Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

The board will now come to order. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderman Schweitzer. Present. Alderman Odenberg.

Present.

Alderman Cohn. Alderman Ryan. Here. Alderman Devotee.

Present.

Alderman Velazquez. Alderman Sunway. Alderman Cox-Answee. Alderman Browning. Alderman Clark Hubbard.

Here.

Alderman Keys. Alderman Tyus. Alderman Boyd. Alderman Aldridge. President Green. Present. Alderman Cohn. Alderman Velazquez. Alderman Sonnier. Alderman Keyes. Alderman Tyers.

Present.

Alderman Boyd.

Present.

We have 11 present.

A quorum being present, we will dispense with the regular order of business to take up the courtesy resolution calendar. Alderwoman from the 10th, if you would like to approach the dais for the presentation of resolution 75.

Is he here, Madam President, members of the board? If not, I'd like to hold and maybe move it around because I wouldn't want him to miss.

It does not appear so. So we can pause on the courtesy resolution calendar for now and take that up at the end of the agenda and instead move on to introduction of honored guests. Any introduction of honored guests? Alderman from the 10th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I would like to have as my honored guest this morning, I'm going to call him the 10th ward intern, my little big brother, Joseph Clark. Many of you see my little brother with me. My little brother was amazing, grew up on the tennis courts, is amazing, grew up on the tennis courts of Sumner and Fairground and Forest Park, and then he went on to win championships in tennis, ranked in the state from Clayton, Missouri. And then he absolutely went on to college, and he has one degree, two master's, And then he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. And now we spend the rest of our lives, we'll spend the rest of our lives every day making sure he has the best life he can. And I would be remiss if not mentioning the work that the family we have now at the Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis does for us. So, again, welcome to the board of Alderman, baby brother.

Thank you.

Any further introduction of honored guests? Any further introduction of honored guests? Seeing none, Alderwoman from the 10th, you're recognized on the approval of the minutes from Friday, July 2nd, 2026.

Thank you, Madam President. Members of the board, I would like to move that we approve the minutes from Friday, July 2nd, 2024.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the 14th that we approve the minutes from Friday, July 2nd, 2026.

It was Thursday. I knew that didn't sound right.

Thursday. July 2nd, 2026. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed?

Aye.

Motion carries. Report of city officials.

Report of city officials can be found on A, B, C, and D on the agenda and has been placed on the Google Drive for your review.

Anyone wish to take any bills or resolutions off of any of our informal calendar? Anyone wish to take any bills or resolutions off of any of our informal calendar? Seeing none, Alderman, from the 9th, you are recognized on the motion to suspend the rules for the purposes of Board Bill 62 for first reading.

We're just going to keep doing this. Thank you. I'd like to move to suspend the rules to introduce Board Bill 62. Second.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the Knights, seconded by the Alderwoman from the First, that we suspend the rules for the purposes of introducing Board Bill 62 for first reading. This is a non-debatable motion. Madam, or Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderwoman Schweitzer. Alderman Oldenburg. Aye. Alderman Cohn.

Aye.

Alderman Ryan.

Aye.

Alderman Devotee.

Aye.

Alderman Velazquez. Aye. Alderman Sanjay. Aye. Alderman Cox-Antwi. Aye. Alderman Browning.

Aye.

Alderman Clark Hubbard. Alderman Keyes? Aye. Alderman Tyers?

Aye.

Alderman Boyd?

Aye.

Alderman Aldrich? Aye. President Green?

Aye.

Good morning.

We have 14 aye votes.

By your vote, you sustain the motion of the Alderman from the 9th. If you could please place Board Bill 62 at the end of the first reading of Board Bill.

So noted.

First reading of Board Bill.

Board Bill 59 sponsored by Alderman Aldridge and President Green, an ordinance calling and providing for the holding of an election in the City of St. Louis on April 6, 2027 for the purpose of submitting to qualified voters of the City of St. Louis a proposal to reallocate the portion of one-half of one percent sales tax dedicated to the north-south Metrolink to the bus rapid transit North-South Metrolink or other mass transit initiatives authorized by the governing body of the City of St. Louis and containing several busily cars. Board Bill 60, sponsored by Alderman Cohn and President Green, an ordinance appropriating the sum of $26,056,000 as described in Section 94.600 through 94.655 as amended for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, which sum is hereby appropriated out of the Transportation Trust Fund to the bi-state development agency for transportation purposes and containing a severability and emergency clause. Board Bill 61, sponsored by Alderman Boyd, an ordinance amending section three of ordinance number 72038, which establishes the 13th Ward Liquor Control District to exclude a certain area from the 13th Ward Liquor Control District, which should not be subject to the moratorium provisions of ordinance number 72038. Board Bill 62 sponsored by Alderman Browning, an ordinance recommended by the Board of Public Service authorizing the 2026 St. Louis Works and the 50-50 Sidewalk Program citywide providing for the construction and reconstruction of gutters, streets, driveways, spot curbs, sidewalks, alleys, traffic controls, beautification, tree planting, resurfacing, and related engineering adjustments listed herein, appropriating $6 million from the Street Improvement Fund. That is the extent of the first reading of board bills.

Mr. Clerk, if you could please assign board bill 62 to the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee.

So noted.

Reference to committee of board bills.

To Legislation Rules, Board Bill 34, as amended in Committee. Board Bill 41, as amended in Committee. To Budget and Public Employees, Board Bill 59. To Transportation and Commerce, Board Bill 60. And Public Safety, Board Bill 61 and 62. 61. And Public Infrastructure, sorry, Board Bill 62. And that is the extent of Reference of committee to board bills.

