could give on that. Uh, I ended up going to a Super Marcado on Tuesday and yeah, on Tuesday, so yesterday. And I was shocked at just how crowded that parking lot was. So, I love to see how many people are going to these new stores. Um, I ended up getting there around around 6:00. And I mean, it was bumper to bumper in there. So, that was really good to see. Chief, I hate to see you're leaving. It sucks. Um, probably should use nicer

language than that, but oh well. This is me. Uh, you've been somebody that even before I was on council, I was able to ask you some questions and stuff. Um, Mayor Briggs ended up introducing me to you at that time and um, ended up uh, answering them all. You've been somebody that I've been able to ask questions to about anytime I see something or just want to learn some more about what's going on. You facilitated that. So, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make your retirement party cuz uh my wife's due that day and she might beat me up if I say, "Hey, hun, I got to go to this instead." So, hopefully you'll uh forgive me for that. And um finally, uh to the fire department, thank you very much for coming today and explaining what was going on a little bit more. Uh hopefully we're able to uh get that information out to citizens that might be asking about it. And um I guess one other question that just came up to me and that's why it's last on my list is with the uh talk about wanting these financial reports. I know we now have that new system in place. I was wondering if that might be able to help the finance team be able to uh facilitate providing those easier. I don't know if that new system is going to help or not at all. I know they're already working very hard and I'm sure they're not not giving it to out of a malicious intent. So, I was just hoping that maybe that new system is going to help them with that. So, that's everything. Back to you, Mayor.

Thank you, sir. Staff reports. I'll start with Mr. Kaine.

Just wanted to let everybody know our Arbor Day ceremony is going to be on uh Friday, April 10th at Bridgeway Park. That's at 11:00 a.m. We'll be hosting Bridgeway Elementary School again this year. We've done the last couple of years. We work with them. They bring their I believe it's their fourth grade class up and um they really the kids really get a kick out of it and um are very interested in in the celebration. We'll have saplings there to give out to everybody in attendance as well. So we hope hope we get some people uh show up there to hang out with the kids for the day. Uh Berry Hill, um we're off to a really good start. It's kind of been an all or nothing deal. It's either 70° and sunny or it's like 25 and tornadoes and snow. So, uh, but overall it's been pretty good for considering March cuz you always get some wild weather. Um, a little bit to add to the signage discussion is we do have a couple of signs uh for the golf course. Um, one's at Gallatin and Gist, one's at Natural Bridge because like it was mentioned, it's hard to find. It's it's kind of out there. And we also participate in the Missouri Todds program. It's the Missouri tourist oriented directional signage program. So, we do have a couple of those. We we we pay for that uh that service. Um so we have a couple of those on Lindberg. Um and it was a question about tournaments at BMAC or activity at BMAC. We are getting ready to open uh next week the park will open but the first big tournament weekend will be April 11th and 12th uh because the weekend before that's Easter so will be closed. Uh we do expect a decrease in tournament rentals uh this year um so far as far as the information we have on the bookings. But yeah, we're looking to looking forward to opening next week in the um we do have tournaments most weekends throughout the summer and and fall.

Council member Wesley has a question comment.

Thank you. I was just wondering uh the decrease in tourn tournament record uh rentals, do you think that's directly related to us not upgrading the fields yet or do you think it's related to some other stuff? Yeah, I mean I think there's there's been a dramatic increase in the amount of turf uh facilities in the area. Um just coming up here in the Waffle Horse and St. Charles just went to turf. They're opening up here this spring with their four field complex of all turf. Um I know the Woodlands and St. Peters and Aussies and Ofen uh are also going to be going to it next year. So uh considering what we already have, there's even more to come, more competition to come. So something to consider for us moving forward.

Any further questions, comments from council for Mr. Kane? I see none. Mr. Bookout, uh question about the solar. I know that staff had talked about that. I'll I'll talk I'll follow up with them and and uh get back with you on that. Um, on the financials, uh, certainly appreciate the comments. Um, the the software, we do have a an antiquated software and we did put money in the budget to replace that the latter part of the year. Um, whether that's going to be the the improvement that we need, probably not, but um, I appreciate your comments and we are certainly working on it. Thank you,

Mr. gun.

