[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6034424,"mediaKeyId","5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5","parentId",5212025,"title","Neighbors oppose Greenbrier’s request to raise pickleball acoustical barrier to 15 feet; council will consider amendment April 17","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",1412000,"endMs",1605000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5&start=1412&end=1605","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5/thumbnail_1412000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6034424/Kirkwood-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Neighbors-oppose-Greenbriers-request-to-raise-pickleball-acoustical-barrier-to-15-feet-council-will-consider-amendment-April-17","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034424-8c8c7d19c3c78a8d615ca984f9fa9401/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445663&Signature=TRg4NOYQaTneBZ46pyq7C2SUlbO4q5r75qbVaufHULIDL64TaDWJzryEWNz~ZiPjo7B2wjuLP87FgPGQSJXEtN2myxnkuaKS4S4E6M~POiCrsQcA4QNOAVzi7O5k2lqREo1nLdOlqElC6C-d56i3ARkSYflZfNNNYPzU9f-Iy6KT2OiaqwXrGLm6AK~Za0vUB5dWAuMxnc9lxJlxF6o2bYzx7DBEotR3mbLESrqEabZIBL~a1VdAZB5hsgAdA~GOJ6Z3jKVnSKDN~GYXV1hYz3At8r1uxPA1lswZzxqC5QzJ5LubbMn9xN4cKN9awfeU6EkCl~hiZqQg7Rf5dSqYGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MO / Kirkwood City","date","2025-04-04T14:13:03Z","article","City staff presented a request from Greenbrier Hills Country Club to amend a previously approved major site plan so the acoustical fabric on the south barrier of newly built pickleball courts could be extended from 10 feet to 15 feet in height. The request follows two post‑construction sound studies that did not meet the required St. Louis County noise standard.

“This is a amendment request to a previously approved major site plan,” Planning Director Jonathan Raich said, noting the original approval from January 2023 included a condition requiring a post‑construction sound study. Raich said two sound tests failed the county standard, and the applicant is now asking to raise acoustical material on the southern fence from the previously approved 10 feet to 15 feet to meet the required sound thresholds.

John Nations, counsel for Greenbrier, said the club asks only “to add 5 feet of acoustical barrier on a fence that’s already been approved at 15 feet.” He added the county noise control ordinance is the applicable standard and said the club’s consultants believe the added acoustical fabric will allow the site to comply with the county code. Nations said the club will submit another sound test after any construction.

Neighbors and other speakers challenged the effectiveness and visual impact of the proposed extension. Julie Missy, who lives on Briargate Lane adjacent to the courts, told the council the courts sit about 60 feet from her property, said her neighborhood’s consultant (Spandarian and Willis Acoustics & Noise Control) concluded the location is not compatible with adjacent homes, and argued that elevation differences and line‑of‑sight issues make a 15‑foot acoustic wall “impractical.” Missy said two prior sound studies have failed and urged the council to deny the amendment.

Other residents cited health, sleep and property‑value concerns. Steve Missy described family members sensitive to noise, including a son with Down syndrome and autism. Leland McClure, a board‑certified forensic scientist, referenced recent EPA guidance and a model noise ordinance describing impulsive noise; he recommended the council review line‑of‑sight guidance for abatement.

Greenbrier representatives said the club has planted additional landscaping, is willing to discuss further plantings, and intends the fence material to remain visually similar to open mesh up to 15 feet as permitted by the fence code. Club speakers said the courts were constructed after evaluating alternatives and that members view the courts as important for the club’s long‑term viability.

The Planning & Zoning Commission previously considered the amendment and failed to recommend approval by a vote of 3–4. Raich said staff is not making a recommendation on the amendment. The public hearing was closed; the clerk said the resolution will be on the April 17 council agenda for consideration. Raich and the applicant confirmed the city will require another post‑construction sound test if the added acoustical fabric is installed.

