New Legislation

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

Alderman Terry Kennedy introduced Board Bill #308 which is an ordinance pertaining to the West End Community Center, between the City and West End Community Center Restoration Corporation.

Alderwoman Marlene Davis introduced Board Bill #309 which is an ordinance pertaining to street vending within the Midtown Neighborhood, Tiffany Neighborhood and Covenant Blue/Grand Center Neighborhood Vending District.

Alderman Joseph Roddy introduced Board Bill #317 which is an ordinance authorizing a redevelopment agreement by and between the City and Hepfner, Smith, Airhart & Day.

Alderman Shane Cohn introduced Board Bill #318 which is an ordinance establishing a four way stop site at the intersection of Virginia and Eichelberger.

Alderwoman Lyda Krewson introduced Board Bill #319 which is an ordinance approving the petition of various owners to establish a Community Improvement District.

Committees

The Ways and Means committee met on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Kennedy Room.

The Ways and Means Committee considers all matters pertaining to the assessment of property revenues, public debt and interest, the appropriation and disbursement of public monies except those administered by the Community Development agency or the St. Louis Development Corporation; and the economy, order and accountability in the city’s fiscal affairs. This committee is also responsible for the workings of departments and functions of city government dealing with financial matters.

The Aldermen listened to an update from Budget Director Paul Payne and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Barbara Geismann. In addition Chairman Conway and the entire Ways and Means Committee wanted to hear the concerns and ideas of the citizens regarding the budget crisis.

The City of St. Louis has a 20 million dollar budget shortfall this fiscal year which ends June 30, 2010. It is projected that the City will face an estimated 46 million dollar budget shortfall for the upcoming year. The meeting lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours and the Aldermen and Alderwomen heard many concerns and ideas which will help them as they move forward in crafting a budget for the next fiscal year.  A recap of the meeting as well as links to transcripts of previous budget hearings are available (here).

Events of Interest at the Board of Aldermen Meeting

This past week six bills were third read and finally passed. The bills were related to the following: a redevelopment plan, changes to property zoning, tattoo parlors, bathhouses, and two pertained to the transfer of land for development purposes. 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.

The Board of Aldermen from time to time stop in their deliberations to recognize citizens who have made outstanding contributions and have reached remarkable milestones in their life. One such individual is Ms. Fannie Lee Stevens who was honored on her 109th birthday. Representatives from her church were in attendance to receive the resolution on her behalf.