All right, a few updates. The BP gas station has a new owner, which is great. He's already engaged with us and we talked to him about what kind of improvements he needs to do. He started cleaning things up right away. So, I think we're on the good path to see some big changes up there and then reopening, not in the near future, but he's because he's got a lot of work to do. It's sat now for several years, so it's needed needs a lot of replacement, needs a little bit of love. So, it's going to take some time. Um the Mallister sign um it needs a lot of new parts. Um a new panel it's cracked. Not to mention the stuff behind it that lights up is gone in a sense where it either shorted out or burned up. And that all takes time to get in. Now it has taken a long time. But I know it's all in order. Otherwise, we would have summoned them to court by now. But they're they're showing some good faith. They showed us everything. They talked to the sign company. So it just takes time to get that stuff in. I'll get with uh Bill and talk about the new coffee place and see about a time frame on that. And the property maintenance update. Uh we did talk with the city attorney staff. We went through all the changes. Um he did send me red line copies back and we're in the process of getting that together and hopefully I'll be on for first reading at the next council meeting. That's all I have.

Council, any questions? Mr. Gun. Chief MSI here. Do it. Yeah.

So, this is my last council meeting. So, um, I'll tell you, I couldn't think of a better way to go out than to, uh, introduce a new police officer and, uh, also recognize one of our existing officers that's done an outstanding job. So, I wrote a few words that I wanted to convey to the council. So hopefully I can get through this. But mayor, members of the city council, as I stand here to close of a 40-year career, I find it hard to fully put into words what this journey has meant to me. I want to sincerely thank each of you, past and present, former mayors, former council members, for your unwavering support of our police department. Your belief in our mission and your commitment to the city of Bridgton has been a foundation that's allowed us to serve with pride and purpose. It's been far more than just a job. It's been a calling. It's also been a privilege beyond measure to serve and protect the city of Bridgton that I've grown to love like a family. Together, we faced challenges, celebrated success, and built something that I'm extremely proud of. I leave with a full heart, grateful for your trust you placed in me and humbled by the opportunity to have served 40 years in such an incredible community. Thank you for standing beside us and believing in us and for making this career an honor of a lifetime. And I appreciate each and every one of you. So with that, I also wanted to thank our chairman of the board of police commissioner uh Terry Thornberg and we

have commissioner Nancy Hog here with us tonight. Also, we have former chairman Jim Hardto and former uh committee member uh Nancy Lepia that are here. So I just wanted to thank them for being present and the board's been outstanding. We've been through a lot. Uh had a lot of hirings over the last several years uh during my tenure as chief. Um and they've done an outstanding job as a board. Don't always agree, right? But that's what it's about. Um come to conclusions and work things out for the betterment of the city. So just for my report, a couple things that I wanted to announce. Uh the DEA drug t takebacks April 25th 10 to 2 on the parking lot. And my understanding is we are doing a uh a shred event that day. Um correct on the parking lot.

We're gonna have a dumpster they can use to place their stuff in. We weren't able to get a shredder. All the ones that were certified through St. Louis County have already been booked.

Okay. Um but we will have the takeback that day. Also, one other thing that is exciting news that I wanted to announce is Monday we had the board of police commission meeting and they authorized the hiring of uh two more police officers. Uh one is in the Eastern Missouri Academy will graduate in April. So, we'll have three that are coming out of that class and then the other one will be going into the St. Louis County Municipal Police Academy in June. And with that, um, currently that fills the 54 commission spots, authorizes the 54 commission spots. Extremely happy with that. Uh, we'll keep moving forward. I know that we have some anticipated other retirements this year, but I just wanted to let the council know that we're making progress and, um, I'm excited that we got we hit that number before I uh, left. So, thank you very much. Thank you, Chief. Mayor's report. First condolences uh Mr. Bookout. He lost his brother today and uh I know it's hard losing a family member like that. So please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Council member Luke, I hope you get well soon. I know you've been sick for a couple weeks now. Um,

Robert, thank you for the updated code enforcement summary. Appreciate that. Uh, seems like you have it down now through the new program, Llama. So, that that's a that's a big plus. Um, yes, retail brick and mortar stores are still alive. Um, I'm here to tell you firsthand, congratulations to Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington. I did buy two pairs of new shoes, three neck ties, two shirts,

and a partridge in a pear tree. But, uh, seriously, I did I contributed, uh, you know, sales tax to the city. Proud to do that. And um it's nice to see the retail corridor coming back alive after being down for so many years. I did tell the uh store managers at the ribbon cutings that they are located on one of the busiest retail corridors in the uh St. Louis County area. So I think they appreciate that. I do want to say that uh Mr. Bookout and I uh last week after our U staff meeting we talked with um Major Levall. As you know we won't have a new chief in place u before the the chief uh retires next Friday. We did ask Major Leval if he would uh take over as interim chief and he proudly said yes. So just want to let you know that we won't be without a chief. Bridton uh hosted the Metro Mayor's lunchon last week at Sports Cafe. Um the city doesn't pay for it. It comes out of the dues that are collected uh by the different municipalities. But uh it was a great event. We had about 30 mayors there and um glad to glad to uh bring people into the city of Bridton. Um the seasonal reminders you'll see on the front of the uh new banner coming out which I believe is going to be mailed out this week. So look for that in your in your mail. I believe I said before that my article is not featured on the front page. It is the seasonal reminders uh dealing with the top five ordinance violations in the city of Bridton. So, nobody can say they didn't know if they

