City Council - Regular Meeting

We're live. Good evening everyone. I'd like to call the January 26th, 2026 meeting of the University City Council to order at 6:32. Madame Clerk, would you please call the role? Council member Clay, present. Council member McMahon here. Council member Briner present. Council member Fuller here. Council member Smotherson here. Mayor Crow here.

Before you, you have the agenda. During the study session, the city manager asks that item K2 be moved from the consent agenda down to the city manager's report. Is there a motion to amend the agenda? Motion made by council member Smotherson. Is there a second? Seconded by council member Fuller. All those in favor of the amendment, please signify by saying I. Oppose. The eyes have. Is there now a motion to approve the agenda as amended? Motion made by council member McMahon. Is there a second? Seconded by council member Smotherson. Is there discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed? The eyes have it. Before we begin the meeting, I do think it's important for uh us to note that this past Friday, the 23rd, was the 56th anniversary of the death of James Bovenlow, who was one of the police officers who gave his life uh in protection of all of us in this room and the rest of our citizens. Many times we talk about Sergeant Mike King, who many of us knew. This happened before the time of many of us. We also we simply want to recognize his end of watch that was on January 23rd, 1970. Before you you have two proclamations, one for Floyd and Cory Henderson which have been signed and the condolences to Herman Shaw of the University City School District. You have before you the January 12th, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Is there a motion to approve? Motion made by Council Member Fuller, seconded by Council Member Clay. Is there discussion hearing? None. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Oppose. The eyes have it. Mr. McMahon.

Thank you, mayor. I'd like to take the opportunity to uh nominate Jeffrey Glowgower to the traffic commission.

There's motion been made. Is there a second? Second by council member Clay. Is there discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. The eyes have it. We have no swearings in uh I think this past week. Uh everybody stayed in and stayed home and for the most part probably did tonight as well. We'll now move to our first section of citizen participation. Please note that uh if you'd like to speak on non-aggenda items or on agenda items, there are signup sheets over by the door. Please fill them out. Please put whatever agenda item you want to speak to or if it's non-aggenda, just put non-aggenda. then please place them in the basket for the city clerk to then give to us prior to that item being brought up. If they are brought to us after the item has been discussed or has open discussion, then they will not be listened to. Had that issue recently. So just trying to make sure we clarify that. When you come to the microphone, if you please put the push the button at the bottom, give your name and address and limit yourself to five minutes. I believe right now we only have one person speaking on a non-aggenda item and that is Hannah Brick.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the city council. My name is Hannah Brick and my husband Lim and I reside at 1079 Wilson Avenue. We hope that you, your family, and your neighbors felt fared well in this wintry weather. Thank you to all the city workers who have maintained the streets and public areas for community safety in this weather. We have not received any updates about the buyout since the last city council meeting on Friday evening the 23rd at 8:10 p.m. I received an automated water alert message from the USGS monitoring gauge of the river depair near University City stating the river was at 21.37 ft as of 7:50 p.m. After the initial shock of this message logic took over because we experience flooding when the river reaches 14 ft. We came to understand that this reading later removed from the online data set must have been an error. Now it was four degrees outside when this reading was taken. So we place no blame on the equipment or the operators for this error. This incident did make me wonder what kinds of regular maintenance and checks are performed on such equipment. For the past several years, we have come to rely heavily on the USGS monitoring gauge as well as the university city flood warning system rain gauges. During flood season, we check both of these regularly during heavy rains to help us prepare for flooding. Given the recent error, I want to make sure that regular maintenance is performed as needed so that we and our neighbors can have accurate realtime information about our risk level. We hope um we remain hopeful and look forward to any other information you can provide about the buyout. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Uh there are no other requests to speak at this time on non-aggenda items. We'll move forward to council comments. Are there any council comments at this time? Council member Fuller.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um first of all, uh it was a pleasure to not have a plethora of phone calls regarding street cleaning this past week as compared to what we had last year. So, I want to personally make a shout out to all of the folks that made that happen this weekend. Uh, and I'm uh motioning back to Jim. Second uh uh um point, and this is a very brief point, but I want to uh set the motion and uh set the stage of motion here. Uh, Councilman Teeman and I uh have had significant ongoing discussion after council meeting uh last time uh regarding followup with MSD and I want to put a point out to the city manager, acting city manager that we have several concerns uh regarding the community. also want to say to the community uh surrounding that project that uh we're not walking away from this and uh we had some significant discussion if you will after the fact uh with folks regarding several of the points that probably Mr. McMahon brought up most eloquently about what we're going what they're going to do for the surrounding individuals as it deals with property value, loss of property value, uh what they're going to do to the city for the loss of revenue of tax dollars that will go to our schools. Uh the statement that we got from the public relations person was I think we need to discuss this back to the board. And so my my point is we need to remind them that they need to get

back to us. So I want to as we go through this transition uh that's something that we need to follow up on. Thank you.

Uh thank you very much. uh briefly on my part since our last meeting we lost one of our most engaged citizens that I have experience with uh since moving to uh University City some 30 years ago. This past uh probably two weeks ago we lost Margaret Flowing Johnson at the age of 86. She truly was a not only a longtime UC resident but an activist for many causes throughout uh St. Louis and actually throughout the country. She was born in De Moine, Iowa, graduated from Kansas State with a master's in math. Uh she was very involved in a number of movements particularly those involving abuse particularly of women from women's take back the night to women's safe house, the creation of that domestic shelter, all domestic abuse, civil disobedience, and LGBT Q uh issues. She helped found Show Me Equality and Sage, which is for older members of the LGBTQ uh family. Uh it was interesting. Uh Chris Kleinies, who owns Left Bank Book, said you didn't always she didn't always agree with her, but she always knew where she stood. She preferred direct action and civil disobedience. And the quote that reminded me the most is we have a lot of activism going on across our country right now. As Chris said, if you're in St. Louis streets today as part of your activism. You are standing on Floing's shoulders. So I hope that all of you will join me in asking that she rest in peace and be dancing with her partner Marsha Leven who predesceased her last year, a true activist we have lost this past couple of weeks. Thank you. We have no public hearings this evening. You have before you a consent agenda a consent agenda with one item on it, the aquatic center management agreement. Is there a motion to approve? Motion by council member McMahon, seconded by council member Briner. Is there discussion?

Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. The eyes have it. Mr. Rose,

honorable mayor and council members, this first item asks that you consider the tips contract 2301042 specialized preconstruction and construction services for recreational facility improvement exhibit A technical specifications PRP-2026-001 in the total amount of $575,000 for Heman Park athletic court renovations. We have interim uh parks and recreation director James Kriskkey here to present this item.

You'll need to hit the button at the bottom. Thank you.

I will start all over then. Thank you. Uh good evening everybody. Um mayor and city council. Um, as as uh Gregory had mentioned, I'm here to introduce the bill to approve the agreement for the it's called the TIPS agreement, but it's the agreement to complete the project that was initiated through the parks and recreation grant that we received from St. Louis County. So, the full amount of the grant was $575,000. Um, and that amount is the exact amount of what the contract will be to complete all of the construction that will complete the three pickle ball courts, the three new basketball courts, and then also set up the um foundation and the pad for the mini pitch that will be installed along with these these other improvements. Um, the agreement is with Burns and Jones Construction who has also uh has done a lot of work here in the city. They've done a lot of work in the St. Louis area and they're very recognized for their sports construction activities and and their uh work that they've done in the area. So, uh we're very happy and uh that we're working with them. They were involved in the very beginning when this project was first introduced. They were the ones that helped to do do the design and the engineering work and set us forward so that we can get the grant through St. Louis County. So, I'm here to answer any questions you might have. I don't want to go into all of the details because you probably already know that. Uh but if you have any specific questions, I am more than happy to answer them.

Council member Smson. Oh, thank you, Mayor Crow. Um is it Mr. Krispy? Is that Did I It's Krisky, but I'm getting used to her pronunciation. Jim is really preferable though.

That's fine. Thank you, sir. Um, just a quick question because I read through the information about the addition of of the um, soccer pitch and the pickle ball court and the improvements to the basketball court. But what I'm actually looking for is what is the finished product going to look look like? Meaning, what's the what is going to be I mean, you're just not just going to place these things on the lot. Meaning, what is the finished product going to look like? Is there going to be new concrete, new walkway around these um this this new addition to the park? I did see where we're we're making sure that there is sod that is going to be replaced. But again, are there benches? Are there um anything other than the water fountain that I saw that I read is going to be added? But again, what is the finished product going to look like? because with the renderings, as you can see, it it just doesn't really give me any indication of uh what this really is going to look like as a finished product.

Yeah. And and I have the exact same rendering with as you do and and I will agree that it's it's not as detailed as as it should be.

So, the existing old basketball courts, those will be um renovated. Um they'll remove all of the uh and grind up the existing ash balls. They'll re will um repave that uh with a new I think it's two or three inch um cap or or course on top of the existing one. That will turn into the three pickle ball courts. And then on the farthest side of that will be the the installation of where the mini pitch will go. On the other side of that, there'll be the creation of three new basketball courts that will be, you know, from scratch. So that'll be graded accordingly and engineered. And then there'll be, you know, all of the proper concrete and asphalt that will go to uh the new basketball courts. Um so so that will be it'll be fenced. Um the mini pitch is a standalone facility that has will have its own fencing and and and um um what am I trying to say? The um the field of court that'll be on there won't be on asphalt. It'll be their own finished product. So, they'll have their own type of court that'll go on it with all of the fencing that will go around it. Um, as for the the final product when it comes to benches and landscaping and such, um, that's going to be something that we're going to have to do when the project is done and completed. We'll be we'll have to put in the different benches and and landscaping, whatever else. There is a concrete walkway that will interconnect all of the different facilities, but there is going to be some work that internal staff will have to do once completed.

Okay. All right. Not the not this construction crew. No, the staff is going to actually No, no, they will they will prepare the site and do the construction for the different facilities. But when it comes down to, you know, the the final final finished product, which includes what I would consider the landscaping and the and some of the amenities like benches and that, we'll be responsible to do that. Okay. Thank you. All right. You're welcome. Any other questions? Hearing none. Is there a motion to approve? Motion made by Council Member McMahon, seconded by Council Member Fuller. Is there discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed? The eyes have it. Mr. Rose,

mayor and council members, mayor, I would ask that you introduce this first item up under the city manager report that I do. Uh thank you. Uh this evening we are pleased to be joined by two of our area legislators. One of which who has the esteemed esteemed history of being a member of this body previously. And I would like to introduce uh state representative Jeff Hails who would like to give a legislative update. Thank you mayor and councel. It's good to be back uh second meeting in a row. Uh, I'm glad this one's under different circumstances uh than the last one with MSD, but um that was interesting as well. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Rose. I have a plus one tonight. Um, so my update, uh, legislative update primarily is, uh, I'm hoping to push get through, um, been talking to people in the House as well as my, uh, Senate partner, uh, Mr. Williams, uh, a the ability to put a hotel tax on the ballot given that we're getting our first hotel. uh the real purpose and this is frankly very important to me. Um [sighs] I had the absolute pleasure with serving with most of you and serving in this body for almost seven years. Um never thought I would do that. I certainly never thought I would do this. But it is with an extraordinary