Second reading report of standing committees.

The following board bill was reported out of HUD's committee with a do pass recommendation. Board Bill 49 is admitted in the committee, sponsored by Alderman Schweitzer, Alderman Sonnier, Alderman Clark Hubbard, and Alderman Browning. An ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission amending the zoning code to add section 26.77, creating comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers. APPROVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON JUNE 10, 2026, AND CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY Clause. THE FOLLOWING BOARD BILLS WERE REPORTED OUT OF THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE UTILITIES COMMISSION COMMITTEE WITH A DUE PASS RECOMMENDATION. BOARD BILL 13, COMMITTEE SUB AS AMENDED IN COMMITTEE. IT'S ANSWERED BY ARLEMAN AUDRICH. PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NUMBER 7033 AND AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NUMBER 71394, The Director of Streets is hereby directed to install speed humps to calm the flow of traffic on certain blocks in the 14th Ward. Board Bill 58, sponsored by Alderman Schweitzer, pursuant to Ordinance Number 70333, as amended by Ordinance Number 71394, an ordinance directing the Director of Streets to install speed humps to calm traffic on the floor in the First Ward. That is the extent of the second reading and report of committees.

Report of special committees.

We have none.

We can dispense with line item 15, perfection consent calendar.

Board Bill 32 sponsored by Alderman Cohn. An ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizing the office of the President of the Board of Aldermen to execute and accept a subaward for the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Sustainable Cities Initiative for the grant purposes of its Youth Climate Action Fund, specifically to activate youth in leadership roles as they participate in climate solutions consistent with the city's sustainability goals appropriating such funds to the Office of the President of the Board of Aldermen and authorizing the expenditure of such grants, such funds, to fulfill the obligation of said grant. To the extent such funds are received and contain an emergency cost.

Alderwoman from the 12th.

I would like board bill 32 taken off of the perfection consent calendar. And while you're at it, also board bills 52 and 53 off of the perfection on third reading consent calendar, please.

Mr. Clerk, if you could please make note of that.

So noted.

Board bills for perfection.

Board Bill 55, sponsored by Alderman Sonnier, President Green, Alderman Schweitzer, Alderman Clark Hubbard, Alderman Velazquez, and Alderman Aldrich. An ordinance that amends Chapter 3.16 of the City of St. Louis revised Code of Ordinances to add definitions in a section prohibiting the award of taxi centers to data centers containing servability and containing an emergency clause.

Alderwoman from the 7th, you're recognized on the perfection of Board Bill 55.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the Board. I would like to request that Board Bill 55 be placed on our informal calendar.

Mr. Clerk, please place Board Bill 55 on the informal calendar at the request of the sponsor.

So noted.

should be board bill 32.

Board Bill 32, sponsored by Alderman Cohn. An ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimates and Apportionment authorizing the Office of the President of the Board of Aldermen to execute and accept the subaward from the Bloomberg Philanthropies of American Sustainable Cities Initiative for the grant purposes of the Youth Climate Action Fund. specifically to activate youth and leadership roles as they participate in climate solutions consistent with the city's sustainability goals, appropriating such funds to the Office of the President with the Board of Aldermen and authorizing the expenditure of such funds to fulfill the obligation of said grant to the extent such funds are received and containing an emergency clause.

Alderman, from the third, you are recognized on the motion to adopt or to perfect Board Bill 32.

Thank you, Madam President. I move to perfect Board Bill 32. Second.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 3rd, seconded by the Alderman from the 10th that we perfect Board Bill 32. Alderman, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President. Board Bill 32 is an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of funds from Bloomberg Philanthropies for the purposes of a youth climate action grant that would be administered through the president's office. This was a board bill that I introduced while the president was on maternity leave on behalf of the President Board of Aldermen's office. It has been approved.

Alderman, can you speak into the mic a little more? It's hard for me to hear you.

Is that better? That is much better. Okay. So the funds have been approved by ENA. They were unanimously approved in the HUD's committee, and I would ask for everyone's favorable consideration.

Any further discussion? Alderman from the 12th. Madam President, members of the board, if the alderman from the with the yield. The alderman from the third yields questioning from the alderman from the 12th.

I will.

Alderman, is this grant a continuing grant that's gone to the office of the president, or is this a new authorization of this award? I'm sorry, not grant.

This is a new authorization, the first that we're receiving the funds, an on-time fund.

And why are they going...

Alderman and women, could you please keep your voices down? It's really hard to hear the alderman from the third. Alderman, you may proceed.

I didn't hear the question from the alderwoman from the 12th.

I stopped because I saw you turn around to admonish them. They shouldn't be speaking behind you like that. So I gave you time to get that taken care of. So I didn't ask a full question.

OK, so your point of clarification, I wasn't admonishing. I was just kindly asking for the.

That was an admonishment and they needed the admonishment. Even if you didn't use those, those are my words because they shouldn't be talking behind you because it makes it very hard for you to be heard and for me to hear you. So go someplace else. They see that you're at the mic. So anyway, going on. So I'm sorry. Your reply was this is the first time I didn't get to hear all of what you were saying.

Sorry, Alderwoman. Yes, this is the first time that we're accepting this grant award, and it is a one-time award at this point.

Okay. And so my question is, why is it going to the Office of the President?

They were the applicants of the grant.

