City Council - Regular Meeting

I call this meeting to order. Will all please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge alce 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. Roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons, here. Council member Jedetic, here. Council member Lisso, here. Council member Mlan, present. Council member Reinher is absent. Council member Schaefer is absent. Council member Zimmer here.

Thank you. Uh, we have presentations tonight or one presentation for um Arbor Day and our forester um Brandon Sly. So, if you'll join me up here, we'll face the audience. Yeah.

Um, but um and Brandon, our arborist, does a fantastic job. And for those that you don't know that don't know, we um a pretty significant new last two meetings and with no opposition whatsoever. So, um we're excited about getting more trees in and our Kirkwood. So whereas Arbor Day is held every year in Kirkwood and designated for planting trees and Kirkwood is known as the green tree vast number of trees in the park area. Whereas Kirkwood urban forestry commission was February on February 19th, 1998 with the passage of an ordinance to provide oversight and guidance on the urban forestry. Uh whereas an additional 36 trees will be planted throughout the city for a total of 38 trees and um this year the um arbor day planting will take on Saturday April 25th I hope everyone will come to that um and whereas and I can't say the scientific term but the black tupelo is the um for 2026 and on arbor day there will be a black tupulo planted in front of the library. Um that that um event will be starting at 9:00 in the morning. The Jefferson will be blocked off from Kirkwood Road. Sorry, sorry, from Taylor up to about halfway up to Kirkwood Road. Um there will be a lot of booths and what have you. So um the city of Kirkwood was designated as Tree City USA for the 36th year with growth award

distinctions four different years and the city government conservation arbor award of excellence for 2011 195. Therefore, I, Elizabeth W. Given, mayor of the city of Kirkwood, on behalf of Kirkwood City Council, do declare April 25th, 2026 as Arbor Day. So, congratulations on all your didn't want to photo bomb.

I'll make sure. Yay. I know.

All righty. Now we will move to public comments. You like me to read the statement? Okay. The public comments portion of the meeting is an opportunity for the city council to listen to comments from citizens. It is not a question and answer session and the city council will not respond to comments or answer questions during this period. The mayor may refer any matter brought up to the city council to the interim chief administrative officer or city clerk if action is needed. Thank you. So, has anyone filled out a public comment card for this evening? Yes, mayor and council. We have one comment from Georgia Ragland. Hi Georgia.

Hi. At its finest, local government uh simply consists of neighbors coming together to work for the betterment of the community. In a matter of days, this council will see three members leave and three new ones uh sworn in. Simultaneously, a new chief administrative officer is being chosen. Even though some of you will continue in office, it's not the current city council that will be working with a new CEO. Given the timing, I think it's important for the new council to make the final decision on who to hire. to do otherwise is to is to set um is to is to be really disrespectful um to the new elected officials and is hardly the act of neighbors working together for the betterment of the community. Let's not start off the building of new relationships between current council members and a new set of council members and the new CEO with such a act of pettiness. We have no further comments.

Thank you. We'll move to the consent agenda. Is there a motion and a second to accept the consent agenda? Motion. Second. Discussion. All those in favor say I. I. I. Oppose. Nay. Consent agenda passes. We move to unfinished business. Bill 1125. Mayor and council, this is an ordinance granting a special use permit for the outdoor use and outdoor dining at 159 West Argon Drive, Fox's Finest, subject to certain conditions.

Thank you. Is there any discussion? Roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons. Yes. Council member Jedetic, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan. Council member Zimmer. Yes. Bill125 passes. Congratulations. Yes. Yeah. Exactly. Um, we do we have a motion and a second to bring substitute bill 1126 to the floor for consideration. Second.

Thank you. All in favor of bringing the substitute bill to the floor 1126, please say I. I oppose. Nay. Same. Okay. All righty. Um, are there any questions or comments on substitute bill 11126? Maybe you could explain uh explain that for us, David. Yeah. Um, the substitute bill was uh put together. There was some changes in the exhibits uh with the finalization of the certificates of participation for the pre-sale here. Um, so that information is updated prior to this meeting.

Very good. Thank you. All right. Are there any questions? And also, um, uh, Shannon from Gilmore and Bell is here if anybody has any questions to ask of her. Waved at us. Okay, then.