sense of honor and privilege uh to present Mr. Rose with a resolution from the House of Representatives in the state of Missouri. And I will try to be quick although it's rather lengthy. Um whereas Gregory Rose, city manager of University City, will officially retire effective February 6, 2026, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 30-year career in public service, including two leadership tenures in one of St. Louis County's largest and most diverse suburbs. And whereas a stalwart leader, Gregory Rose has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to transparency and communication throughout his career. And he has been hailed for his strength and reliability during three natural disasters that included two floods and one tornado that ravaged the city. And whereas over the last eight years, Gregory Rose has guided University City through one of the most transformative periods in modern history, advancing major redevelopment, critical infrastructure improvements, financial stability, uh, and community resilience, and has ushered in a landmark $211 million development effort that has redefined the Olive Boulevard, Olive Boulevard and I1 I 170 uh, gateway. And whereas under his steadfast leadership, Gregory Rose has advanced long-awaited upgrades to essential public facilities, including permanent headquarters for the University City Police Department after more than a decade uh of operating out from temporary trailers and in a new permanent home and a new permanent home for the University City Municipal Court. Uh both of which will restore stability, efficiency, and professionalism to fundamental services. And whereas after a storied career in public service that

has earned him widespread respect respect for integrity, operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to inclusive community development, Gregory Rose will now devote time and energy to his family who supported him throughout a demanding tenure marked by long hours. Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, 103rd General Assembly, join in in expressing our utmost appreciation to Gregory Rose for his three decades of distinguished public service, including his impactful and dedicated service to University City, its citizenry, and those who serve. And be it further resolved that the chief clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Gregory Rose as a mark of our esteem for him. It was my honor serving alongside of you and with all of you that I served with. Um, with that, I will turn it over to Senator Williams. Senator, we're glad to have you here this evening.

Yeah, it's good to be here. I'm going to be a lot shorter than Representative Health. Um I do want to say I'm not only coming as someone who's proud to represent this community in the Missouri Senate, but also live here. And as a resident, I can't um speak to the magnitude of how proud I am to say not only that I live here, but this is a community that I'm proud of because of the work that you all do. And that work has also been possible because of Gregory Rose. And um today I wanted to also acknowledge your service to this community, this region. Um you've worked very close with me and my office over the years. And I can't uh put into words how helpful you have been to navigate so many things early on um in my career and and now um today. Uh it's it's not only an exciting opportunity for your family, but uh a very uh bittersweet day for University City. Um with that, I do want to present you a resolution on behalf of the Missouri Senate, uh which would not only acknowledge um your tenure here at University City, uh your dedicated 30 years to public service, uh including um two leadership tenures in u one of St. Louis counties, as Jeff said, largest and diverse communities. Um, for those who are not familiar with my district, I represent roughly 46 other cities. So, I have a front row seat to see exactly uh where University City lines up with so many different communities throughout uh our region and our state. And I would be remissed if I did not say that University City uh has become a first class city, not only because of his council, but clearly because of his professional staff. Um within his retirement, um Gregory, I do hope that you look forward to spending more time

with family, uh which has allowed you the opportunity to represent this community and so many residents behind me. um and as well as enjoy the pleasures of something that I don't think we get to do much in public service and that is um time for yourself in other endeavors that's not always in respect of enhancing the quality of life of others. Um, and also I want to on behalf of the members of the Missouri Senate, uh, 103rd General Assembly, applaud the accomplishments, uh, Garnet th far in your life and the work. And I want to join in on congratulating you on your retirement um, in public service. And this will come from not only my colleagues in the Senate, but the Secretary of Senate will properly inscribe a copy of this resolution uh, not only for your presentation, but in the records. uh in the Missouri Senate here in the state of Missouri. And um that was signed and adopted in today as Senate resolution number 553. And um again, congratulations. Thank you for your service and thank you for your friendship. And if it's okay if the mayor can get his phone out and take look Thank you very much. We have one one more request to speak. I believe at this

point in time that would be Michael Alter. Good evening, Mr. Mayor, council members, Mr. Mulligan, city manager Rose. I came here tonight on a very cold night to express my appreciation for all the hard work that Mr. Rose has done on behalf of the university city. Uh, I'm the owner of Fitz's. Um, in the past I have been president of the LSBD. I'm now vice chair of the LSBD. Um, and over the course of my career here on the street, I've spent most of my adult life on this street. Um, I feel um the street would not be the what it is today without the time, effort, and commitment city manager Rose has put in. He's been a great partner for our street. He's been a great partner for the city of University City. Um he's going to be missed by me personally. I know I speak behalf on members of my board. Uh how much we appreciate all the time and effort and commitment you have done on our behalf and we wish you nothing but happiness and success time with your family and uh you will not be forgotten for all the wonderful things you've done on behalf of the city and what you've done on behalf of the loop. Thank you.

Thank you very much Mr. Alter. Thank you. We will now move forward with the agenda on item number L2 edrst funding C7 commissary project. Is there a motion to approve? Motion made by council member McMahon. Is there a second? Second by council member Smotherson. Are there question is is there is anyone wanting a presentation or do we I'm trying to make sure. No. No. Okay. I I believe we have some questions coming up. Correct. Correct. We have a motion. I'm watching everyone. We have a motion and a second. Is there discussion? I believe there is discussion. Thank you, Council Member Briner.

