Clayton City Council — May 7, 2026: City Council and Staff Hold All-Day Retreat at Centene University
The full council and executive staff gathered for a day-long retreat on May 7, with presentations on planning, economic development, public safety, and parks — no votes were taken.
What happened
The Clayton City Council and executive staff convened an all-day retreat on Thursday, May 7, 2026, running from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Centene University, 7501 Maryland Avenue. The session was devoted entirely to presentations and discussion; the minutes record that no action was taken on any item.
What the council decided
Each agenda item at the retreat was informational or discussion-only. The minutes record, for every presentation, that no action was taken.
Who was there
The following were recorded in attendance at the May 7 retreat:
- Council: Mayor Bridget McAndrew, Susan Buse, Becky Patel, Gary Feder, Jeff Yorg, Kami Waldman, Betsy Meyland-Smith, and June Frazier.
- Staff: City Manager David Gipson, Myron Burr, Jr., Gary Carter, Karen Dilber, Ernie Rhodes, Mark Smith, Larry Cawvey, Matt Malick, Toni Siering, Anna Krane, and Lindsey Vehlewald.
The retreat adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
What they discussed
The retreat featured a series of presentations from city leadership. The minutes identify the following sessions, each noted as discussion-only with no action taken:
- City Manager David Gipson opened with an update on unspecified topics.
- Police Chief Mark Smith presented on public safety topics.
- Anna Krane, Director of Planning and Development, delivered two separate presentations on planning and development matters.
- Anna Krane and Gary Carter, Director of Economic Development, jointly presented on planning and economic development topics.
- Gary Carter provided a standalone update and discussion on economic development.
- Anna Krane provided an additional planning and development update.
The minutes do not record the specific content of any presentation.
Also at the meeting
The minutes also note that a second retreat session was scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location. That session listed the same council and staff attendees and included an update from City Manager Gipson and Toni Siering, Director of Parks and Recreation, on unspecified topics, again with no action taken.
The minutes also reference the possibility of a closed session under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 610.021 for legal, real estate, personnel, contract negotiation, proprietary information, or public safety matters, subject to a motion and roll-call vote in open session.
In context
The retreat's focus on planning and economic development reflects ongoing city priorities. Gary Carter has been a consistent presence in Clayton's economic development discussions; past council records show his involvement in commercial corridor and downtown development topics going back several years. Anna Krane's multiple presentations at the retreat continue her role as a central figure in planning and development briefings to the council.
Parks and recreation also featured on the May 8 agenda, with Toni Siering presenting alongside City Manager Gipson. The city has been engaged in parks strategic planning in recent years, including a livable community master plan effort that was presented to the Board of Aldermen in late 2024.
Public comments
The minutes for the May 7 retreat do not record any public comment period or public speakers.