And have we, do you know of any other time that we've had things like this go to the office of the president? Because usually when I'm seeing these kind of things, they're being run by one of our, I don't know, social. Now, I won't say social. I'll say it'd be one of our departments. It wouldn't be the office of the president. So this is unusual for me. And I've been here for a long time, even before you. Do you know of any time we ever gave such an award to the office of the president?

Not that I recall, Alderwoman. I know that President Reed, who's the only other aldermanic president that I've served under during my time here at the board, did have various programs that ran out of his office, but I don't recall specifically if there was a grant that was provided through the office for administration.

And do you know if the president really legally office can accept this, that you have this vetted by the legal department, that they can really accept grants like this? Is that authorization as legal?

It was vetted through the legal department and approved by the board of estimate and apportionment.

And do you have any kind of written legal opinion or something you could tell me that the legal department, how this happens?

I personally do not know.

So who do you know that vetted it?

So I worked with Director Garmendia in the president's office on the board bill, and she was the primary point person in the president's office that I worked with.

So the president's office staff said that it was legal, okay. But do we have any independent people that said that or something in writing?

I'm sorry, Alderwoman?

I said, so the president's staff said that it was legal for them to get the money. But do we have anything in the president's staff who I would say are not the people that I would accept as what is truthful or not? And also because it is they work for the president. And so did they she didn't give you anything in writing to say that since she vetted it through legal to say here's a legal opinion?

Barb Burkett and the city counselor's office was the one that reviewed it and said that it was okay to proceed.

And you say said. I'm asking, is there something written?

I don't have anything in writing, Alderwoman.

Okay, I find, and how will this award be, I'm sorry, sub-award, how will this be, who will run this grant? The president's office, one of the staff members, how will this be set up? What will happen?

Yes, my understanding based off of the testimony that was provided on the HUD's hearing was that the president's office would be administering this. There would be micro grants that would be provided. So ranging in amounts to support activities from the city's youth council.

So going on that, so could we members of the Board of Aldermen also apply for subgrants and run awards out of our office?

Can you repeat that, Alderwoman?

I said, going by this precedent that is being set, can we, the members of the Board of Aldermen, then also apply for grants or subawards and then run such awards out of our offices?

Alderwoman, I would say... In my history down at the Board of Aldermen, I have written grants to, for instance, the Missouri Department of Economic Development. They've been accepted, and I've had to file legislation to have them approved and administered. So I would imagine that if an alder person themselves wrote a grant and it was awarded, we would obviously need to go through the legislative process to accept that, just as we're doing right now.

And so you're saying that when you wrote and applied for a grant, and then you got the grant, that your office administered it and didn't go to a department with the city of St. Louis?

Because of the way the grant was written, it was administered through CDA, I believe, at the time, because it was a housing grant. And so every grant is different, Alderwoman. So some grants are going to obviously fall in line. That is not my question.

I understand that. I understand it longer than you. Every grant is different. What I do not understand is why is it going through the president's office? This looks very political to me and is not the correct way to be doing things. And I don't believe this grant required that it go through the president's office. That's the problem that I have with it. It's not that it's not a good grant or shouldn't be done, but we actually have departments that could address this grant. So I'm trying to figure out why this is going through the president's office. And I can't remember any of them. And I've served with way more presidents than you, starting with, when I got here, it was Tom Villa. Then it was, who was it? Francis Lay, Jim Shrewsbury, Louis Reed. So I've served with a few more presidents than you. I've never seen anything like that. And I don't think this is appropriate. And I don't need to harp on it anymore. I will be voting no, not because of the grant, because I do not believe that it's appropriate for it to be going through the president's office. And so that's what I will be voting no on. That it should be sent to one of our departments that's fully staffed to do this kind of thing and not run it through the president's office. And Alderman, just... I'm not asking any further questions. I have no further questions from you. I just was for your information. I'm not asking for any more answers. I just wanted to know if you knew of some, because I certainly don't. I think this is inappropriate and I want a roll call and I will be voting no. Thank you.

And that's fine, Alderwoman, but I do have the opportunity to close and also provide responses.

But you're not closing right now. I have the floor. So you don't have the floor. You only yielded to my questions. So you do not get to close, but you can close when the president gives you that permission.

You did just say that you were finished with your question.

No, no, no. But you still have not been. I said I had I was finished with you. That's what I was saying. I'm finished. I have no questions with you. Thank you very much. Again, let me reiterate. I think this is inappropriate. I will not be supporting this. I think this looks political as no business going through the president's office and she's running it from her office. This is the kind of thing that if this was going to happen, this ought to be something that has a written lengthy legal opinion saying, how does this work? Because this is not how we're a legislative body. We're not supposed to be the body actually doing this as an executive privilege, not a legislative privilege. And that's where it should be in the executive offices under one of our departments. And for that reason, again, I am voting no and requesting a roll call. I have no further questions.

Any further discussion? Alderman from the Third.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to just also reiterate part of the reason why this funding has come through the Aldermanic President's Office is because the Youth Council is administered through the President's Office. There are other functions that are administered through the president's office, such as the poet laureate, which was a designation that was created by this body as well. I have personally been frustrated by some of those things over the years myself. And however, You know, this is the way that the Board of Aldermen drafted and created these processes as an entire body, not the president's office itself. And so this grant was applied for to provide resources to folks on the Youth Council. And I would again ask for everyone's favorable consideration.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 3rd, seconded by the Alderwoman from the 10th. Mr. Clerk, before we do roll, if you could please make sure I am added as co-sponsor on Board Bill 32.

So noted.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 3rd, seconded by the Alderwoman from the 10th that we perfect Board Bill 32. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderwoman Svesen. Aye. Alderman Odenberg. Aye. Alderman Cohn.