Thank you, Mayor. Um and my question which um I asked was do we have some indication that um [clears throat] this project will take into consideration runoff um so that it will hopefully improve the lot from where it was previously um and decrease runoff into our river pair. Honorable mayor, council member Brener, I believe we have the developer or a representative for the developer here and would ask that individual uh to come to the podium to respond to uh your question.

Sure. All we ask is that you push the green button and give your name and address before you get started. Thank you.

Sure. Your honor, members of the council, my name is Brandon Harp, president of Civil Engineering Design Consultants, 10820 Sunset Office Park, St. Louis, Missouri 63127. I'm the civil engineer of record regarding the site development design for this project. Um, what I can answer your question is that we've uh complied with all of uh the city's storm water ordinances specifications uh the metropolitan St. Louis sew district ordinance and specifications and um as well as uh St. Louis County uh also have MSD approval, St. county approval, MODOT approval, and so we've we've addressed storm water following all the ordinances that are uh under the authorities have jurisdiction for this piece of property.

Can can you tell me any specifics on how you're managing that?

Well, the site, as you know, was fully developed uh prior to um us coming in with this development plan. So we've added some additional green space on landscaped islands uh in the interior part of the property which um is u which is permeable which helps reduce runoff. Um we're our our connection point into the river to pair is the same location as it is today. Uh we have an underwater um proprietary BMP for storm water quality that's part of this uh project. Um, so again, we're using an existing storm sewer system that uh discharges into river pair. We're adding some additional green space on the property. Um, we're addressing water quality with a proprietary underground BMP system. Um, and again following the ordinances of the city, MSD, St. Louis County, MODOT. Any other questions on this matter? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Opposed. The eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you very much,

Mr. Rose. Calip funding.

Honor Mary and council members. Uh this next item asks that you provide direction uh regarding uh the uh calip funding application and identify any necessary changes and also uh direct staff on how would you how you would like us to proceed. Included in your uh packet was information related to uh minutes that uh surfaced regarding uh final actions that were taken u by the uh now uh defunct calip commission. Uh, and so I would like to get your direction on on how you would like for us to use that information uh in regards to um I guess dispersing the remaining funds.

Is there any member of count any member of staff speaking other than you or jump right into questions? I know we have one citizen comment as well. Uh uh Deputy City Manager Chris CrarAl, did you have any additional information to share? Okay. Yeah. Are there questions for members of council? Council member Smotherson.

Thank you, Mayor Crow. Um Mr. Rose, one of the things that I I as the former council liazison for Callup. I I just wanted to address um two points and that is number one um gallop's last recommendation was to and I I'm hoping I got this correct and that is to donate uh or to donate $50,000 to this high school and to that fund. And I and Lisa can help me with this and what the specific fund is, but this was for the high school students. So, I'm wondering as part of what we do tonight is if we could in fact make that recommendation, do we need to vote on that tonight? Is that the direction you're kind of looking at? Um, and then that's what I'm asking. Okay. And that's what I want to

There's no there's no vote tonight on on any funds.

That's right. Okay. So, so again, part of the recommendation was $50,000 to the high school um for students. And what I would actually suggest is, and again the other part of Call's recommendation, and it's really up to the council, but part of that recommendation was to have Arts and Letters take over the fund and um and then distribute that as needed because Arts and Letters is already set up to actually handle something like right now because Arts and Letters for 40 years handled the Levy fund which was what's which was our public arts program with WashU. So again, that would be my recommendation. Um I I believe and I did look through the application process or the application is fine. My only recommendation is to move forward with callup's uh previous recommendation to the council.

Mr. Clay, thank you, Mayor Crow. Um to to Councilman Smotherson's point, um I too understood based on the information I've received the last action of Callup uh to set aside funds for the the high school programming and and arts and letters. what what from a process perspective would it take to to actualize those two actions which which we know again I know there's there's additional funds um a an application has been developed I I too am fine with that um but what would it take to to move that forward that which we you know seems to be uh uh already voted on by um uh one of our bodies well But a motion a a a a body such as Calop that makes the recommendations is simply a recommendation to this body. We have been presented with a number of entities that have requested funds. Uh so I think that you guys may be racing to a point that we're not racing to yet. Um I don't think that it's the council's intention to abdicate its responsibilities uh to Calip as simply rubber stamping their recommendation. Uh I would I think we had a number of entities that have come to speak to us over the past year or so about wanting funds. So I'm I'm just trying to figure out this process was something that we asked for as a council for staff to put together which was an application for entities to be able to apply for these funds is what I recall. And now you're asking us to simply go by what Calip wanted and then give the rest of the money to arts and letters to administer. Well, uh it it's my understanding. So we take recommendations from our boards and

commissions regularly. So this is a recommendation coming from a a board or commission now defunct. What is the process? Do we need to to vote on that like we would a recommendation from any other board or commission? I don't believe I someone's got to help me with the history here because I recall Kallet made a recommendation and then we asked then for the staff to develop applications for people to be able to apply for these funds. Uh and my colleagues that were here during this period of time, unless I'm missing it, that's that was what we requested of the staff. Well, there's a there's a corpus, correct? There's there's what's the total amount that Califf had because the 50,000 is just a portion of it. Correct.

Honorable Mary, council members, the total amount that remains in the calip fund is approximately $154,000. So what what what I'm understanding is of the 154 you had 50 that one of our commissions had recommended go to this high school program. So like other boards and commissions who make recommendations it seems like I don't know by some mechanism we vote on that the remaining 100 agreed needs to go through some sort of application process and entities can apply for those funds. Well, the only thing I would say is if that is the direction you're going, that's going to be an action that the council is going to have to take at some point in time because I don't believe that we ever reached an agreement that we were going to simply follow Calip's recommendation to give 50. I not that I'm opposed to it. It's simply that that's not where we were on this. I think tonight's discussion is about the application itself for those entities that want to apply for those funds. Tonight is not an agenda item for voting. It is a discussion about the application for these funds. Am I stating this correctly, Gregory?

