Board of Aldermen - Regular Meeting

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Good evening and welcome to the August 10th, 2026 Board of Auburn meeting. I now call this meeting to order. We ask you to please rise and join in the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. I would ask the city clerk to call roll for attendance.

Alderman Friedman? Here. Alderman Gerber? Here. Alderman Harder? Here. Alderman Hughes? Here. Alderman Murphy? Here. Alderman Sawyer? Here. And Alderman Schwer? Present. I have Alderman Kinsella as absent. Mayor Remus presiding. We do have a board.

Thank you. Court, just your approval of the minutes. Just want to make a comment that the retreat the board retreat is august 26th at 2 12 30 p.m at v post national bank which is a on the south outer road and that is definitely open to the public so anybody who would come and see what it talks about in terms of the future of the city and planning are more than welcome to come to that i also want to give some kudos to alderman hughes who engineered and put together A very nice lunch for the Garden Club last Friday morning. From talking to the members of the Garden Club, who are obviously volunteers and have been doing it for a couple of decades or more, I think they very much appreciated being announced. So thank you for putting that together. I now seek a motion and second to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2026 meeting. So moved. Second. Any discussion or amendment?

Aye. I wasn't able to attend the last meeting, but I did watch it online and I did review the minutes.

Thank you. All in favor of approving the minutes, say aye. Aye. Secure your hands. Thank you. We do not have any public hearings. We do not have any appointments.

at this point i have recognized the board's opportunity to provide reports ultimate order okay our pfb commission came back last week and awards were presented to the following officers during the meeting officers wolf and privet were given the chief's award of excellence Sergeant Defienza along with Officers Wolf and Defienza were given life-saving awards. And a highlight of the evening, Officer Bator was given the Distinguished Service Actation for Valor. This is the highest award given out by the police department. Also at the meeting, Corporal Yard on behalf of Chief Wilkie presented to the testing and evaluation process for the new weapons for next year, replacement firearms. Approved unanimously. We'll see that on the board probably in the next meeting hopefully. Upcoming events.

Sorry about that.

Okay, we have coffee with the cop and Mayor Ray. That's tomorrow morning, August 11th, 9 a.m. at McDonald's in Lampin' Lampin'. No agendas, no speeches, just coffee and coffee. Conversation. They also will be selling t-shirts. Not them, but a collecting donation for Special Olympics on September 4-6 at Schnucks.

And anybody who wants to help sell t-shirts, let Katie know. I'm going to sign up myself.

We recently presented fraud awareness programs at Mason Point, Garden Villas, and Maria de Villa. And we have the upcoming fraud academy. You all probably saw the big sign outside. And that's going to be September 9th at CBC. And right now there's 27 people signed up. And the only reason you have to sign up is so that we have enough information for everybody. You don't have to give your birthday and all this other stuff. Next thing is West County National Night Out. I know it's early, but it's not too early to plan. Tuesday, October 6th. So registration is available on the website and it's also pinned on the PD Facebook page. Last year we had 12 subdivisions. That is the new baseline. So we're hoping for 15 or more this year. That's great because the mayor, face chief, fire chief, they all come and visit as many as they can.

And we show up as well.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 24th. In 12, there will be more information later. And this is something I didn't know we had. I thought this was great. We recently re-shared information about the pet management program featured in our community. So in other words, if you register your pet with the police department, then the officers, when they're patrolling, they can check for lost dogs or found dogs or cats. That's a fantastic service. I wish I'd known about that about three years ago when we did lose a cat. So that's all I got, thankfully. Well, thank you.

And honestly, on the Prada Academy, I don't know what is more sad than to see or hear about I hear about an occasion where a senior citizen who gets defrauded on some scam on a significant part of their retirement funds. I mean, that is heartbreaking. It just is. Alderman Hughes.

Thank you, Mayor. The Architect Review Board met on August the 3rd and the following items were approved. A new house at 715 Elk Grove Court. A new house at 1932 Sturfield Lane. In front, facade improvement at 12515 Windmore Place. And the next meeting of the Architecture Review Board will be held on Tuesday. They're normally on Monday because of the holiday. September the 8th at 5.30 p.m. And the following item will be considered a new house at 133 Codgorn and States Drive, which is across the street from me.

Thank you. Alderman Schreyer. The commission met, the Public Works Commission met on the 20th of July. We recommended approval of TEO for concrete slabs, which is on the agenda tonight. We continued design contract work for the Mason Road sidewalk until the retreat. There is no agenda for August, so that was canceled. Personally, I'd like to thank all the staff in here for the recent newsletters, for the information about the golf tournament. I've gotten several compliments, and I thought it was really well done. It was great for the community, so thank you. Whoever was responsible for that. I defer the credit to Kate.