Aye.

Alderman Ryan.

Aye.

Alderman Devotee.

Aye.

Alderman Velazquez. Aye. Alderman Sonnier. Aye. Alderman Cox-Antwi. Aye. Alderman Browning.

Aye.

Alderman Clark Hubbard. Aye. Alderman Keyes. Alderman Tyers? No. Alderman LeBroy?

Present.

Alderman Aldridge? Aye. President Green?

Aye.

13 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present.

By your vote you sustain the motion for the Alderman from the 3rd to perfect Board Bill 32.

That's the extent of the board bills for perfection.

Report of engrossment.

Board bills 42, 45, and 46, 52, and 53. That's the extent of the report of engrossment.

Third reading and final passage of Board Bill's consent.

Board Bill 42, 45, and 46.

Alderwoman from the 10th, you are recognized on the motion to adopt the third reading and final passage of Board Bill's on the consent calendar.

Thank you, Madam President. Members of the board, I move that we adopt the third reading of the final passage of the board bill's consent calendar.

It's been moved by the older woman from the 10th, seconded by the older woman from the 7th, that we adopt the third reading of the final passage of board bills on the consent calendar. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please close. Mr. Clerk, it's going to take me a while to get used to this. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderman Schweitzer. Aye. Alderman Oudenberg. Aye. Alderman Cohn. Aye. Alderman Ryan. Aye. Alderman DeVolte.

Aye.

Alderman Velazquez. Aye. Alderman Sonnier. Aye. Alderman Cox-Antwi. Aye. Alderman Browning. All the women Clark Hubbard? Aye. All the women Keyes? Aye. All the women Tyus? Aye. All the women Boyd?

Aye.

All the women Aldridge? Present Green? Aye. All the women Tyus?

Aye.

15 aye votes.

By your vote, you sustain the motion from the alderwoman from the tent to third read and finally pass the aforementioned bills. Third reading and final passage of board bills. Alderman from the 14th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. Voting on this side, I would like to reconsider board bill 50 committee as amended in committee.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 1st, that we reconsider Board Bill 50, Committee Substitute, as amended in committee. This is a non-debatable motion. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderman Switzer? Aye. Alderman Odenberg?

Aye.

Alderman Cohn?

Aye.

Alderman Ryan? Aye. Alderman Devotee?

Aye.

Alderman Velazquez. Aye. Alderman Sunway. Aye. Alderman Cox-Entry. Aye. Alderman Browning.

Aye.

Alderman Clark-Hubbard. Aye. Alderman Keyes.

Aye.

Alderman Tyus. Aye. Alderman Boyd.

Aye.

Alderman Aldridge.

Aye.

President Green?

Aye.

Alderman Mathias?

Aye.

15 aye votes.

By your vote, you sustain the motion from the alderman from the 14th. Alderman, you are now...

uh you can now make your motion to move back to perfection thank you madam president members of board i'd like to make a motion to send board bill 50 floor substitute or 50 i'd like to make a motion to send board bill 50 committee substitute as amended in committee back to perfection

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 7th, that we move Board Bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee, back to the regular perfection calendar. Madam Clerk, Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.

Alderman Switzer? Aye. Alderman Odenberg?

Aye.

Alderman Cohn?

Aye.

Alderman Ryan? All right. All right. All right. All right. All right. Alderman Aldridge? Aye. President Green?

Aye.

15 votes.

Mr. Clerk, if we can now take up board bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee perfection.

Yes.

Board Bill 50, Committee Sub, as amended in Committee, sponsored by Alderman Aldrich, President Green, Alderman Velazquez, Alderman Sonia, and Alderman Cox-Antwin. An ordinance repealing Ordinance 7-1212, as codified in Chapter 8-108A, of the revised code of the City of St. Louis and any other ordinances or portions of ordinances codified in Chapter 8.108A that are inconsistent with or not fully repealed and establishing updated regulations for the licensing operation of mobile food vendors providing for designated commercial vending markets, predetermined vending locations, permit display requirements, and administration by the street departments.

Alderman from the 14th, you're recognized on the perfection of Board Bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I move that we perfect Board Bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 7th, that we perfect Board Bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee. Alderman, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I move that we adopt the floor substitute to Board Bill 50, It's a lot of this. 50, committee substitute as amended in committee.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 8th, that we adopt the floor substitute for board bill 50, committee substitute as amended in committee. Mr. Sorry, Alderman from the 14th. I have talking happening over here. Alderman from the 14th, you may continue on the motion for the floor substitute.

Floor substitute to Board Bill 50. Yes. So thank you, Madam President, members of the board. The floor sub is just one quick change. When we amended this board bill and committee there when we added a street for downtown West that was needed to be fixed in the vending districts there's something called downtown and commercial district in downtown West and that amendment accidentally took out the downtown commercial district which is that rung or that runs along the intersection of public right-of-way among market between the intersection of South 8th Street and South 16th Street and on the public right of way of Chestnut Street between the intersection of Market Street and North 15th Street and the public right of way along Chestnut Street between the intersection of North 14th Street and North 15th Street as well as one of, I want to thank the Alderman of the Fifth Ward, that caught some language in the Downtown West Commercial Vending District. We have the intersection right on the public right-of-way of Pine Street between the intersection and North Beaumont, but we didn't mention the other intersection that Pine would sit, which is North Leffingwell. So this again is the language that was just left out when we did an amendment and committee to fix downtown west and accidentally took out the whole downtown commercial district and with that i'll be open for any questions any discussion on the motion for the floor substitute alderwoman from the 12th um actually my hand was up but it's since it's still up um if the alderman from the 14th with yield the alderman 14th yields questioning from the alderwoman from the 12th yes

Thank you, Alderman. So the correction is to add downtown back in because that was left out in trying to include another downtown portion as a different section, is that right?