Honorable mayor, uh the agenda item was presented consistent with the direction that I had received from the mayor and council. Uh and tonight presents you with an opportunity. If you want to change that direction, then I need to know that tonight. Um, but that's that's the reason that the application was draft prepare. Thank you, Council Member Briner. You've had your light on longest.

Thank you, mayor. Um, so just to clarify what the 50,000 was, it was for an endowed scholarship that would be um distributed in uh $2,000 awards per year. Um that's what that 50,000 was for. So, we're very clear on that. And um at that time I was the school board represent representative on calip and we were told that that was going to happen but then there was a communication drop between the commission and the council and it never I guess got approved by council. So that's where that history was and I personally think all the paperwork was developed for that scholarship fund. It was very professionally done and I know it's been updated um because I talked to Dr. Harden Bartley about that um at one point and I I would think making them go through a process again. It was a very frustrating process to start with and would like to see the council move forward on that piece just to get that piece done and um if they agreed with it. I mean of course the council could vote that portion of the money down. So if they agreed on it, um but I would like to move forward on making that that happen. Um the second part is that with the actual application, I do have a recommendation that if we use that application that we need to put somewhere in there a statement of what the original calip funds were supposed to fund and maybe one question on that on how their proposal would relate to that original intention of the money. That was just one suggestion. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Council Member Smotherson.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mayor Crow. Um, I do remember when we talked about the application and putting the application process together, but I didn't know that this was going to be the application process was going to be handled by the council. And if if that was uh my misunderstanding, then I apologize. I I misunderstood that. Again, I do understand that Calip is only making a recommendation. And so all that I'm asking I ask asking the council to address and again not at this meeting but is to address the recommendation which we have never done and that that is the last recommendation that was made by Calip. So, if there's $104,000 left left, the council can of course not follow that recommendation. But I'm just simply asking that the recommendation be addressed because that was what was the last thing that was actually done in reference to calip. I also agree with Miss Council Member Briner Briner in that the I would like to move the $50,000 uh recommendation by callup and move that forward if that's possible. Council member McMahon,

I'm just trying to go back. I was one of the my first liaison was to Call and I'm trying to go back and my understanding and maybe I'm wrong so it's a more of a question, but when Calip would give out their grants, I don't recall them coming before council for approval. This is different than a grant. This is they're faced with a decision of how they're going to wrap up their business and they're so this is different. It goes beyond the scope of their recommendation. They're they had the money. They could give out grants to make a movie. That was my understanding. It didn't those movie grants didn't come before council for approval. So they do have a different process for this because it's something that's never been done before. calip never had to go away because they lacked an ongoing revenue source. So I don't know if that fits the same dynamic. That's why the whole thing fell in our lap because we had to figure out how to wrap up Kalib. So to say we're going to go back to a recommendation, we'd have to go see it. Is that a recommendation they could even make to council on how do they wrap up their business? So that's a process question I would have. Is is that appropriate?

We do have a citizen who's wanting to speak on this. I think everybody's every everybody's had a bite of the apple or a couple.

Uh Mr. Rutder, would you like to make your comments and thanks for coming out on a cold night. If you'll hit the green button and give your name and address, we'll go forward. Rick Rutder 365 Mission Court uh University City 63130. I actually congratulations Mr. Rose. I wish you very well uh for all your service. I was the last president of Calip. Uh there was miscommunication at the end of that a ball was dropped. Couple of balls were dropped. Actually, when we closed Calip, we were told as a commission that there was only $58,000 left in the Calip fund. Had we known that there was 154, it would have never been closed up. We did meet and we did determine that $50,000 of that money, the last $50,000 we thought should go to a scholarship for video because that was the purpose of Calip to begin with. That would be an ongoing scholarship to last for 25 or 30 years. Uh I still believe that they found the minutes. It was all done properly. And to Mr. McMahon's point uh and Mr. Smotherson who both were leazison we never had to present anything to the council to get approval when we did grants. So when I resigned from gallop and gallop was closed defunct no one ever said that there was an issue with this. Uh all of the paperwork was done properly and it fell through the cracks. Also, I'm curious as to where $100,000 showed up

after we had closed. I believe it was probably due to grants that had been given but the people disappeared on or didn't fulfill. Uh I would like to say that I hope you will all fulfill the scholarship. Also, as far as future Cal funding goes, I've looked over the application. Uh I think that Miss Brennan has a valid point. There are a number of things that I don't think are correct in the application for an application process for these kind of funds that go against the gallop and the arts and letters which I served on for a year. uh for a lack of a better word, morality, uh intention. Uh I would put forward that as a person coming out to speak who's been on both commissions, what I would like to see is not necessarily that the funds go to Arts and Letters. I've been on that commission, but I would like to see the application involve first of all not allowing corporations to have this money and second of all that when somebody comes forth with the m for money, they have to have other funding coming in or show other sources of funding that it it's not 100% calip money going to it. And that would be if it's a film project, it's if it's an event, if it's a public project because right now arts and letters only has very limited funding and for a year I have tried to get the council to approve that arts and letters can get sponsorships for their concert program and stuff outside of the city. And I've never heard anything

about it. I think with the Caleb funds, I think that they should be tied to organizations or individuals who can match the funding so that it's not just here's your check and then they disappear. Um, [snorts] that's pretty much all I have to say. I will take any question anybody has about how the Califf Commission worked because I was the president of it for a couple of years.