Council members asked about landscaping and whether additional evergreens could be planted to screen the wall and provide acoustic absorption; Greenbrier indicated it would work with the city on additional plantings. Several residents offered to host council members so they could hear the courts from private yards before council action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kirkwood City Council Meeting April 4, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Greenbrier Hills Country Club requested a site‑plan amendment to extend acoustical fabric on a fence from 10 to 15 feet on the south side of newly constructed pickleball courts after two sound studies failed St. Louis County noise standards; the Planning & Zoning Commission failed to recommend approval (3–4) and the council scheduled consideration for April 17.","taxTitle","Kirkwood City, St. Louis County, Missouri","taxId",71703,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6034427,"Council hears staff proposal to narrow architectural-review triggers; first reading set for April 17",345,323000,668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5&start=323&end=668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5/thumbnail_323000.jpg","/articles/6034427/Kirkwood-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Council-hears-staff-proposal-to-narrow-architectural-review-triggers-first-reading-set-for-April-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034427-832323452e55815153b8f1f5cd56b907/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445663&Signature=IwRmMDTZ6nIhDqR4PiC7B808x~CxGW-q8mTCySyOR2gu18Wk7-XEkQeRZSXsh3NNTg3Z5~bWvekb4J0rWF7PPGF-u8OK31QTIsZCPxOzlW7DITaUz8gv7zV9tNX6FplZQKtJA0KNrz9hhs3yi7JpfuMHtcmCumNozDn9005Qg2q-rIdLbK6HrVEXvGth3gArIylokfVzETAfiwfPR9pzG9NaG8Fbmmmfcj-47H3LxQ5VuYOWBOTNWeXO-iQDCYHPanUfpjTzCCggQSWnA49EXHsN8oGfu97KoyNoaZHH4iRqfwo6bdTk6W49QpX40UtA7CuTCA0irVHZxdjE6dK1lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff presented a staff‑initiated zoning code text amendment to the City Council that would expand the list of minor projects exempt from review by the Architecture Review Board and remove duplicative ARB review for certain single‑family projects already subject to the Landmarks Commission.

“Staff initiated request for zoning code text amendment, related to the applicability of architectural review in the city,” Planning and Development Services Director Jonathan Raich said, explaining the proposal is intended to “streamline permit review for applicants that are conducting minor work.”

Raich said the draft revisions clarify and expand an exempt list to include: painting or general maintenance; changes in occupancy not involving exterior work; interior renovations that do not affect exterior elevations; minor fenestration changes; uncovered single‑family decks no taller than 8 feet above grade and not visible from the house’s address street; roof‑mounted solar panels that complement the roof; like‑for‑like repairs; swimming pools; accessory structures 120 square feet or less and 12 feet in height for 1–2 family structures; retaining walls except poured concrete walls over 2 feet tall; fences; and improvements that require only a mechanical permit. Raich noted there are about 13 enumerated exemptions in the draft.

A separate change would stop requiring ARB review of single‑family projects that must be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission, removing duplicate design review where the Landmarks Commission has binding authority.

Raich told the council the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Architecture Review Board had recommended approval after a minor revision. The staff presentation also noted a cleanup to make the sign‑code review consistent at a 21‑day time frame with other code references.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the deck height standard, how building‑code review would be applied, and how the proposal interacts with a separate pending landmarks ordinance (the draft ordinance before the council still uses the current landmarks language; the landmarks ordinance change would be handled separately). Council member questions prompted staff to agree to work with council members on specific language before first reading.

No public comments were submitted on this agenda item, and the hearing was closed. The council clerk said the bill will be on the April 17 council meeting agenda for first reading consideration.