Correct. So in committee, we needed to fix the downtown west commercial vending district and change one of the intersections to originally it said North 20th on Olive and it was supposed to be North 23rd on Olive and move it up to Jefferson. but when we did that amendment we struck out because one says downtown and one says downtown west we said replace trying to fix the downtown west we left off the word west and that struck out the whole downtown commercial district since downtown has downtown west and downtown yes ma'am two separate names right yes ma'am okay so now everybody's taken care of the cardinals are taken care of and everybody's a happy camper now downtown is that correct That's correct. And the Cardinals language is that was already fixed in the bill during committee. So we didn't touch that. But yes, they came and they testified in support of it.

So what I'm saying by this change, we won't now hear from the Cardinals saying, hey, wait a minute. So everybody's happy now.

Everyone's happy. And this will be the last time we talk about food trucks this session.

I doubt it, but OK. All right. I think you have no further questions.

Thank you.

Any further discussion? Seeing none, it's been moved by the Alderman from the 14th, seconded by the Alderwoman from the 8th that we adopt the floor substitute for Board Bill 50. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Alderman, you are now recognized on the perfection of Board Bill 50.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I renew my motion on board bill 50.

You have to make a new motion. I make a motion that we. Perfection of the floor substitute.

I make a motion we perfect the floor substitute to board bill 50.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderman from the 7th, that we perfect board bill 50 floor substitute. Is there any discussion on the motion to perfect? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. By your vote, you have sustained the motion to perfect Board Bill 50, floor substitute. Alderman from the 14th. With that, I would like to request that we refer Board Bill 50, floor substitute, to the Legislation and Rules Committee for engrossment.

So noted.

There's no second needed.

Third reading and final passage of board bills.

Board Bill 52, sponsored by Alderman Cohn. An ordinance pertaining to the transit sales tax imposed pursuant to section 94.660 as adopted by the voters of the City of St. Louis on August 2nd, 1994, pursuant to the Ordinance 63168, creating the City Public Transit Sales Tax Trust Fund, directing the treasurer of the City of St. Louis to deposit funds received pursuant to sales tax into the City Public Transit Sales Trust Fund, account one, appropriating $13,529,900 from the sales tax for the period of July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027 to the bi-state development agency for certain purposes and containing inseverability and emergency costs.

Alderman, from the third, you are recognized in the third reading, final passage, Board Bill 52.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm going to ask that we place Board Bills 52 and 53 on the informal calendar.

Mr. Clerk, if you could please place Board Bills 52 and 53 on the informal calendar at the request of the . So moved. Report of the finally passed and signed by the President.

Board Bill 42, 45, and 46.

All other business being suspended, the president shall in open session affix her signature here to the end that these may become law.

Okay.

All right. No, I need to call her. Yeah, these two should not have been there. Yeah, I'll give her a call.

At this point in time, we will go back to the courtesy resolution calendar. If Alderwoman from the 11th would like to approach the dais with her honored guests for the presentation of Resolution 75.

Yeah, that's excellent.

Thank you all so much. Okay.

Good morning. Thank you, Madam President and members of the board. This morning we are honoring Lee Jojo Johnson with the resolution number 75. I would like to commend Mr. Philip Johnson. This is his first day taking the helm. He's doing a wonderful job. Now, Phillip, I want you to take a drink of water, and then you're going to get ready to read this resolution. It's the long one.

Resolution number 75, honoring Lee JoJo Johnson. Whereas William Beaumont High School has served as a cornerstone of education community pride, leadership, development, and lifelong relationships in the city of St. Louis since its founding in 1926. And as the school celebrates its historic centennial anniversary in 2026, it is recognized not only for its century of academic excellence, but also for its significant role in the history of public education and civil rights. And whereas throughout its distinguished 100-year history, William Beaumont High School has produced generations of accomplished graduates whose achievements have reflected the values and spirit of Blue Jacket tradition. And among those exemplary alumni stand Lee Jojo Johnson, a devoted alumnus and steadfast leader who served as the president of the Beaumont High School Alumni Association from 2011 to 2026, dedicated himself to preserving the school's legacy strengthening alumni engagement and uniting generations of graduates under the enduring belief that we are family and whereas lee johnson has distinguished himself as a devoted alumni alumnus and steadfast leader of the beaumont school alumni association serving as president from 2011 to 2026 and dedicating countless hours to preserving the legacy traditions in the spirit of william beaumont high school And whereas what began as an inaugural gathering of approximately 200 alumni has grown into one of the city's most notable alumni celebrations, attracting nearly 2,000 attendees and serving as a testament to Lee Johnson's leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief that Vermont alumni are indeed family. Be it further resolved that the Board of Aldermen extends its sincere congratulations and best wishes to Lee Johnson and all the members of the William Vermont High School Alumni Association as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the William Beaumont High School on June 13, 2026, and express his gratitude for their continued efforts to inspire unity, service, pride, and excellence under the enduring banner of We Are Family. And be it further recognized that this resolution shall be spread upon the records of the Board of Aldermen and that a commemorative copy be presented to Lee Johnson as a lasting expression of appreciation for his outstanding contributions to William Broadmont High School's alumni community in the city of St. Louis. Introduce this 10th day of July by the Honorable Laura Keyes, Audubon of the 11th Ward.