I think that uh Mr. We we appreciate that and I think that staff will probably check in with you as well because you probably do have a history on that. I don't know. I think all of us served as their liazison to calip at one point in time in the many years that we've been here. Uh but I appreciate also the insight that you've given us as to the final actions as to the workings of gallop. Thank you. I think I think council member Smotherson is next I believe.

Yes sir. Thank you. Um again um to council member McMahon's statement I I did want to say that arts and letters works the same way with the levy fund and the public arts and that is that when uh arts and letters chose the um the public art from Wu there was nothing that they had to report to um to the council. I mean they made the decision on which art pieces they wanted and that was the process that they took. Again, I I this council can actually make the decision on how you want to proceed. I I was just following up with uh what Callum had the last recommendation that Calip had made and that's all I was just giving as the council liaison. So, thank you,

Council Member Clyde. Thank you, Mayor Crow. Uh so, to the city manager, do you based on this conversation, do you have the direction you feel you need to take the next step? [laughter] whatever that next step is.

Well, I don't know that honor mayor, council member Clay, I don't know that you as a body have changed direction. Uh it seems to me that you're still wanting to proceed with the application process and to distribute that application to those uh that those uh agencies that um indicated a desire for at least a portion of the of the funding. In doing so, it doesn't exclude the school district uh from receiving the $50,000 in very it very well could mean that, you know, they will end up receiving the the amount that was recommended by Calip. They just will need to go through a different process. Uh but in doing so, it could have very well been requested anyway. um which is for council to be briefed on each of the uh projects that's being proposed. So, council member CLA, does that answer your question? And and that's why I brought it to you that if you want staff to switch directions, then I would need to know that.

Okay, I think I understand. I'm not Can I help? I I think I understand. But I to Council Member McMahon's point, I I think yes, if we could go back in time, we might have closed down this commission that has dollars differently and I think certainly today we would under take a different process and I think the communication afterwards would be far more robust. I I I I worry a little bit about and this is one of the few times I'm going to get to say this from this dis that we're making the perfect the enemy of the good. What we have from calop are minutes and and a properly recorded vote. Um, that to me seems sufficient, but I I mean, if it is the will of my colleagues that we have the school district go through an an additional process, you know, I guess I guess so be it. But it it it it seems like we have enough to make a good decision. It it seems like it it seems a little bureaucratic, but again, I I defer to my colleagues on that.

If I could maybe guide this along a little bit, I think it [clears throat] since we've all heard that many accolades for Gregor, we know this is his last city council meeting with us. So, we're going to have a little bit of a transition going on here. I think so, I think we recognize that. So, I think we know that there's going to be some some uh bobbling. Uh my only request in this and it may be totally different from everybody else's is that when this and we we'll use the 154,000. Mine is that this is not 154,000. At some point in time we are still sitting on 80,000 that we're rolling out here there and yonder. I would like for this money to be out and about and done so that you know too often when you get the golden goose and this is a golden goose that we that evidently is bigger than we thought a long time ago. when you get the I realize it's a small number, but it's still this is something that to me we need to work through and get it done and get it done probably this year so that we can move off of this and uh not take this away from other things that probably have a greater impact on our community. So my guess is whether any of us like it or not that when we leave this meeting tonight there's going to be conversations been pro probably Gregory and Brooke and staff as to next steps because we recognize that there's a little there's some there's some gray area here. Uh I would tend to agree with Mr. McMahon that when you're winding down a commission and they've got that much money, it's probably the city council's role to step in and say where it goes because we're probably the final say on that. I don't necessarily have an opposition to to the the money going to the school district. I I do have uh questions about us giving this to another commission to dole it out because I'd rather I would simply rather us go through the pro an application process and move the money out and be done with it. So with that that's just that's just kind of my two cents. I know council member Briner's got her light

on. I just want to concur with um uh council member Clay that I would like to move forward on the school district part of it. We can do the application for the rest of it. Okay. Council member McMahon.

Yeah. I I would just agree that uh including in the application the the original intent of callup and why they would give out grants as well as uh matching funding are great ideas to include in that. So that not that they're they would be dispositive or kick anybody in or out, but if they could put that in their application, it could be something that we weigh as part of our decision. Do we get a good we get a bigger bang for our buck if we go with choice A than choice B? And is it also going to meet what was originally designed for this money? Something we could have a great project that doesn't fit the the bill, but we love it so much we're going to give them that money. Or it could be the other way. But I think just having that information on the application that makes sense to me.

Council member SMadison and I just simply wanted to uh concur with council member Briner Clay and and and McMahon in that let's move this forward and um but I would like to see the the 50,000 go to the school district. Thank you. Thank you very much. We are now going to move from L to unfinished business. We have before us bill number 9578. Let's see. Do I have to do an amendment now?

Yes. Uh may I if I I would like to turn to the city manager, please. Excuse I apologize. The city attorney, you're welcome to speak too, Gregory, though. It's your last night. You can do whatever you want to pretty much. It's your last night. John,

thank you. uh mayor, members of the council, uh with respect to uh bill number 9578, uh after the introduction uh in first reading of this bill, uh the window in this project had requested uh certain relatively minor revisions. Uh those are in the packet in the uh uh two exhibits that have been revised for your consideration. Uh the two exhibits are B which is a trust indenture and D which is the lease agreement. Uh if the council is so inclined to accept the the revisions, then a motion to amend bill number 9578 to include the revisions requested by the lender subsequent to the introduction of the bill as included in the amended bill on file with the city clerk and in the city council for this meeting may be uh made.