Thank you. It was very well done. Thank you.

michelle do you have any comments a couple of facility updates that have informed the board of my friday updates the salt dome building is making good progress they're hanging the drywall i have the plumbing work done it's being inspected that the soil remediation is complete for the new annex construction that we had to do with the clay soil so that's all been completed And then moving on to the city hall building, we've been working on phasing, which will obviously be a big deal to be able to keep us all up and running during all the major renovations. So we've been working on phasing and then still on schedule to have agreements before the board for this facility, and then we'll be able to focus on the fire station.

Thank you. Excuse me, Mayor. I'm not sure if my mic is lit. Oh, it was.

Go ahead.

So I just wanted to provide a quick update on the Parks and Trails Commission. The commission is the form of community that the city will host two concerts in September. Thursday, September 10th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as Howlin' the Heavy Hearts take the stage with their mix of blues, funk, rock, and soul. And Friday, September 18th also from six to eight, we'll have Blue Moon Blues Band. Also, for the community, please mark the calendars with Fire and Ice on Saturday, October 3rd, from five to eight at Longview Park. Thank you.

Thank you, and I'm tickled to think that neither of those calendars is the next two nights. A payable report, I recognize the Board's opportunity to ask questions on the July payable report. All right, next, moving on to unfinished business. The first is number one, bill number 26-25, sponsored by the Board of School, continued from the 6-8-26 substitute bill anticipated. And I would ask the city clerk to read the bill for the second time.

Bill number 26-25 is an ordinance approving a conditional use and authorizing a conditional use permit for a group home to be located at 541 South Mason Road in the city of County Country. And Mayor, I have several items to enter into the record as well. Each of these was distributed to the board in advance of the meeting and was placed at all of your guys' dive spots because they were submitted today. Item number one is an email in opposition from Kara Barnes, 13014 Mason Estate Court, dated August 9th, 2026, consisting of two pages. Item number two, importantly, is a protest petition submitted pursuant to Municipal Code Section 405.200.E. which requires a super majority vote for passage by the board upon validation. That protest petition was received today, August 10th, 2026, consisting of 10 pages, and was validated by the city clerk as having met the required 30% threshold outlined in code. To that item, I've also added the code verbiage for 405-200E, as well as my validation sheet for the record for a total of 12 pages. And item number three is a letter in opposition from Stacy Hasty, 555 South Mason Road, dated August 10th, 2026, consisting of five pages.

Thank you. Thank you. At this point, do I need to get a motion to approve or in second? I see the motion to approve and second this. So moved.

You needed to make any future motions.

Second. Thank you. At this point, I'm going to actually make a motion that we actually postpone this for a month. There was some documentation that needed to be in by this time the meeting started. That documentation has not been received. And I feel that ask the Board of Aldermen to opine on this without having this documentation, updated documentation, i find it very frustrating that this requirement has not been met um i also find it frustrating that the person who is going to be running this is not in attendance tonight but i can see um so i'm going to seek a motion to approve that a continuation of this until the september 14th meeting so a second you need a discussion on that All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? I think this then will be on the docket for September 14th.

Yes.

As soon as we get the documentation at that time.

Well, you guys have just continued it to September 14th, so we'll be on the agenda just like it was tonight, no matter what, unless the applicant withdraws the item. And just for the record, for anybody watching or in attendance, a substitute bill was anticipated tonight that was not put on the floor yet. So I would anticipate if this continues to move forward, we would have a substitute bill for review in the next packet as well.

Thank you. I'm sorry, can I ask a question? Yes, sir. Stacey Hasty, 555 South Mason Road. I just want to confirm that all the

the protest letters that were notarized, they stay in effect for the next meeting as well? I just want to verify that. Absolutely. Okay, thank you.

Absolutely. Thank you. And I apologize if we have to put this off, but I just don't feel the board is in a position to try to make a judgment without full information. Yes, ma'am.

I have a question. My name is Susan Crandall. I live at 13326 Bucklands Hall Road. This has been on the agenda for many months, and I don't know what documentation you're requesting, but the ordinance has clearly asked for documentation. The documentation was requested, I assume, months ago. How long and why are we giving extensions for this?

I'm going to actually ask our attorney to answer that.

This is only the first time it's been on for second reading, and I believe that the What I take it is to afford the applicant an opportunity to bring in the information the board wants to see.

When was the information requested?

The information at issue actually was filed by the applicant some time ago, but it has expired and we've asked for an updated version of the material.

When was that requested?

It's been requested since last week, actually.