Thank you so much. So if any of you have ever had the opportunity to attend or even pass by Fairground Park and see the annual celebration of Beaumont High School alumni, it is something to behold. I am an honorary Beaumont graduate. I've been accused so many times of being an alumni of Beaumont. So now I just say, yeah. You know, one woman, I'm going to tell you this quick story. So one woman, I was at Walmart, and she came up and she embraced me, and she said, girl, it's been a long time. You know, remember when we were at Beaumont? I said, oh, ma'am, I'm sorry, I didn't graduate from Beaumont. She said, yeah. So I took out my ID, and still she was like, mm-hmm. So that's my Beaumont story. But I'm going to hand the reins over to Ora Higgs, who is a Beaumont alumni. Woo!

Blue Jackets! Good morning, everybody. This is such an honor. And I know that if Mr. Johnson could be here today, he would be. And I know he's unable to be with us to receive this recognition, so we want to just take a moment to honor his outstanding service and his unwavering, unwavering dedication to Beaumont High School and to the community. As president of Beaumont High School Association from 2011 to 2026, I'm sorry, yes, to 2023, Mr. Johnson, he has helped strengthen and bond Beaumont graduates by establishing traditions that continue to bring us together. He has started our annual alumni picnic and has organized our annual alumni bonfires for all of the PHLs that come together where we have taken first place every year. We show up strong in our blue and gold, and we are so proud. that we can connect and bring back memories. But not only has he done that for us, I just want to recognize how important it is to keep our schools open because they produce such great people. In this room, leaders, people who have become local politicians, where we have had people who have served on major league baseball teams, such as Lee Johnson. So the importance of keeping our schools open, it is... It's just very important because our kids need our neighborhood schools. And when we look back on people that has graduated from Roosevelt, like our own clerk, Sherita Rogers, Like myself a social clerk is graduated from Beaumont high school such as Pruitt who works in the mayor's office I'm so many people who work for the city of st. Louis our own chief of staff who graduated from Vachon high school and I It's just such an honor to be a part of St. Louis Public Schools. And for someone like Lee Johnson to recognize the importance of keeping us together and just being able to reminisce on those memories, I just, I commend him. So I thank you today, and I'm sure if he could be here, he would be so honored. So thank you guys for today.

Any further discussion? Alderwoman from the 10th and then Alderwoman from the 7th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I rise here in full support, knowing that there are two people smiling down today, because if not for the halls of Beaumont, myself or the 10th ward intern this morning, my little brother, we wouldn't be here. My parents, Joseph W.B. Clark, Jr., and Class of 66, and Rochelle Clark, Jr., Simmons Clark, then class of 67, graduated, met in the halls of Beaumont, graduated, went on to Mizzou, went on to live their lives and have a family, and now to be able to stand here in a position to honor their alma mater that my mother loved and served with Mr. Johnson for so many years for the alumni celebrations. 66, this is their 60th year. They're having a big thing this year. So again, I just want to offer my support. This is amazing grace and power just reflected right here from Beaumont in the dais. And again, if you see that sea of blue and yellow when they take over Natural Bridge, as all the women keep saying, you would know the magic that has happened at Beaumont High School. With that, I would like to add my name is a co-sponsor and offer my support. If there's ever anything that I can do in any position to honor Beaumont, again, in honor of my parents, please don't hesitate to call.

Alderwoman from the 7th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I also just rise to echo my support. I get just a good, warm, fuzzy feeling whenever I get to see any of our staff up there and even Ms. Rochelle. I think one of my favorite things about St. Louis is the pride that we have within our educational institutions. I think it's unmatched across the country. The way that we say with such pride we are, when I seen that blue jacket coming in, I knew exactly what time it was when I walked in here today. So I just wanted to add my support and make a motion to embank this.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 7th, seconded by the Alderman from the 3rd that we embank Resolution 75. Is there any discussion on the motion to embank? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Alderman from the 3rd.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board, and the wonderful alumni of Beaumont. The contributions of our public school system to our city are immeasurable. And while I didn't graduate from Beaumont, I did actually volunteer for a couple of years at Beaumont, helping to facilitate financial literacy classes there as a volunteer. And the youth that came out of that school, I believe to be leaders of the future of our city and literally have some blood, sweat and tears put into that building up there on Natural Bridge, too, because I also help paint fences and do other things up there to make the environment healthier and better for the young people that were going to school there at the time. And, you know, the one thing about the conversations that are taking place right now that I think are very sad for a lot of St. Louis residents is the loss of these beautiful facilities in our city as a whole. Certainly, I talk about it pretty often in my neck of the woods with the old Cleveland High School building. There's such a sense of identity and pride that comes with having these schools in our community. And I... certainly hope that we continue to uplift all of the students of slps um you know through our actions down here at the board of aldermen but also all of the wonderful activities that the alumni of slps continue to pour back into the district and into our city thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you all do for our city for our neighborhoods and for our kids thank you

Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Then seeing none, Alderwoman from the 10th, you are recognized on the motion to adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I move that we adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar. Second.

It's been moved by the Alderwoman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the 3rd that we adopt the courtesy resolution consent calendar. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. If we would like to pause for a moment and go to the stairs to take a picture together, please join us on the stairs.

Getting old at her. Okay.

Stop.

First reading of resolutions in reference to committee.

Resolution 67, sponsored by Alderwoman Songo, President Green, and Alderman Ryan. Solidarity with the graduate student workers of St. Louis University.