Is there a member of council that would like to make the motion as read by the city attorney? Motion made by council member Clay, seconded by council member McMahon. Is there discussion on the amendment? Hearing none. I believe we have to have a roll call on this one as well. No. No. I can do it by vote. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. Oppose. The eyes have it. You now have before you bill number 9578. May we, as amended, may we have the second reading. Bill 9578, an ordinance authorizing the city of University City, Missouri to issue its taxable industrial revenue bonds 8021 Olive Boulevard project series 2026 in a principal amount not to exceed $8 million for the purpose of providing funds to pay for the cost of acquiring, constructing, and improving a facility for an industrial development project in the city, approving a plan for the project, and authorizing the city to enter into certain agreements. ments and take certain other actions in connection therewith.

Thank you very much. May we have the third reading of the bill as amended. Bill 9578, an ordinance authorizing the city of University City, Missouri, to issue its taxable industrial revenue bonds 8021 Olive Boulevard project series 2026 in a principal amount not to exceed $8 million for the principal, I'm sorry, for the purpose of providing funds to pay the cost of acquiring, constructing, and improving facility for an industrial development project in the city, approving a plan for the project, and authorizing the city to enter into certain agreements. and take certain other actions in conjunction therewith.

Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve? Motion made by council member Fuller, seconded by council member McMahon. Is there discussion hearing? Madame clerk, would you please call the role? Council member McMahon. I. Council member Briner, no. Council member Fuller, I. Council member Smotherson. Council member Clay. I. Mayor Crow. I. The bill is passed. We'll now move forward to bill number 9579. May we have the second reading?

Bill 9579, an ordinance approving a final plat for a minor subdivision of a track of land to be known as Purdue Avenue lot split. May have the third reading. Bill 9579, an ordinance approving a final plat for a minor subdivision for a track of land to be known as Purdue Avenue lot split. Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve? Motion made by council member Smotherson. Is there a second? Seconded by council member Fuller. Is there discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Council member Brener, I. Council member Fuller, I. Council member Smotherson, Council Member Clay,

I. Council member McMahon, I. Mayor Crow, I. The bill is passed. We have no new business this evening. Are there any uh reports from members of council regarding the commissions that they are the liaison to? Council member Briner.

Thank you, Mayor. Um this is somewhat related but it's um also to say to the constituents that um there has been a forestry um proposal developed for Persian and since we're moving so fast which is wonderful that hopefully we'll have spring planting and I requested for that to be placed in a public like on the website so that people can look at it if they would like. Thank you very much. Anyone else? Uh, hearing none. Madame clerk, are there any more requests to speak? There are none.

Thank you very much. Before we go into executive session, are there council comments this evening? Council member Smson.

Thank you, Mayor Crow. Uh just very briefly I wanted to uh just make a statement and that is that uh about in 2016 a group of residents and two council members were meeting to talk about bringing investment to the third ward. Uh the names of those people were Phyllis Phyllis Kathy Stratman Barb Heist Rosyn Williams and Pette Carr. That was 10 years ago. and that and that fund is now the revitalization fund for the third ward. I'm making that statement to say that it's time it's time for that fund and the coordinator that we've now hired to actually start putting in place some actions and promises that were made 10 years ago. And one of the uh one of the actions that I'm I'm actually asking for our coordinator now to address is that one of the things that I've been called about there are people that are actually selling their houses and one of the promises was to try to address the rental property versus home ownership uh issue that we're having in the third ward. And um what I'd like to do is like to see our our coordinator actually announce to the third ward that anybody that's selling a house to please notify the city so that we can help them through that process of inspections because one of the problems that people are having is that they don't like the process that is that exists right now. I'd like to try to make that improved so that it's an easier process and a more attractive process so that people will not look for investors to just pay them outright and then that property turns over and becomes rental property. So again, one of the things that we started 10 years ago was how do we address the rental property versus home ownership

and I think this would be a good way to start because this is um because that was what we promised years ago and I'd like to see that put in place so that we help them look at selling those houses for home ownership. So thank you. Thank you. Are there other comments from members of council? Council member McMahon.

Thank you, Mayor Crow. I'll try to try to be brief. Um, as this is Gregory's uh last meeting, we could just stretch it out as long as possible, but I'll try to be brief. Um, when I ran for city council back in 2016, um, my uh, goal was that we would have some change in University City and soon thereafter, we set in place events that would call for us to find someone like Gregory Rose. Um, and one of my uh I think one of my early votes and things that I was most [clears throat] proud of is that we did in fact hire Gregory Rose and that when we interviewed folks and did that search we were very proud to to and happy to find someone that stood out above the others and that was Gregory Rose. Um at that time we were at a certain point and we knew that we wanted to go in a different direction and we wanted to move forward and we couldn't have done that just as a council just as our individuals. We needed a professional guiding hand and that's what Gregory Rose brought to the table and we were so fortunate to do that. And in my naive understanding of things, I thought that was our job and we got it done. But what I've now realized is we've placed I've placed our we've placed ourselves in a little bit of a hole because Gregory has set the bar as we now search for his replacement very high. Um, and that will be uh something that I will have to now think about more deliberately than I did the first time I voted to hire a city manager. And that's a uh a tribute to all that you did for us, for our community, and made my job here as a councilman uh easy. You showed no favoritism to anybody here. There were no favorites. Nobody got more information than anybody else. You treated us equally so that we could do our jobs, set policy, and you executed it diligently and as needed. And I was also very proud of you. And I think it

it came out in one of your emails today about snow removal. We're not perfect yet, but you always strive there. Always. That was the northstar. We would get there eventually. We may not be there today, but you kept us in that direction. And I was always telling constituents when they called, let us know the problems because we want to make it better. That's what Gregory Rose wants us to do. And so I am so proud to have gone through this with you. And I am so happy that you get to move on to the next part of your life in whatever that may be. Thank you, Gregory.