Okay. I this is a difficult vote for me. You know, I want to explain why I'm voting as I am as clearly as I can. Right now, the city owns among other things among other properties these two properties, the Morazic property which we purchased for $12 million in our current public works site. The decision before us is to whether to approve the $8 million in financing to relocate the public works to the new site. Here's why that matters. If we move forward, we can sell the current public works site quickly and cleanly. A buyer won't have to wait for us to relocate, which makes the property more attractive and allows the city to receive these the sale proceeds sooner. If we don't move forward, there's a possibility that we'll be carrying the both properties for a period of longer period longer 15 24 months while we reassess the situation. During that time, taxpayers continue to bear the debt service costs of the $12 million raising property and will likely need to spend another $750,000 to a million half dollars just to keep the current public works facility operational due to the deferred maintenance. So, the choice comes down to this. Do we pause and carry both properties, spending more on debt and maintenance with no clear timeline? Do we move forward now, complete the relocation, and position the city to recover the funds sooner? or do we sell them raising property at a $4 to$6 million loss and commit to keeping public works where it is for the next generation? There's also a bigger picture. Redeveloping the current public works site is a real opportunity for downtown Kirkwood, especially the theater or the arts district won't happen overnight, but over time it can strengthen the area, increase property values, and hopefully generate additional revenue for the city. I understand the concerns about taking on additional debt. Those concerns are very real. You know, I I'm with you 100% on that. But after weighing all of this, I believe moving forward now is more responsible choice. Delaying this

decision costs us money every month. Moving forward puts us in control, protects our long-term financial position, and sets our community up for success in the future. So, I'll be voting in favor of this. Thank you. Anybody else?

Thank you. Thank you for that, Council Member Mlan. I I I agree with your assessment. I think this is an important move and um we've been working on this whole joint deal between the former Arazzic property and our public works for many years. And I I believe it's important that we move forward um with all of the positive changes that will bring to the downtown core area with with potentially new development of that property. So, I agree. We need to we need to get all of our public services consolidated over at the new property that we own and get it get it upfitted so that all of the departments can move in over there ASAP. Thank you for your comments, Mark.

You're welcome. Thank you.

And I will just tag on to a little bit what Mark said. My concerns are the debt, but my concerns are much broader than that. And I remain a no. I just want to um reiterate that um there is upfitting that needs to be done. The um property on Leingwell and that the property that public works is currently on will be sold for development. So, um, and and another reason that we're changing this the certificates of participation is because they were taxable because the former owner of the Luffing Wall property, Morasik, was in there renting from us and we had to have be a have the taxing type of certificate of participation. We're now changing that to a non-t taxing certific certificate of participation. Okay. Any more? Okay. Roll call, please.

Mayor Given, yes. Council member Jacked, no. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council member Zimmer, yes. The bill passes um first final reading. Um, we'll move to new business. Resolution 192026.

Mayor and Council, this is a resolution accepting the bid of America's parking remarking remarking in the amount not to exceed of $84,599.35, which includes a 10% contingency in the amount of $7,690.85 85 for 2026 highbuild acrylic waterborne pavement markings for the engineering department and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract. Thank you. Do I have a motion and a second to accept resolution 192026 is read? Motion.

Second. Thank you. Um I do have a couple of questions or maybe just one on um there's two types of markings that will be done. waterborne and thermoplastic. What's the difference and how is it decided which one will go where? I can provide you some of the answers there. The So, a waterborne uh paint is better in a hightra area. It is refreshed on a more frequent basis than thermoplastic. Thermoplastic tends to last a lot longer. But in areas where you have a lot of turn volume and things of that nature, uh thermoplastic tends to break down underneath a lot of that traction. So in places where we can get by with long-term um um you know uh street markings, you know, more in the the center of the property, thermoplastic is better or we found that it lasts longer. Um for most of our city markings, the vast majority of them will be using waterborne. um especially where there's a lot of high traffic and that type of volume.

Thank you. Yes, Council Member Zimmer. Yes, thank you. Uh just to clarify uh for the public in case they see this uh it's not marked whether this is budgeted, yes or no. Can you confirm that it is budgeted, please? So, it is budgeted, but this is also um contingent upon um TDD funds. Thank you. And we might just say that the um TDD board will be meeting to determine that next week. Anyone else? Okay. Roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons. Yes. Council member Dedic. Yes.