Alderwoman from the seventh, you are recognized on the first reading of resolution 67.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I would like to request unanimous consent.

Hearing no objection, you may proceed.

Thank you. Resolution, I would like to move to adopt Resolution 67. Second.

It's been moved by the Alderwoman from the 7th, seconded by the Alderman from the 14th, that we adopt Resolution 67. Alderwoman, you may proceed.

Resolution 67 is a resolution that is very near and dear to my heart. I have the honor of being an alum of St. Louis University, and so during my time there in my undergraduate studies, you know, it was oftentimes graduate students who were really doing the teaching. For example, the intro biology class has over 100 students in it, so usually it is graduate students who are running that and teaching that. And St. Louis University is a great institution with a lot of educational opportunities. But one of the things that doesn't get discussed enough is the treatment of graduate students and how they track into the overall economic ecosphere of the university. Some things that I think is important that this body and our city know is that the average graduate student at St. Louis University gets about $25,000 to $30,000 a year. A full living wage at $15 an hour would be $31,000 a year. And as a part of their graduate student contracts, they're actually prohibited from having outside employment. And if you happen to be a student that comes from an international community, a foreign country, you have even more restrictions in terms of other employment you can do. Another fact that I think is really important for this body to know is things such as health care information. I just mentioned they get $25,000 to $30,000 a year. Their emergency room co-pays can be anywhere from $300 to $500. And a lot of times when we're talking about workers who are unionizing, graduate students get passed over, even though essentially they are usually the labor that is moving. institution. They're teaching the classes, they're running the labs, they're grading the papers, while also assisting their professors who are tenured with further research efforts. And so Resolution 67 calls upon St. Louis University to engage with them in good faith. They have been engaging in their process for over a year now, and I'm very sad and disappointed to say that they've not made much progress in those conversations. Obviously, this is a difficult time for educational institutions across our country, but I think as we make hard decisions, we have to do it in a way that centers our people and doesn't leave graduate students struggling to afford one-bedroom apartments, doesn't leave graduate students struggling to afford childcare, struggling to get groceries, struggling to pay their utilities to meet the basic necessities. We know in our city, the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment for a family is probably around $41,000 that you need. So Resolution 67 is just putting these things on record and identifying the value, the insurmountable value that graduate students bring to the University of St. Louis University. It is calling on St. Louis University to negotiate, engage with them in good faith. And it is my hope that us doing this will encourage them to come to that table and work with them. I think it's unacceptable that contracts have not been implemented. in over five years, that health care hasn't been looked at in over five years. I think it's unacceptable that students who are essentially the engine oil for the institution are really economically struggling and in some cases make below federal poverty guidelines, that in some cases we have baristas and other individuals that are valuable members of the workforce that are out earning them. And so Resolution 67 speaks to that, and we have many of them, our graduate students, who are able to join us today in our gallery today. If you all could just wave your hand. I thank you so much for showing up today, and I hope this conversation that we have today helps you all to feel supported and to know that we are standing in solidarity with you.

Any further discussion? Alderwoman from the 6th.

One, I want to thank my colleague from the 7th for presenting this resolution. I would like to be added as a co-sponsor.

Mr. Clerk, please make note of that. So noted. Any further discussion? Alderwoman from the 1st.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. Please add me as a co-sponsor as well. I appreciate you bringing this forward, Alderman from the 7th. It's really important to make sure workers from all fields are represented and have options to organize. So thank you. Mr. Clerk, please make note of that. Alderman from the 9th.

Noted.

Thank you, Alderman from the 7th, for bringing this forward. I'd also like to be added as a co-sponsor.

Clerk, please make note of that. Alderman from the 4th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I'm already a co-sponsor on this, but I would ask that we pass this announcement.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 4th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 8th that we make the motion in bank. Is there any discussion on bank? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carried. For those in the gallery, Resolution 67 has now been embanked, which means that every member of the Board of Aldermen has signed on in support as a co-sponsor. Alderman, any further discussion? Seeing none, Alderman from the 7th, you are recognized to close.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. How exciting that every member has joined. It is my hope that this encourages the institution and helps you all's organizing efforts. I think what Alderman first said is really important, that we want to support all of our workers. all of them. We don't want to pick and choose which ones get support. And we certainly don't want to see many cases like you all, where you all are young professionals, some of you are getting PhDs in biochemistry, these other things, but you're also having to go get food stamps and wonder if you can afford to go to the hospital. I think that's unacceptable. And I would love to see our institutions meet you all there. And so I hope this gives you a little bit more support and a little bit more leverage. And I hope that conversations continue to progress. Thank you.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 7th, seconded by the Alderman from the 14th. We adopt Resolution 76-7. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries.

Resolution 76, sponsored by President Green and Alderman Ryan, solidarity with the members of the Teamster Local 600 and Local 68 at the Breakthrough Beverage Distribution.

Alderman from the 4th, you are recognized in the first reading, Resolution 76.

Thank you, Madam President. I request unanimous consent.

Hearing no objection, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board, in carrying on with this general... Oh, I move to adopt Resolution 6...

It's been moved by the alderman from the 4th, seconded by the alderman from the 7th, that we adopt Resolution 76. Alderman, you may proceed.