Because the proposal changes which projects require ARB review but does not change whether any ARB decision is advisory or binding, Raich said the amendments do not alter the legal effect of prior binding ARB decisions. Staff did not make a formal recommendation beyond offering clarifying language and presenting the draft ordinance; Planning & Zoning and ARB voted to recommend the draft to council.","Planning staff asked the council to amend the zoning code to expand exemptions from Architecture Review Board review for minor projects and remove duplicate ARB review for single‑family projects already reviewed by the Landmarks Commission. The item will be scheduled for first reading on April 17.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6034432,"Kirkwood Human Rights Commission summarizes 2024 outreach, flags ordinance updates for 2025",220,88000,308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5&start=88&end=308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5/thumbnail_88000.jpg","/articles/6034432/Kirkwood-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Kirkwood-Human-Rights-Commission-summarizes-2024-outreach-flags-ordinance-updates-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034432-ea2063e8fbf5f145321750844bd76d90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445663&Signature=CP4PLCkWqV03fjlUp2yKnEqCvpAQEyMwkERB380~LN5spGkaB5bUgdRTqDbUpccyT032XfQJKqVQuJKfIWrwnACQUWuLtkzBS586PzqnZ2LICQRQ74ZQyzk4n2UMMd0Lh0BY1jrRn~U2Yki81zC0sgUbtKSyApDncuKLIO4nPY9PhiR0Y6Qyq6sN9u3VIC~Lh8ZmaVKg~AWniNNqzVIjzctmSoBPWYKfd5WIZVi6Qq2WMUO6p3CYrUZo5acYeq4Iko2Rc1lVX0PsJLLBVDgUL8b1pGwRIWfLAKNDags5vqOfLeJpQcrPfddoi5ACcPLtdryNzNNDiUyIMgdO07X3mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","David Hartung, chair of the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission, told the City Council the commission’s 2024 work focused on community events, public engagement and preparing ordinance recommendations.

“As always, we’re delighted to present our annual report,” Hartung said, summarizing a year that included a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, an annual essay contest and panels marking the 10th anniversary of the Ferguson Commission.

The commission said its MLK Day event—held at Kirkwood High School’s Keating Center and cohosted with the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association, Kirkwood Social Justice Coalition and Kirkwood Historical Society—drew about 350 to 400 people and included a keynote from Missouri Supreme Court Justice Robin Ransom. The commission reported 114 student essays were submitted to its annual contest from Kirkwood High School, Ursuline Academy and MICDS; awardees were recognized at a June council meeting.

Hartung told the council the commission maintained a visible presence across city events (farmers market, Green Tree Festival and several police department activities) and held quarterly meetings with Chief Murphy to discuss officer training, staffing diversity and community engagement. The commission said it continued work on proposed updates to the city’s discrimination ordinance and expects to submit recommendations in the coming year.

Mayor Gibbons thanked Hartung and the commission for their work. The chair closed by asking for questions and feedback from the council; none were recorded during the presentation.

The commission also reported continued engagement with the Kirkwood School District on belonging and inclusion initiatives, and said it will continue outreach and listening sessions in 2025.","The Kirkwood Human Rights Commission presented its 2024 annual report to the City Council, highlighting community events, an essay contest with 114 student entries, continued engagement with police leadership and plans to submit recommended updates to the city’s discrimination ordinance in 2025.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6034419,"Council approves pay-plan and several procurement resolutions; four Dodge Durangos, pickups and trail design contracts cleared",354,4860000,5214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5&start=4860&end=5214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5212025-92f9803954d0283a099aceee1a11b5e5/thumbnail_4860000.jpg","/articles/6034419/Kirkwood-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Council-approves-pay-plan-and-several-procurement-resolutions-four-Dodge-Durangos-pickups-and-trail-design-contracts-cleared","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6034419-2873dacf38fa365efe543dda8362532f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445663&Signature=UxX1JKMKBLb590Bk-YwWWSvIOgwgHTCNr75FLIUfEwURwiaLLlKCcjK0giRd3vfL3fzpL4zcyI1HTqGtdDBG2rEDs4iWZFEVozcmEALnVCXEgAkX9sXqV1oiIIXUfrhuFiz3eonRTx3ZOTdfw6s40EcW3UKaaAFsyMcDokHlygmOiaPgSH9ewllLVYTKW1jdgPrs1td-BGX46pXspye8spbKVHUUkHJ6ZN-moBYi8yK1pFZ6TQTufEd18kBL29FxxeN~zTap7nxKwk6c2TlQAU4HuqPfOZD3FS-oaGiRjk8MW1qf9yuGIZvjLScLPTrKMSwviY4xmJDSMiAM6phLiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kirkwood City Council approved several ordinances and resolutions at its April 3 meeting, including a revised city pay and classification plan and multiple procurement contracts for municipal vehicles, grounds maintenance and a trail‑extension design contract.