Council member Litzo. Yes. Council member Mlan. Yes. Council member Zimmer. Yes.

Very good. Um, resolution 192026 passes. Resolution 2026. Mayor and Council, this is a resolution accepting the bid of Joker's Spaining in the amount of not to ex or the amount not to exceed of $516,79562, which includes a 10% contingency in the amount of $46,98142 for the 2026 asphalted concrete overlays project for the engineering department and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract. Thank you. Do I have a motion, a second to accept resolution 2026?

So moved.

Thank you. Um, again, this is going to be a project of the TDD if the board approves it. Um, and there will be eight sites that will get this kind of um, asphalt concrete mill and overlay. St. Croy Court from Lockett to West Lockett West to the Culterac. St. Croy Court locket east to the culasac. Um, Lockett Road from um, Depair City Limits to Dhy Ferry. Fourth one is Lockett Lane from Lockett Road to Sherlin. The fifth site is Willox, West Essex to the end of Willox. Site six is Elmree Lane from Gabriel to the Culac. Site seven is Schubert Drive. And just FYI, no one lives on Schubert Drive. There's not a home there. From West Essex to Elmtree. And then the last one is site eight would be Gil uh um Gabriel Drive from West Essex to where the pavement begins. And I just want to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Kirkwood. We would this is a fi over a $500,000 projects. We wouldn't be able to do this without the TDD having passed. So, um, we really are going to be able to get our streets up to, um, the level they need to be. And I just want to remind everyone, too, that we have a list of the streets in their

condition and we are starting with the poorest ones first and moving up. Very good. Yes. Counciloman to follow on that. And I believe those streets are on website, David. So, if you want to know where your street is in the condition, mayor, you can go and look up on on the website. Um, and since Paul Schaefer is not here tonight in his absence and Chris isn't here, David, thank you for getting six bids on this. So, Paul, for listening for six bids on this, another roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons, yes. Council member Jacked, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council members Zimmer.

Yes. Struggling with that. Very good. The the resolution passes. Resolution 2426. 212. Sorry. 2126. Mayor and Council, this is a resolution accepting the single source quote of Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC in the amount of not to exceed of $99,564.80, 80, which includes a 10% contingency in the amount of $9,51.35 for the 2026 emulsified maltinebased asphalt rejuvenator project for the engineering department and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract.

Thank you. Do I have a motion and second to accept resolution 2126? Motion. Second.

Thank you. Again, this is um streets that will be done with the TDD money, which is transportation to development district money funding. Um it is a it's a big list, so I'm not going to read all of them. Um and again you can go on the website and see exactly which streets are going to be done and they are being done in order of condition starting with the poorest condition streets first. Anyone else have something? Roll call, please. All right. Mayor Gibbons. Yes. Council member Jedetic. Yes. Council member Litzo. Yes. Council member Mlan.

Yes. Council member Zimmer. Yes. Resolution 2126 passes. Resolution 2220226. Mayor and Council, this is a resolution accepting the proposal of Cisco St. Lewis LLC in the amount not to exceed of $63,600 for Kirkwood Aquatic Center and ice rink concession supplies for initial term of 12 months with the option to renew for up to four additional 12-month terms contingent upon budgetary approval and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract. May I have a motion and a second to accept resolution 222026? So moved.

Second. Thank you. Conversation, comments, questions, go ahead.

Oh, well, I just wanted to um thank Kyle and his staff for bringing this to us. Um, I think this is an exciting change and a certainly a a potential revenue generator for the aquatic center and the ice rink to offer um additional and expanded concession um opportunities for patrons of the ice rink and uh aquatic center. And I mean I think this is win-win situation. So I'm appreciative of this. Kyle, I have to ask you for all the hockey families. Will there be coffee at 5:00 a.m.?

That is a great answer. They're going to be happy. We're gonna vote. Yes. Okay. At 5:00 p.m. hour. Say 5. Lots of new fans over there.

Yeah. And my only comment is thanks Kyle for your memo which is attached to the legislation and your additional information is always great and very helpful and very much appreciated. Kyle. Okay. It's a proposal for $63,000 636 for supplies and I read the what kind what's that the supplies consist of because it also and then in the back page it talks about packaged snacks, beverages, frozen goods, and paper products. It it includes all of those supplies and it's split between the um the ice rink and the aquatic center. So, how's it work? Like for let's use packaged snacks, it's not it's not a fixed cost for all the packaged snacks we need, is it?