I believe it's been requested prior to that date. Is there a way we could confirm when it was requested? Not of the applicant, it was not, and not of me. So we had an expired document in our possession and we waited until last week to request an updated one?

The document requires that the individual attend some recertification. The document itself does not expire. So that's a clarification in our opinion. It's been requested.

But just last week? Correct. But we've known it was expired since we got it?

I don't believe...

that that certification but i'm not going to opine on that it's a state licensed issue believe me i'm not in favor of having this open ended forever believe me um but i do want to feel that everyone who comes to our city gets a fair hearing i think seems like several months might be fair that's what i was trying to figure out it's a pretty crucial thing for a medical person I don't disagree, and they ask his pride or patience. That's all I can say. But we want, we really do want to give everyone who comes here, and we can debate how much time is a fair hearing. I would think that if things aren't in place in September, we're done. Can I ask a legal question?

Sure. What would happen to the protest had we not continued at the last meeting?

anything was deep materials previously filed did not constitute a protest within the meaning of state law or the city's ordinances and would not have been effective to require a super majority and then we continued it and now it is in effect now a new one has been filed it is satisfactory yes sir yeah and that will remain in effect the student majority so had it not been continued prior the

So that did give her an additional month to present the document. It's not me. I didn't write a protest letter.

There was a feeling last month that the people who are the neighbors in that area may not have had fully enough time to digest it either. And that was one other reason to put that off. I want all the citizens of the city to be able to weigh in on it.

It was also my understanding that it was delayed because they were not notarized. There was not an understanding that they needed to be notarized and certified. Is that correct?

I believe they did not have the notarization on time.

It was not notarized as required by code.

So I wanted to let people have time to get all those notes and orders also.

And that one received today. Notarized.

I just know that it had to do, I didn't know, I just know it was a license to do with medication and people who provide medical services know they have to have a license as I do as a nurse, an active practicing nurse, I have to have an active license. That seems to be something that should be obvious and should have been presented.

And we are working on trying to obtain that.

Thank you.

Thank you. And I am sorry we had to continue it, but to me, it was just the only thing that made sense. But yes, our frustration level is not great for this. Next, bill number 2631, board as a whole, without objection, will the city clerk read bill number 2631 for the second time?

Bill number 2631 is an ordinance accepting a bid and authorizing an agreement with Reinhold Electric Inc. for on-call electrical services. motion and second to approve any discussion or amendment Alderman Hughes aye Alderman Harder aye Alderman Friedman aye Alderman Schwer aye Alderman Sawyer aye Alderman Gerber aye and Alderman Murphy aye The bill passes unanimously and becomes ordinance number 4762. Bill number 2635 is an ordinance amending Title I, Government Code of the Town and Country Municipal Code, specifically by the amendment of Section 110.190 pertaining to the appointment of board and commission members.

This bill number 2635 is continued to the meeting of Monday, September 14, 2026 for the second meeting consideration. Next, bill number 26-36. for the first time.

Bill number 2636 is an ordinance authorizing the city administrator to execute a design-build agreement with American Ramp Company for design and construction services associated with the Preservation Park pickleball and bike playground project.

Thank you. I now entertain a motion and second to suspend the agenda rules to hold the second reading for administrative efficiency and time and convenience as authorized by Resolution R04-2026, all in favor of suspending the gender... Mayor, we need a first and a second on that suspension. Oh, I do.

So moved. Second.

It's easier to be dictator. All in favor of suspending the gender rule, say aye. Aye. Opposed? Nay.

I believe the ayes carry it, so I can sentence the suspension.

Without objection, will the city clerk read the bill for the second time?

Bill number 2636 is an ordinance authorizing the city administrator to execute a design-build agreement with American Ramp Company for design and construction services associated with the Preservation Park Pickleball and Bike Playground project.

Thank you.

I seek a motion to approve and a second.

So moved.

Second. Any further discussion? Would you take a roll call vote?

Alderman Murphy?

Aye.

Alderman Freedman? Aye. Alderman Sawyer?

Aye.

Alderman Hughes?

Aye.

Alderman McQuare?

Aye.

Alderman Gerber?

Aye.

And Alderman Harder?

Aye.

The bill passes unanimously and becomes ordinance number 4762. Thank you.

The next bill, 26-37, passed and sponsored by the Board as a whole. Five objections from the City Clerk. Read the bill for the second time.

Bill number 2637 is an ordinance amending Title II, Public Health, Safety, and Welfare of the Town and Country Municipal Code, specifically by the amendment of section 230 regarding local emergency management.