Key outcomes recorded during roll calls and voice votes:

- Bill 11072 (ordinance adopting a revised City of Kirkwood classification and pay plan) — passed final reading; roll call recorded unanimous approval.

- Bill 11073 (rezoning portion of 1120 Earl Avenue to B-3 Highway Business) — did not pass first reading (failed by voice vote).

- Bill 11074 (vacation of a 25‑foot right of way on Lot 7 of Robin Hood) — passed first reading.

- Bill 11075 (amendments to Chapter 3, article 2: intoxicating liquor divisions) — passed first reading; council requested staff propose language limiting hours to 9 p.m. for second reading.

Procurement and equipment resolutions passed by roll call:

- Resolution 20‑2025: Accept bid from Don Brown Chevrolet for a 2025 Chevy Traverse (building division) — $40,897; passed.

- Resolution 21‑2025: Accept bid from Don Brown Chevrolet for a 2025 Chevy Traverse (engineering) — $40,897; passed (replaces a 2016 Ford Escape).

- Resolution 22‑2025: Accept bid from Broadway Ford Truck Sales for a 2025 Ford F‑150 4x4 for the police department — $48,525; passed.

- Resolution 23‑2025: Accept bid from Bellman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for two 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD (detective unit) — $88,070; passed.

- Resolution 24‑2025: Accept bid from Bellman for three 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD (patrol) — $130,617; passed.

- Resolution 25‑2025: Council resolution supporting the police department joining the Missouri Blue Shield program — passed; staff said the police department will complete the application and share documentation with council members.

- Resolution 26‑2025: Accept proposal from Lochmueller Group for design and bid‑phase services for the Gravois (Grama) Trail extension phase 2 — not to exceed $842,953.71; passed. Staff noted an expected ~80% reimbursement through federal/state programming.

- Resolution 27‑2025: Urban SDK two‑year speed data package — $52,735; passed.

- Resolution 28‑2025: Accept contract for city property grounds maintenance (Contemporary Landscape/GGRK) — $206,229.89 for initial year including contingency; passed.

Several council members asked procedural and policy questions during the roll calls: on electric vs. gasoline vehicles in light of the 2022 strategic plan; the replacement status of retired vehicles (staff reported replaced vehicles will be offered for sale on GovBids); and whether any of the police vehicles are marked (staff said some purchases are for unmarked vehicles and others are pursuit-rated but used under the department’s pursuit policy). Staff agreed to provide additional details and to circulate application materials for the Missouri Blue Shield program to the council.

All procurement resolutions recorded roll‑call affirmative votes by council members present; where a voice vote was reported, the outcome is noted above. The meeting also approved the consent agenda.","At its April 3 meeting the Kirkwood City Council approved a revised classification and pay plan and a series of procurement resolutions for vehicles, landscaping and trail‑design work. One zoning bill failed first reading. The council scheduled multiple items for follow‑up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors oppose Greenbrier’s request to raise pickleball acoustical barrier to 15 feet; council will consider amendment April 17

Council hears staff proposal to narrow architectural-review triggers; first reading set for April 17

Kirkwood Human Rights Commission summarizes 2024 outreach, flags ordinance updates for 2025

Council approves pay-plan and several procurement resolutions; four Dodge Durangos, pickups and trail design contracts cleared