Or is it? No, they'll be they'll be individually sold to us. Okay. So, 63,000 just gives them the right to come and deliver the products and sell stuff to us. Um, let's see. Where did we where does that 63,000 number? That's the not to exceed. That's the not to exceed total amount between the two. the uh aquatic center and the ice rink. $45,000 for the pool and uh 18,5 18,600 for the ice rink. Uh that's a guess at what we're going to spend because we don't have any history in this yet.

Right. Right. So, so it could if we sell more package snacks than we're anticipating, the price could go up, but then our revenue will go up. Correct. Yes. And if if we go over if we exceed this, we're going to keep a close eye on this. And if we're going to exceed it, we will make sure we come back to council and ask for uh any overage of that. So, this is just a contract based on estimated Yep. It's just an estimate right now until we get Okay. a history. Yeah. Oh, I think it's great. Yeah. I I will say, you know, from just from my experience and in business, Cisco is a well-known brand. They're very dependable. I think they're going to be a good partner for us.

Yeah. We we're we're we're happy with this one. We did we did only get one bid, but I will say that we reached out to six other businesses uh via email and phone call and asked them to sign up for ion way, but we only ended up with one. And this one, this one does not include uh drinks. We are going to come back to you uh for soda uh at the next meeting, I believe. Kyle, it doesn't I mean obviously we doesn't include um personnel. Do you have any idea on what it's going to cost? I I don't know that off the top of my head, but I can get it for you. Uh that is included in our expenses in the budget. Yep. This is just for the food side of it. Yeah.

U we are expecting to sell the food at a bit of a profit to pay for that staff. Um and we're expecting items to be between $4 and $8. Well, we know it's been very successful with the K pack. So, yeah. Um got some good staff back. Great. They they were a great incubator to then move it on. So, yeah. Any other questions? Thanks, Carl. Okay, thank you. Roll call. Mayor Gibbons, yes. Council member Jedi, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council member Zimmer, yes.

The resolution has passed. Resolution 232026. Mayor and councel, this is a resolution accepting the proposal of Bradley Curry for a performing arts center house band in the amount of not to exceed of $27,000 for the initial term of 12 months with the option to renew for up to four additional 12-month terms contingent upon budgetary approval and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into a contract. Thank you. Do I have a motion and second to accept resolution 2326 as read? So moved. Second. Thank you. Discussion.

Again, I would like to um thank Kyle and Joe and Liz um for the additional information in the memo. It makes sense, you know, anytime you kind of embark in a different direction. It's helpful to have the background information. They put a lot of time and thought into this. Um and I appreciate all their work and um I think it's a good move.

Thank you. This would be a good time to remind everyone that the next coffee concert, which is such a nice event at our KPAC with a house band, uh will be um this coming Tuesday, the 21st, starts at 10:30 in the morning for an hour. And it is it just kind of transforms you into a different place for just an hour out of your day. It's really fun. I love it. And actually this this week will be or this next week will be Aaron Bod who is a St. Louis favorite. She's great. So I I hope that we'll get folks coming to that. All right. When does Aaron play? I forgot.

Tuesday you were. If you hadn't been talking, you would have heard me say that. It's his No, it wasn't his fault. Watch the video. I I could hear your voice. Okay. Roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons, yes. Council member Dixettic, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council member Zimmer, yes. Very good. Thank you. Yay.

Resolution 2426. Mayor and council, this is a resolution accepting the proposal of traffic ura in the amount of not to exceed of $598,666 for the purchase of summertime block power for the months of June, July, and August 2027 for the electric department and authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into an amended contract. Thank you. Do I have a motion and a second to accept resolution 2426 as read? So moved. Second. Thank you, David. Maybe you could just give a little context um on what exactly this is.