Council member Clay. Thank you, Mayor Crow. Um, Councilman Smotherson did reference um some 10 years ago the uh the origins of what is now uh Markets at Olive. And I think if if that were the only accomplishment, Mr. Rose, during uh your tenure, that would certainly be enough. Um but I think it's also important to look at some of the other developments that have taken place. um both physical and in some of the process developments. Uh we have a hotel going up pointing in the wrong direction over there. Um the first hotel in many years in University City. Um we have apartment buildings that have gone up on Delmare. We have one being built in the loop. Um we have new police station and facilities being upgraded. Um, that's a busy eight years. That's a busy eight years for not just you, but for the team that you've assembled. Um, it is, I I have to believe, one of the more productive times in the history of this community. We have also seen to Councilman Smotherersonson's point what I have to believe is the most comprehensive community engagement process that we have seen in this city and that was through the third ward revitalization process. If citizens were not if third W citizens were not engaged in that process, it is because they elected not to be. And that's something I'm very proud of and that's something that this administration brought forward. Um and we are looking to to see the fruits of that. Um see manager Rose, I've not listed everything

and that's what's extraordinary. I've not listed everything that's happened, but I think that certainly what I have listed speaks to the steady hand that you have provided these many years. you with your team. Um, and I thank you and like Council Member McMahon, look forward to you starting this next chapter in your life. Thank you very much. Any other members of council? Council member Briner.

Um, first before I say anything about Mr. Rose, I just wanted to say a couple comments. I I've been contemplating the MSD thing since we had the presentation and I just want to say a few things out loud so that we keep these things in our head. you know, I don't think I'm completely satisfied with um like their I know we all kind of see this as pos, you know, as the done deal, but I'm not completely satisfied with how they presented it and why so many properties and if there were any other alternatives. I at least get an explanation of why they thought this was the best case scenario for that. Um, the second thing is the land that they will deed back to us. They didn't they they talked about parks, but they didn't say that it's possible that we could rebuild on any of that land. And I think that's something we need to also like zone in on a little bit further because perhaps it will be things that could be redeveloped. And then last, um, there was the surface level sewers. I think we need to keep our eye on that cuz they kind of said that's going to be even more disruptive and I don't know what that meant. It was a little ominous. So, we need to keep our eyes on that also going forward. So, those were some things that were just per percolating over time on that. And Mr. Rose, um I'm the newest member. I've been with you the least amount of time out of everybody. So, I'll make this short since it was a short amount of time. But um I just first of all I want to appreci I just really appreciate your patience with me and your kindness as I learned the ropes like you very you were very helpful. You always answered my questions. Um and then also just thank you for your steady hand. Um I appreciate your ethics and the

dedication to professionalism and you can really see how that that um seeps in with everybody else. So thank you Council member Fuller. All right. I'm the old man on the council. Uh retirement's good. You're going to enjoy it. [laughter] I'm I'm I'm working harder now than I did when I worked. Um but a brief scenario, and I had this brought down to me this morning. Um this morning, my neighbor had a medical incident. Um, he's been my neighbor for the last 40 years. And I had not a worry because I looked down the street and our ambulance service was right there sitting in front of my house as one of our police officers. I remember a time when we had ambulance service sitting in Human Park and that was scary. Not only did we have ambulance service sitting in City Park, we had folks manning those ambulances that were not of the quality of our fire and rescue folks. I know that you you had a lot to do with that. That was one of my major reasons for running for office unsuccessfully years ago, but why I wanted to be on here. I really thank you for all that you provided for us. Ditto to what all these folks have said tonight, but we are a community that is an aging community and those services were very dear to me because of all my neighbors and I want to thank you for being part of that and good luck in the

retirement. Well, as we wind down this evening, uh we go back to 2017 when a group of us uh uh got to interview Gregory. It's interesting to uh everyone hopefully in the room is that Gregory entered our community at a very pivotal point in our city. At that point in time, without a doubt, we had a crisis in trust, management, and political ranker. Three phrases which no longer describe our community. Trust, management, and political ranker. Gregory has brought to this position integrity, principles, and honesty. We got him from Maricopa. He came back for a second tour. He said that University City was his second home for he and his wife Sonia. His daughter was born here. We're glad that he has been a part of our life and he has allowed us to be a part of his. He grew up in Jefferson, Texas. When his father passed away while you were in high school, you guys had moved to Dallas, Texas, I believe. You then moved forward to get a bachelor's and a masters in public administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. You truly helped to transform our community over the past nine years. From east to west, north to south, all with little to no fanfare on any given day. You were methodical and fair-handed to each and every one of us. You led us through, as we all say, two floods and a tornado, and we've made it through. If anything, tonight, the citizen survey should be one of those moments for you that says that you have done and continue to do a good job and have been an effective leader and a true true

value to our community. When you get into public service, at least one of the things I was brought up that our goal is always to say that we leave the place better than we found it. And without a doubt, you can rest assured that you have left our community far better than when you found it. Thank you so much for your service to our community. We wish you the best of luck. I'm going to miss my partner up here. [sighs and gasps] Now, if we could, I would ask that there be a motion to go into close session according to Missouri statute 610.021, 021 legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential privilege communications between that public governmental body or its representatives or attorneys and individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees. Is there such a motion? Motion made by council member McMahon. Is there a second? Seconded by council member Fuller. Is there discussion hearing? None. Madam clerk, would you please call the role?

Council member Brener, I. Council member Fuller, I. Council member Smotherson, Council Member Clay, I. Council member McMahon, I.