Thank you. And carrying on with the current theme, this resolution is regarding the Teamsters Local 600 and 688. For more than 60 days now over at Breakthrough Beverage, there's been a strike going on. More than 215 drivers. One of the things that they're asking for that I think is really important is they're asking to continue to have picket line protection. This is... the backbone of the union movement. Breakthrough is trying to force the Teamsters to deliver across picket lines. And if they have to do that, you know, that's just a non-starter for anyone who cares about organized labor. I'll say this is kind of a personal issue for me because they... Breakthrough is the distributor of my preferred brand of whiskey, so I won't drink it until the strike is over. The Teamsters have asked for anyone who wants to support them to not drink Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Pinnacle Vodka, Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, Three Olives, Absolute Vodka, Hendrix, Salsa, Monaco, Yingling, Malibu, Seagram Escapes, Jameson, Deep Eddy, Boda Box, Athletic, Kendall Jackson, and Wagner Family Wine. So if you want to support the Teamsters, tell your local bar that you're not drinking that and let them know why. They'll bring that information back to Breakthrough. And I think it's important to support all of organized labor, and that's what we're trying to do here today. I ask for your favorable consideration.

Any further discussion? Alderman from the 14th and then the 11th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. First and foremost, I want to thank our Teamsters brothers for continuing to stand on the picket line and making our voices heard. As we used to say in the fight for 15, strike, strike, strike, strike. Organizing is a right. Strike, strike, strike, strike. Organizing is a right. And I just want you guys to know that this board of aldermen stands by you, continue to support you. It's a very labor supportive board. I don't think there's been one labor resolution or legislation that's come to this board that this board has not supported. So I know I need to get out there and stand with you all on the picket line, and that is my commitment to be there. I would encourage my colleagues also to come on out. I'm also happy to know that Crown Apple is not on that list, so I'm good to go on that one. But as Altman said, do not drink the others. With that, Madam President, I move that we embank this resolution.

It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderman from the 7th, that we embank Resolution 76. Is there any discussion on the motion to embank? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion carries. For those in the gallery, that means that Resolution 76 has now had every alderman at the Board of Aldermen sign on in support as a co-sponsor. Any further discussion? Alderman from the 7th.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. I just wanted to go on record and make sure I accepted or welcomed the invitation to stand on the picket line as well. And also just wanted to make sure to the Alderman of the 4th that I played on record that I think it is some nasty work to require or ask of you all to cross the picket line to do deliveries. And I'm really proud of you all for standing on that. I think that is... A strong principle. I think crossing picket lines is not very good camaraderie and is, you know, in some ways just a violation of principles. So I'm glad that you all are calling on that. But I also want to make sure I say publicly that I think that even that ask itself is just a level, represents a level of not understanding the purpose of organizing, the purpose of union, the purpose of solidarity. And so I'm very disappointed to hear that that ask would even be made. I think it's very nasty work. And I commend you all for doing that. And I commend the Alderman of the Fourth for bringing this resolution forward.

Any further discussion? Elder woman from the tent.

I just wanted to also thank you, Madam President, members of the board, and rise in support of both of the organizing efforts here. I had already sent a word to the clerks to ask to be added as a co-sponsor, but now in bank we are all co-sponsors. And I want to say, especially to you all, I see you all when I'm going to pick up my brother at the Brain Injury Foundation. I take 44 to Southwest. I get up on Southwest. See the big purple rat, which always got my eyes. And I bought some items as well. So the honking, showing up with you all, and being down here to be in support and in banking these resolutions all make a difference. So just know we have your backs. Thank you.

Any further discussion? Any further discussion? It's been moved by the alderman from the 14th, seconded by the alderman from the 15th. Sorry, that was on the embank. It has been moved by the alderman from the 4th, seconded by the alderwoman from the 7th, that we adopt resolution number 76. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? Motion carries. Second reading, resolutions, committee reports, and adoptions.

Report from the Health and Human Development Committee. Appointments to the Forest Park Advisory Board.

All the women from the 13th, you are recognized in Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Forest Park Advisory Board.

Thank you, Madam Chair and Board. I ask for your favorable consideration for the members for the Forest Park Advisory Board.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 13th, seconded by the Alderman from the 7th, that we approve Mayor Spencer's appointments to the Forest Park Advisory Board. Is there any discussion? Alderman from the 4th.

Thank you, Madam President. Or just a quick cleanup. That should read Venco, K-O, not Z-O. Just want to make sure we're confirming the right folks here. Thanks.

Mr. Clerk, please make note of that.

Thank you.

Any further discussion? Seeing none, it's been moved by the Alderwoman from the 13th, seconded by the Alderwoman from the 7th that we approve Spencer's appointments to the Forest Park Advisory Board. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Motion carries. Miscellaneous and unfinished business.

We'll have none.

Announcements.

Wednesday, July 15th, public infrastructure and utilities meeting, 3.30 p.m. in the county room.

Is there an alderman from the 13th?

Thank you, Madam President and the board. I'd like to do a reminder for July the 11th, Dorff Park Methodist Church will have our quarterly meeting.

Any further announcements? We'd also like to announce that the Board of Aldermen will have two additional board meetings, one on July 20th at 10 a.m. and the other on July 24th at 10 a.m. in order to finally pass the data center regulations. Alderwoman from the 10th, you are recognized on the motion to excuse.

Thank you, Madam President, members of the board. All members were present this morning. Alderman from the 10th, you're recognized in the motion to adjourn. Thank you, Madam President. Members of the board, I move that we adjourn until... I know we have a special meeting. Monday, July 20th. Monday, July 20th, 2026, 10 a.m. in the Board of Alderman Chambers.

It's been moved by the Alderman from the 10th, seconded by the Alderman from the 7th, that we adjourn until Monday, July 20th, 2026 in the Board of Alderman Chambers. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed motion carries. We are adjourned.