Yes. So, our electric department um receives a good portion of its power through uh Prairie State Power Generation. Uh during the summer months when our um demand is a lot higher for electric, we reach out and um purchase block power which essentially is a hedge against the market. So additional power that we then sell into the market to offset our cost to make sure that we decrease any sort of volatility in the electric market. This is uh to cover those months. We have a little bit less in June and then uh five megawatts in June and 10 in July and August that we do straight across the board. Um and this is for 2027, not this summer, but the following summer. So we try to buy in advance to take advantage of the the best prices that we can get for summertime block. Thank you. Are there any questions or comments? Roll call, please.

Mayor Gibbons, yes. Council member Jetic, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council member Zimmer, yes. The resolution has passed. Resolution 252026. Mayor and Council, this is a resolution accepting the proposal of Trafigura in the amount of not to exceed of $232,000 for the purchase of fall block power for the year of 2026 for the electric department in authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into an amended contract. Do I have a motion and a second to accept resolution 25206? Motion.

Second. Thank you. Any comments? Roll call, please. Mayor Gibbons, yes. Council member Jedetic, yes. Council member Litzo, yes. Council member Mlan, yes. Council member Zimmer, yes.

Resolution passes. We'll move to city council reports. Um, couple things that I would like to um mention. It's coffee with the mayor is this Tuesday at the community center at 9:00 and I hope you you'll come and um join us for that. Um this past week something that I'm really passionate about and so important to Kirkwood is Amtrak. The Amtrak funding passed the Missouri Senate. They have to they have to approve it every single year. And if you'll remember a few years ago, they only funded half a year and it it dropped us to one train which really significantly hurt us. So they they passed the funding a full amount and um now it'll go to the house. So we'll hope that that passes there too. Um and um this is this is a bit of a bittersweet tonight. Um we've got two council members with longevity. uh that this is their last meeting. Council member Leau and Council Member Zimmer, um you have been both a constant of wealth of knowledge and experience um with 10 years for Council Member Zimmer and 12 years for Council Member Leau. I know this is um hard for both of you and we so and the citizens so appreciate all the work that you've put into our great city. Um thank you and we'll expect you to come back quite often. I know I've already twisted Council Member Zimmer's arm to be on a commission, a border commission. I haven't I got to work on Council Member Leo now, too. I'm thinking about it. I got some other stuff I need to take care of.

What? I just

All right. And I'm sure that maybe you might have a few words that you want to say. So, um, let's have one.

Uh, actually, I had council reports because if I start in on the privilege that I've had to sit on this DAS for actually it's 12 years and a couple months because of COVID. Uh, we extended our terms until sometime in June. Um, it has been an extreme privilege of my life. I wish I had it in me to have run for another four years, but I think we've got some excellent new council members elect. then I am excited to see them inaugurated uh sworn in and grow in their position and serve the citizens for what I call um doing this to me is a real calling. Um, if you understand sort of from clergy kind of use, it's almost a calling because it it is so meaningful to our citizens, to ourselves, to our staff, what we provide, especially here at the local level where we do roads and sidewalks and um you know um just any electricity and water and and trash bags downstairs and public service. I mean, I can't for possibly forget that. Um um this community is is so special to me and I think um all of us feel the same that that it's um for the love of community and that's why we do this and I appreciate your support for me and for what we do uh over the years. Thank you so much.

Well, before I start my little speech, I wanted to say uh Council Member Litzo, um if if there's somebody that embodies a public servant that works hard for you, the citizen. you the citizen who does her homework and her research and has a plethora of knowledge, it's council member Litzo. I'm going to tell you something. She knows so much about Kirkwood. It's amazing. I have watched her destroy many arguments to things with facts and figures and statistics in history. And I boy, if you and Mark had to decide on, you know, a bl a brand of appliance for your kitchen, he would be in trouble because you'd have the reports and and, you know, all the models and all the information to make that decision. Um, you are a very very workmanlike council member. uh you have always put your heart and soul uh into this job and it shows and you have been such an integral part of the history of Kirkwood, Missouri. It it will always be remembered. So, thank you very much.

Thank you for saying that, Mark.