Thank you. I now entertain a motion and second to suspend the agenda rules to hold the second reading for administrative efficiency and timing conveniences authorized by resolution number R04-2026. Seek a motion and second. So moved. Second. Okay, thank you. All in favor of suspending the agenda will say aye.

Aye.

Motion carries. I can stop the suspension. Without objection, will the city clerk read the bill for the second time?

Bill number 2637 is an ordinance amending Title II, Public Health, Safety, and Welfare of the Town and Country Municipal Code, specifically by the amendment of Section 230 regarding local emergency management.

I see a motion to approve. So moved. Second. Second. Any discussion?

Alderman Schwerer? Has there been a new location for the Dispatch Center yet? Oh yeah, they're relocated to the Bearer Campus. It used to be Monsanto, now it's Bearer. It's been sold and we have a great spot down there.

the bill passes unanimously becomes ordinance number four seven six three next we'll move this number 2637 um sponsored by the board of the whole without objection with the city court we developed that first time Bill number 2638 is an ordinance accepting a bid of T-Hill Construction for the 2026 concrete slab replacement project and authorizing an agreement per se.

Thank you.

And now to entertain a motion.

This one's just continued to- That's right, that's right.

That bill number 2638 is continued to be amended September 14th for second reading.

26 39 perhaps much by the board as a whole without objection to the city court bill for the first time bill number 2639 is an ordinance authorizing the city administrator to execute a second amendment to the west county dispatch center participation agreement on behalf of the city of town and country

Thank you very much. I will now entertain a motion and a second to suspend the agenda rules to hold the second reading for administrative efficiency and needs as authorized by Resolution R04-2026. I'll seek a motion to approve in a second.

So moved.

Second. Thank you. All in favor suspend the agenda rules. Say aye. Aye. consent and suspension. A follow-up question for the City Clerk, we will know for the second time.

Bill number 2639 is an ordinance authorizing the City Administrator to execute a second amendment to the West County Dispatch Center Participation Agreement on behalf of the City of Town and Country.

Thank you.

I'll take a motion to approve in a second. So moved. Second. Any discussion on that? I would ask the City Clerk for a roll call vote.

Alderman Harder.

Aye.

Alderman Freedman. Aye. Alderman Sawyer. Alderman Murphy. Aye. Alderman Herbert.

Aye.

Alderman Schwer.

Aye.

And Alderman Hughes. Aye. The bill passes unanimously and becomes ordinance number 4764.

The last bill is number 2640. Sponsored again by the board as a whole. Without objection, the city clerk read it and open the first

bill number 2640 is an ordinance accepting the proposal of fantasy drone shows for design and execution of a drone show at the city's 2026 fire and ice event and authorizing a bridge border person thank you i now entertain a motion in seconds to suspend the agenda rules to hold the second reading for administrative efficiency and timing convenience as authorized by resolution

So I see a motion to approve.

So moved.

Second. Second. Thank you. All in favor of suspending the general rule, say aye. Aye. Very second. Opposed? Nay. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

Bill number 2640 is an ordinance accepting the proposal of fantasy drone shows for design and execution of a drone show at the city's 2026 Fire Nights event and authorizing a purchase order for things.

Thank you.

Seek a motion to approve. So moved. And a second? Second. All those in favor? Second.

Thank you. If I could ask Ms. Nixon just to kind of report on the sponsorship levels for said drone show.

Yes. Am I on?

Just a small crowd.

Okay. We have three presenting sponsors. So we have People's National Bank and Marie de Villa, again, for a 26th year, I believe, and Principia.

Great.

So we'll have those three as presenting sponsors, and they will pay for the full show.

That's awesome. Thank you. Any other discussion?

Alderman Schwerer?

Did this go up to the commission, the parking trails?

It did not go to the commission, no.

Okay. I'll ask the city clerk for a little comment.

Alderman Murphy?

Aye.

Alderman Hughes? Aye. Alderman Friedman? Aye. Alderman Schwerer?

Aye.

Alderman Gerber? Aye. Alderman Harder? Aye. Alderman Sawyer?

Aye.

The bill passes unanimously and becomes Ordinance Number 4765. Thank you.

I deny any other business to hang up, so it opens up the floor, and I think Alderman Murphy does.

Yes, thank you, Mayor. Just in terms of the Board President's role, I want to formally communicate to the Chair and the Mayor and the whole Board that as my term as board president expires, it's my pleasure to share that if you have a candidate for board of ultimate president, that person will be placed into nomination for the board at our next meeting on September 14th. Thank you. Thank you.

I seek a motion and a second to adjourn. Move. Second. Any discussion? All in favor say aye.

Aye.

All right. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you for coming. Oh, happy to see you.