New Legislation

There were 6 bills introduced and read for the first time at this past week’s Board of Aldermen meeting.  The following is a synopsis of some of the bills:

Aldermen Ken Ortman, Craig Schmid, Stephen Gregali, Jennifer Florida introduced Board Bills 283, 284, 285 which are  an ordinances pertaining to bathhouses; an ordinance pertaining to  rooming houses, boarding houses, dormitories, hotels; and an ordinance pertaining to tattoo parlors.

Alderman Sam Moore introduced Board Bill #287 which is an ordinance pertaining to a Special Use District establishing the Greater Ville Commercial Area Special Use District.

Committees

The Legislation Committee met this past Wednesday.  The Legislation Committee  considers all proposed legislation affecting the City in its municipal character and from time to time recommends changes in or amendments to the law that may tend to secure a better administration of the affairs of the City.  It also considers all matters relating to elections and registrations; all matters concerning the revision of ordinances; also, also all personnel matters pertaining to the Law Department, City Courts, Register, and the duties of the City Marshall.

Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe is the sponsor of Board Bill #251 which is an ordinance pertaining to the failure of a business to take out a business license.

The Transportation and Commerce Committee met on Thursday to hear testimony on 4 pieces of legislation.  The Transportation and Commerce Committee considers all matters pertaining to the transportation and commerce industries, including, but not limited to airports, railroads, wharves, ports, bridges, inter-city/state trucking, state and federal highways, public and/or mass transit.

Alderman Terry Kennedy is the sponsor of Board Bills 263, 264, 265, 266 which are ordinances pertaining to the operation of Lambert International Airport.  After a lengthy discussion and review Board Bills 263, 264 266 were passed and sent to the full Board for further discussion.  Board Bill # 265 which deals with the Operating Budget was held in Committee by the Sponsor for further review.

Events of Interest at the Board of Aldermen Meeting

This past week 3 bills were third read and finally passed.  One bill involved approving a redevelopment plan for 4247 Laclede.  Another piece of legislation involved vacating a walkway in the 2nd Ward  from Gast Place and surrounding streets.  The third piece of legislation concerned vacating in the 5th Ward  travel on Montgomery and surrounding streets. These bills, as required by ordinance, were signed by President of the Board, Lewis Reed and now are waiting for the Mayor’s approval or veto.

Alderman Steve Conway extended an invitation on behalf of the Board of Aldermen to the State Senators and State Representatives who represent the City in Jefferson City to meet with members of the Board and City administration regarding the budget crisis the City is experiencing. The legislators and Aldermen met prior to the Board meeting to listen to a detailed analysis of budgetary projections for this fiscal year which ends June 30, 2010. In addition the budgetary challenges that face the City in the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2010 were also discussed.  It is projected by Paul Payne, Budget Director of the City of St. Louis that the City could face a 45 million dollar budget short fall.

Following the Board of Aldermen meeting President Lewis Reed and Aldermen Terry Kennedy in conjunction with metro held a seminar detailing the shape of our mass transit  currently and projection for the future which will depend to a great deal on funding from governmental entities.  The presentation that was provided to the Aldermen can be accessed on their website: www.movingtransitforward.org