So, tonight, April 16, 2026, is my final council meeting for this almost 10-year run. I served four years on the Citizen Finance Committee starting back in 2012. You first elected me 10 years ago in 2016 to a partial term. In 2018, you reelected me to a full term. In 2022, you reelected me again, which means I'm termed out. That's almost 10 years straight on city council, which is very unusual. But my kids would tell you I'm unusual anyway. Hard to believe it's been almost 10 years. I've been coming to this beautiful building for 14 years now in a row, not even a month off. In a recent article about local politics, I was described as being cited as a conservative, but who always seems to be a fairly independent, fair-minded thinker. But you know what? That's close enough for government work. To me, being a council member means just that, open-minded to listen to all sides of a story so as to make a good decision for Kirkwood. And I tell you, I've worked hard to do that because I love Kirkwood. I really do. I've seen much change over the past 14 years in my service to the city. And there have been many issues we've all faced. Do you remember Magic House parking? Aberdine, Sugar Creek, Guyiren, Big Bend, North Ballas. That was a big one. Horseshoe Bach, the James Assisted Living downtown. I do. I remember them well. As well as your comments and I always felt it was

important for me to represent you and listen to your perspective. Many ideas have changed. City employees have changed. Citizens have changed and city councils have changed. But one thing that's never changed, not in the past 10 years, serving you as council member and deputy mayor, and that's me. Keeping my promises to treat citizens and employees with respect, listening to everyone even when we disagree. Not grandstanding meetings, but doing my homework beforehand. No hidden agendas or ulterior motives, but always being honest and fair with you, the people of Kirkwood, being your voice and your representation. I always made the effort to be a council member that I would have wanted, professionable, approachable, and working for you. The people that I have met in this city are just amazing to me. First, I must say thank you to all the lovely residents who have supported me during this decade of service to Kirkwood. You're wonderful people and I count so many as friends. To all of the citizens and volunteers, board and commission members, thank you for your service to Kirkwood. I've talked several weeks recently about our city employees. And I want to thank all city employees who have been such a big help to me and to our councils and our council members. Without you all, this city would not function. We are all grateful for your service to Kirkwood. Thank you to all the former council members that I've served with previously for your past service to Kirkwood. We've made a lot of big decisions and we've

had a lot of important issues as I as I mentioned previously for our current council members that are still here tonight. Thank you all for your service and for all the hard work that you do. It's much appreciated. Congratulations and welcome to our council members elect in our audience tonight. We wish you great luck and success and thank you for your future service to Kirkwood. I have to say thanks to uh former mayor Art McDonald who chased Katie and I down on Jefferson Avenue 15 years ago to talk to me and get me to be involved in the city of Kirkwood. I also have to thank my lovely wife, children, and my family for all of your constant love and support, for being there, and for giving me all the great advice that I needed. You're a wonderful counsel to me. This job takes a lot of time and effort away from your families. And um I can tell you my wife who is here tonight has a 14-year long honeydew list that I will be getting next week. So that will give me something to do uh on some time off. But Kirkwood is such a wonderful, magical place to live and to work and to be a part of. And it has been such an honor and privilege. Many decades ago, when I was a young boy, we visited Kirkwood often, dining at the former Masses restaurant, and we would see the trains. We'd see our historic station, which is becoming new again.

My love for Kirkwood started many, many years ago, and continues to this day. My wife's family started to in Kirkwood back in 1950. She's been a part of this community for many, many decades as well, and we both have a strong love for this city. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve you, the people of Kirkwood. My wife and I thank you for all of your support over this past decade. Thank you for the wonderful experiences and memories and friendships and let's keep in touch. Thank you very much.

Additional council reports. Oh, I have reports. Okay. Of course you do. Without without any tears. Um,

so, um, I mentioned a few weeks ago, and I'll remind again that, uh, the park board will be having a public hearing on Monday, what is that, April 20th, um, considering the, um, proposed master plan for the parks and reccks uh, department. also Mitchell Park which has been recently completed and I think maybe a couple last um punch list items still uh but they should be finished by the the um at least scheduled right now weather permitting a ribbon cutting at Mitchell Park on Saturday May 9th. Um, you'll have to watch for an update on exactly when, but it'll be a morning ribbon cutting. And like I said, uh, weather uh, weather permitting. That's it's such a adorable little pocket park uh, um, over on Mitchell Mitchell Place, whatever the road is. Um, I I I hope you all can come out and see what they've done over there. There's some really cool um new um um playground for the kids and little water feature and just all kinds of stuff. It's beautiful over there. Um and also another um upcoming event uh at the Mechum Park um community cleanup is Saturday, May 9th um at 10:00 a.m. and meet at the park if you'd like to help. Um, last year I helped uh with a uh they typically pair you up with a partner and you go around with a black trash bag and pick up pick up trash around the neighborhood and various other um events and and I think they have treats going on. Um if you'd like to sign up, you can um contact Sierra Deo, the team leader

at um C I A R A D B O I Sgmail.com. bring your gloves. And if it would be easier for you bringing a little one of those grabber hand things to pick up trash rather than bending over, that would be appreciated. It's a fun event. Um meet at Beach and Memorial Park at 3:24 New York Street. Again, Saturday, May 9th, um 10:00 a.m. That's all. Thank you. someone.