get a violation sent in the mail or presented on their door. Officer Stone, what a what a great great um officer he is for here in the city of Bridton. Um, I want to let you know that he went out recently after the announcement um by our city our our state attorney general and county prosecuting attorney that the gaming machines uh are illegal and they need to be taken out of the establishments that they're in by June the 1st. Olstoneone went around to the businesses and presented a letter to them in the past week and he will follow up again before June the 1st. So they don't have any reason to say that they didn't they didn't know they know and uh those machines will be gone or else there will be enforcement action taken. Also u I want to offer prayers uh for the family of uh Bob Coach Benbin. Um I served with him for a couple years when I was first elected in 2012 on city council. Great guy. Um he will surely be missed in the community. Um, somebody brought up uh Connie Bobo and that building was original Circuit City and then it became um John Calvin Presbyterian Church. Um, she bought that money with federal funds. Um, so it looks like the feds will be seizing the property and doing whatever they do. I imagine they put it up for auction or put it up for sale to try and recoup some of their money uh that they lost through her uh transactions which is close to $20 million. So finally justice was brought to this lady.

Um, also, Council Member Luke alluded to uh the state income tax being eliminated and the word is that in order to make up for this loss of revenue, the state will be or will have to increase sales tax by 8% state sales tax. So, when you start looking at all the sales tax together, we're going to be close between 17 and 20% sales tax. So, keep that in mind. Uh, Mr. Fetch, I want to let you know that I've known him since 1973 as a freshman at CBC High School. His son Jim um was my carpool. He was a senior. I was a freshman. Um, Ferd has been like a second father to me. Um, I probably wouldn't be in this seat if it wasn't for uh the knowledge and experience that I gained on council with Mr. Fetch. Um his health is deteriorating quickly. Um he fell over a week ago at home and now is in um Mark Twain Manor Nursing Home on Mark Twain Lane and that's probably where he will uh end his life. Um he won't be allowed to go back home. Um I know a lot of people have been visiting, great friends. A lot of people have known him as long as I have or longer. Um, and I know he would like to go home, but it wouldn't be best uh for his health at this point. Um, it's sad, but um, the prayers and the company and people visiting hopefully will keep his spirits up. I talk daily to his son Rich, his um, second son, and he gives me an update of what's going on. As you know, Rich has physical limitations, so it's hard for him to get over there to see

him as much as he would like to uh to make the walk from the parking area into uh the nursing home down to Ferd's room, but please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and the the days coming forward. Chief, congratulations on your last meeting. I appreciate your professionalism and it's been a true pleasure working with you as a councilman and also as mayor. I want to thank you for always being there for me and I do hope to stay in contact with you as you continue your work within the community. I do want to read a a letter that a resident asked me to read uh for you. Uh Mark Msadi, chief of police tribute. Chief Mark Msati was the chief of police for the city of Bridton, Missouri, a position he has held since August 1st, 2021. A 37year veteran of the police department. I think it's closer to 40 years coming up. Um, Chief Madi began his service at the age of 15 as a police explorer scout. He holds a bachelor's degree, graduated from the FBI academy, and served in multiple roles over the years, giving him a broad range of experience. Chief MSAD has been involved in several high-profile investigations in Bridton, including major retail theft case involving over $50,000 in stolen merchandise. Chief MSAD has helped Bridton in many ways. He created a top-notch police force by hiring the best candidates for the job. He then guided them on how the job was to be done and was their role model. He works in the community to educate people on crime and show them the right ways to do things. He is especially active in Bridton with Bridton residents, teaching them to be more productive in society, thus making the future a more secure place. Chief Misadi is a positive role model for all and is very understanding.

He is down to earth and easy to talk to and he is not shy about giving credit to others. He is always fair and believes in true justice. A decision was made for him to retire from the force. Yet he still has the desire to serve in the Bridton community and so will continue to protect and teach younger generation in his new role. He has many made many sacrifices over the years and it is greatly appreciated by the citizens of Bridton. It will be difficult to replace Mark and we wish him the best with all his future endeavors. Thank you. I think this uh letter from the um Bridton resident echoes everybody in this room. So congratulations Mark and looking forward to next Friday to seeing you. Okay, thank you. That's all I have. Um motion for adjournment.

So moved. Second. Motions made by council member Luther, seconded by council member Wesy for adjournment. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? I hear none. We are adjourned. If white