City Council

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.

On a reorganization night, the council seated Betsy Meyland-Smith, adopted contracts for the Wydown median design and council-chamber paneling, and postponed a Wydown Boulevard cafe permit to May 12.

At a strategic discussion session, the board reviewed proposed residential infill and dimensional standards meant to keep new construction in scale with its neighborhood. No vote was taken.

The board gave Washington University a single conditional use permit for the former Fontbonne campus, adopted five public-works contracts, and marked the departure of a Ward I member.

The board permitted Mr. Meyer's Live & Vinyl Lounge, approved $60M in bonds for a South Meramec apartment conversion, and passed public-works bills.

The board advanced the 121 South Meramec redevelopment with a plat, a parking lease, and a $60M bond first reading, booked the Sababa festival, and awarded park and stormwater contracts.

The board joined a regional police task force, booked $1.9 million in federal tornado reimbursements, previewed a downtown Jewish arts festival, and weighed a citywide salary adjustment.

At a discussion session with no votes, planning staff pitched a downtown food-truck pilot, an overhaul of the outdoor-dining permit, and a toolkit for regulating residential neighborhood character.

The board adopted three ordinances — a higher St. Louis County inmate-housing rate, Hanley House masonry repairs, and a redevelopment funding agreement — and suspended an Oakley Drive design appeal.