I'll I'll do a couple of um first of all, Nancy, not that I'm going to um um give away your secrets, but you have been counting down your last few meetings. How many more she has left? And every time we called a new another meeting, a special one, she'd sigh and just put it back. She'd had to add a number. So, after many attempts to come up with your final number of meetings you had left, you are finally at it. I think so. Yes. But there still is another what two weeks before the rest are right that you guys could collude and come up with something else.

Please don't plan on um not being available because we might actually you do have a residual one but we'll talk about that one later. Right. Um but I did want to just express my appreciation for both um to Mark and to Nancy for their years of service on and off the council. Actually my my start with Nancy was the last two years of my uh my run on the council. Wasn't it the last two? Well, I started in 2012 and Oh, so the last four I got we were together for four years.

Yeah. And then now um having the privilege of serving with her the last two so of her um end of her career unless she takes a break and comes back. Um, and then with Mark, um, you I I got to know you through your CFC years and then you did come on after I, um, after I rolled off and now back for the last two. So, it's been a privilege. I wish you both well and um, you know, PNZ might need somebody. Um, I don't know, finance committee might need somebody. There's a lot of options when you're ready, um, to re-engage. And most of those don't happen on Thursday night. So you may now be able to claim Thursday nights. So good luck. Um and we will no doubt see you around.

Yes ma'am. And then my only kind of report again goes to um our forester and the horicultures at the park. I mean this has been a month of awards and recognitions. And so again, it's um April's kind of a a nice month to step back and appreciate all the hard work and dedication of a a great group across our um various teams here in Kirkwood.

Since you brought in um the swearing in, um that's something that we should announce because there won't be another meeting before that. That will be on Wednesday, April 29th, right up here in the council chambers. It's 7:00 and citizens are more than welcome to be here. Um, and I will tell you that these three new members that are coming on board are not coming in with no knowledge. They have attended everything. They are fully aware of all the things that are going on um within the council. We're very excited to welcome them and appreciate the fact that they've got so much knowledge.

Mayor, yes. Um, Kirk Human Rights Commission is fortunate enough to bring former Chief Justice Michael Wolf to the KAC Center on Monday, May 18th at 7 PM. Doors open at 6, so get there early. Um, Chief Justice Wolf served on the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1998 to 2011 and as Chief Justice from 2005 to 2007. And um, he'll have a lot to offer and say and I welcome everyone to come. Thank you. Any additional announcements? Okay. Interim Chief Administrative Officer report.

Yes, Mayor. I just wanted to reverberate a couple of comments here real quick. I'll keep it real short for you guys. extremely short, but it's been a pleasure serving with both of you all for all of these years. Um, but it's it's been awesome and I'm glad that you guys will get the opportunity to maybe listen to the, you know, concert series outside of this room. We'll get to take a vacation during the first three weeks of every month. What are you saying, David? Thank you. Thank you, David. city attorney report.

Um, I'll just echo and say it's very been it's been nice to serve and uh work with Mark and Nancy and it's only been a year, but I really appreciate the knowledge and background that you all have brought to everything. It's made my job easier and I I appreciate that. So, thank you, Jackie. Thank you. City clerk report.

Your honor, again, I will just Nancy, I'm not trying to make you cry. I'll make I just want to say it has been an honor and a pleasure truly to work with both of you. I have enjoyed it tremendously. You guys have been wonderful council members. Um I want to say the swearing in isn't until the 29th. You're not done yet. So don't get too comfortable you two. Okay? And then we'll make you cry on the 29th. Okay. All righty. See no further business. Our regularly scheduled meeting for will be on our next one will be on Thursday May 7th 2026. This meeting is adjourned.